Eric Church is taking his music to the biggest stage yet. The IMAX screen. His acclaimed Evangeline vs. The Machine album, paired with reimagined versions of career-spanning hits, comes to life in Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive, debuting exclusively in IMAX theatres across the U.S. and Canada beginning Friday, February 13, 2026.
The project marks the first-ever collaboration among IMAX, MCA, Mercury Studios, and Q Prime South. Filmed over two nights at The Pinnacle in Nashville, the limited theatrical release captures Church performing his eighth studio album front-to-back before transitioning into his signature hits with an expanded musical ensemble.
A Night Unlike Any Other
“I’ve played a lot of shows. I’ve never had two nights like these where the room felt literally transported. We went to a different plane, musically, artistically, emotionally,” Church reflected. “It was unforgettable and I’ll remember it the rest of my days.”
With a six-piece band, four-piece horn section, four-piece string ensemble, eight-piece choir, and powerhouse vocalist Joanna Cotten, Church reimagines hits including “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Mistress Named Music,” and “Springsteen.” IMAX’s 12-channel sound and unrivaled image scale bring the performances to life in an immersive way fans have never experienced.
Whiskey Riff praised the shows, noting that Church’s performances “showed off not only his country music street cred but also wove in the rock, blues and soul sounds that have influenced the man behind the sunglasses.”
Creative Team and Collaborators
The film is directed by Reid Long and executive produced by Barak Moffitt, Andrea Dunn, Mike Harris, Rob Femia, and John Peets. Church is represented by WME, Q Prime South, and MCA Nashville.
Featured Performers
- Eric Church – Lead Vocals, Guitar
- Joanna Cotten – Vocals
- Lee Hendricks – Bass
Craig Wright – Drums - Jeff Cease – SR Guitar
- Jeff Hyde – Utility/BGV
- Driver Williams – SL Guitar
- John Henry Trinko – Keys
Choir
April Rucker (Alto), Maureen Murphy (Soprano), Amanda Broadway (Soprano), Devonne Fowlkes (Alto), Samson White (Tenor), Armand Hutton (Bass), Gregory Breal Jr. (Bass), Moiba Mustafa (Tenor)
Horns
Roy Agee (Trombone), Evan Cobb (Saxophone), Michelle McClary (French Horn), Jeffrey Bailey (Trumpet)
Strings
Eleonore Denig (Violin), Patrick Monnius (Viola), Kaitlyn Raitz (Cello), Kristin Weber (Violin)
A Superstar with a Lasting Legacy
A seven-time ACM Award winner and four-time CMA Award winner, including 2020’s Entertainer of the Year, Eric Church is also a 10-time Grammy nominee with three nods for Best Country Album. In 2025, TIME recognized him on its TIME100 Philanthropy list for his work supporting North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Church’s song “Darkest Hour,” released in October 2024, saw him sign over all publishing royalties to his home state to aid in both immediate disaster relief and long-term resilience. The track appears on Evangeline vs. The Machine alongside his current single “Hands of Time.”
His new project follows 2021’s Heart & Soul triple album and a string of acclaimed releases including Desperate Man, Sinners Like Me, Carolina, Mr. Misunderstood, The Outsiders, and the 4x Platinum-certified Chief. Across his career, Church has earned 32 Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum certifications.
Beyond the Music
Known as one of country’s most innovative and entrepreneurial figures, Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, and founder of Whiskey JYPSI. He has his own SiriusXM channel, Eric Church Outsiders Radio, and a six-story Nashville venue, Chief’s, on Lower Broadway.
With Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive, Church now adds a new milestone to his legacy, giving fans an unforgettable way to experience his music, larger than life.
