On Monday, January 10, 2022, guests had the opportunity to attend an intimate virtual dining experience, featuring the cast and showrunner of OWN TVβs The Kings of Napa.
Itβs a new year, and content creation has evolved and is still evolving.
Adrienne Warren (Mamie Till-Mobley) and Cedric Joe (Emmett Till)
On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the red carpet event for ABCβs new limited series Women of the Movement was held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California.
The cast, including Adrienne Warren, Cedric Joe, Tonya Pinkins, and Ray Fisher, gathered to celebrate the upcoming premiere, stopping to pose for group photos in honor of the LA premiere. Carter Jenkins, Chris Coy, Julia McDermott, and Joshua Caleb Johnson were also in attendance, among other special guests like consultants Reverend Wheeler Parker and Ollie Gordon; Fatima Curry, executive producer of the ABC News documentary special Let the World See; Shari and Gina Belafonte; Danielle Jalade and Daria Johns of Disney Channelβs upcoming show Saturdays, and more.
Women of the Movement is a historical drama limited series on the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley, who risked her life to find justice for her son Emmett Till after he was brutally murdered in the Jim Crow South, 1955. Till-Mobleyβs mission to keep her sonβs name in the papers turned her into an activist and sparked the civil rights movement.
A panel discussion moderated by Meena Harris took place after the preview screening of the limited series, with participants Marissa Jo Cerar (showrunner, creator, and executive producer), Adrienne Warren (Mamie Till-Mobley), Cedric Joe (Emmett Till), Tonya Pinkins (Alma), and Ray Fisher (Gene Mobley).
Glynn Turman (Mose Wright), Tonya Pinkins (Alma), Adrienne Warren (Mamie Till-Mobley), Cedric Joe (Emmett Till), and Ray Fisher (Gene Mobley)
While on the red carpet, cast members and consultants spoke about their involvement in the project, what it meant to them, and what they hope viewers will learn.
The Knockturnal: How was it working with such intense content?
Adrienne Warren: You know, I am really, really grateful to have the most incredible writer, MJ Cerar, and the most incredible directors, all Black women, directing this series, which never happens.
Ray Fisher: We were in an intense bubble, but luckily, I think folks were very good at decompressing when we werenβt on set. Itβs one of those things where if you donβt take time to find joy and to laugh, you come home and break down. Not to say that there werenβt those days. We were filming on location in Mississippi where a lot of these things actually occurred, and you can still feel some of the energy down there. One of the beautiful things is despite being in that environment, we ended up meeting a lot of really good people who Iβll call friends probably for the rest of my life.
Julia McDermott: I really felt that everyone who was a part of this was really diligent and delicate with the story β¦ Yes, it was very tough material, but we all were there because we wanted to be there and we wanted to do it justice. It gave us this camaraderie and we relied on each other a lot. It was definitely hard some days and we just had to keep checking in with each other.
Joshua Caleb Johnson: It was really just keeping my mind there, and it helped that I had a lot of really great people around me to keep my emotions in check and to keep my head on. Making sure that I was emotionally there and not horsing around because you know, sometimes kidsβ¦ Cedric Joe, heβs been like my best friend since we were about four years old, so it was surreal and it was amazing and just altogether wonderful.
MJ Carer: It was really challenging. The material is devastating. When I watched the hours and hours of footage of Mamie and I read her book and I read Devery Anderson’s book, and I read many other books and newspaper articles, I was devastated. There were so many things that I didnβt know about Emmett Till. I didnβt know that he almost died at birth. I didnβt know that he survived polio. He survived all of these things only to be murdered right after turning 14, and so, it was hard. But Iβm used to working with very challenging material. Iβve worked on a number of shows about heavy thingsβ¦ But thatβs what I do. I really only want to write things if they matter and if they are socially relevant, so it was familiar, it was very challenging, but I felt like I was equipped to do the job.
The Knockturnal: What do you want the audience to take away from watching?
Ollie Gordon: I think that people will have a better understanding of how hatred tears the world apart. This was a 14-year-old youth who was brutally beaten and killed because of, basically, the color of his skin. I donβt think a lot of young people understand what the world was back in 1955 as opposed to how it is now. So, I think they will have a better understanding of why people fight and why people keep bringing up Emmett Tillβs name and why people keep remembering his mother, who had the power and the courage to continue to fight for some kind of justice. She would often say, βWhat does justice look like? What is justice? How do we really achieve justice?β If the world could have reconciliation and if the world can learn to eradicate racism, then that would be justice in her eyes. She taught love. She did not teach hate, and that was what all of our family has embedded in us.
Cedric Joe: I want them to get to know who Emmett and Mamie really were outside of just what we know. I think our writer MJ did a great job of humanizing them throughout the story. And I also want them to take away that we are all equal.
The Knockturnal: What was the most inspiring thing to you about this whole story?
Ray Fisher: The most inspiring thing to me, I think, about the story is the idea that you can do what you feel is right and have it change the world. Mamie Till-Mobley, I donβt believe she was setting out to change the entire world when she decided to do what she did, by putting Emmett out there for the world to see. I donβt think she thought at that time that it would have the massive impact that it did. But that would be the most inspiring thing to me: the idea that you can change the world simply by living your truth.
Tonya Pinkins: You know, you hope all of your life that you will get to do work that will have a lasting impression upon people who see it, and this is one of those maybe once, maybe twice in a lifetime projects where everyone involved has a commitment to an authenticity and a way of storytelling that we are not accustomed to seeing.
Women of the Movement is scheduled to premiere on January, 6, 2022, on ABC. The six-episode series will air in three parts. For more information, visit here.
Jake Wesley Rogers performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
On December 9, 2021, Red Bull SoundClash brought a truly epic clash of sounds to Nashville, Tennessee. The musical event pitted the smooth R&B sounds of Bren Joy against the inspirational pop signature of Jake Wesley Rogers in a thrilling live experience unlike any other.
Jake Wesley Rogers and Bren Joy perform for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
Bren Joy performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
Jake Wesley Rogers performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
Red Bull SoundClash is a long-running lineup of nationwide concerts that feature two artists on two stages as they compete head-to-head in a music battle. Originally inspired by the culture of competing sound systems originating in Kingston, Jamaica, during the 1950s, Red Bull SoundClash was born to break the mold of traditional dance hall and reggae-focused music battles.
Noelle hosts Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
The venue was outfitted with two stages to allow the competitors to face-off while performing. Emcee Noelle Scaggs (Fitz & The Tantrums) set the mood for the friendly yet fierce battle of rhythm, hyping up the excited crowd with the help of DJ Jerry J (Old Crow Medicine Show).
Attendees cheer for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
Attendees cheer for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
Attendees cheer during Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
The SoundClash progressed in rounds. After each round, a round winner was decided via an applause meter. First, there was the βwarm-upβ round. Each artist had a chance to perform covers of some iconic songs in their own unique style.
Jake Wesley Rogers performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
Bren Joy performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021
In the βwild cardβ round, each artist performed with a surprise special guest. The challenge of the βSoundClashβ round was for Bren and Jake to each perform their own original songs but in two different styles or genres.
CHECK OUT SOME LIVE FOOTAGE FROM RED BULL SOUNDCLASH NASHVILLE!Β
On Saturday, December 18, 2021, groundbreaking exhibition Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience launched its limited-time run in a Jurassic-themed venue in Los Angeles, California.
Dinos Alive is like a time machine that effortlessly transports its guests back millions of years. Explore the dense, dark jungles of the Jurassic era and experience these creatures in their natural habitat, thanks to the massive, fully-decorated venue, as well as an available VR experience fueled by the latest technology.
T-Rex | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Stegosaurus | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Velociraptor | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Meet and interact with over 80 famous dinosaur specimens, from the massive T-Rex, to the Stegosaurus, to the turkey-sized Velociraptor. These realistic, life-size animatronics were impressive to witness, bringing guests face-to-face with the mysterious creatures that once ran the animal kingdom for 140 million years.
Suchomimus | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Gorgosaurus | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Ankylosaurus | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Parasaurolophus | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Pachycephalosaurus | Courtesy of Dinos Alive
In addition to the most famous species, some lesser-known species made their appearance, including Suchomimus, Gorgosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Pachycephalosaurus, and many more. Dinos Alive also features a virtual aquarium, inviting guests to experience the Jurassic era sea creatures, floating along in their natural habitat.
This 75-minute experience brings these ancient creatures back to life and provides something for guests of all ages. Immerse yourself and learn more about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods in a way thatβs fun for the whole family. An interactive space made especially for children offers the chance to play pretend as paleontologists and tame some fan-favorite dinos.
Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Courtesy of Dinos Alive
Tickets are on sale now for a limited-time engagement. For more information on the exhibit and how to attend, visit the official website HERE. Currently, proof of vaccination is required prior to admission into the experience.
Dinos Alive is organized by Exhibition Hub and Fever. Exhibition Hub delivers immersive βedu-tainmentβ experiences that offer spectacular 360-degree video, light, and music experiences, as well as a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience. Fever, leading global entertainment discovery platform, helps over 40 million people each month to discover only the best local experiences available.
Jake Wesley Rogers performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100483 // Usage for editorial use only //
Jake Wesley Rogers took the stage at Red Bull SoundClash Nashville on December 9, 2021.
Red Bull SoundClash is a long-running lineup of nationwide concerts that features two artists on two stages as they compete head-to-head in a music battle. Red Bull SoundClash Nashville brought Bren Joy versus Jake Wesley Rogers to the stage in an epic four-round clash of sounds. Originally inspired by the culture of competing sound systems originating in Kingston, Jamaica, during the 1950s, Red Bull SoundClash was born to break the mold of traditional dance hall and reggae-focused music battles.
Before the rhythmic combat, Jake Wesley Rogers sat down with The Knockturnal backstage and talked Red Bull SoundClash, self-love, and the future.
Jake Wesley Rogers backstage for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100472 // Usage for editorial use only //
Jake Wesley Rogers performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100461 // Usage for editorial use only //
The Knockturnal: How has it been to be a part of the Red Bull SoundClash?
Jake: Itβs been amazing. Itβs been a challenge, for sure. So different [from] normal shows. So much more prep work. And I have to shout out my band too because theyβve kind of done the brunt of the work, figuring out the arrangements and working with Bren Joyβs band. But itβs been super fun. Itβs such a unique opportunity to share my music, and I donβt love the idea of competition, but whatever.
The Knockturnal: I never knew that you could do a music battle that wasnβt a rap battle because thatβs usually what Iβve seen.
Jake: Exactly! I was hoping for some drag race shade moment where we can kind of just throw some shade.
The Knockturnal: Bren was saying that he thinks itβs going to be more of a celebration or collaboration than necessarily a competition.
Jake: Yeah, I feel that too. Totally feel that.
The Knockturnal: What do you think is going to be the biggest challenge of taking part in this music battle tonight?
Jake: I think Bren and I both put a lot of thought into our live performances [and] the flow [of] them. Obviously there are very strict rules as far as how the show goes and what weβre doing, and I think the biggest challenge is kind of just going with the flow. Someone elseβs flow. Not having control. Thatβs hard for me; to not have control over my art.
The Knockturnal: Youβre a little bit βtype Aβ?
Jake: Oh, for sure. I feel like perfectionism in art is *mwah*. As long as it doesnβt keep you from creating the art.
The Knockturnal: Is there perfection in art?
Jake: Nope, that word is fucked up. I think itβs more just each time trying your very best to go as deep as you can.
The Knockturnal: I can feel your inspiration, your passion, and the emotion behind your music. I donβt like listening to music where I canβt feel the artistβs emotion. What are some of the inspirations that inspire you to create such impactful music?
Jake: So many over the years. I mean, I loved Gaga in middle school and loved Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks in high school. Love Florence and the Machine, you know, college. Fell in love with Joni Mitchell. Kind of these truth tellers. Really powerful songwriters. I think at the end of the day, performing is my favorite thing, but being able to perform my story is most important.
The Knockturnal: Are there impactful moments and times from your life that have inspired your music as well?
Jake: Yeah, for sure. I kind of look at my whole life as a chance to, you know, maybe make art from it. Not that everything has to be commoditized. Iβm always surprised too. You think that the most mundane thing would not be an interesting song. All of a sudden youβre writing a song about your unrequited love when you were sixteen, and youβre like, βOh my God, this is making me cry right now,β like, what? Thatβs in me. Thatβs still in me. It doesnβt leave.
The Knockturnal: Bren was telling me heβs working on a lot of love songs because heβs experiencing love. What about you, any experiences in that realm?
Jake: Oh, yeah, all the time. I went through the biggest breakup Iβve ever gone through a year ago. Honestly, [Iβve been] beautifully single since then and finding myself, so I feel like my whole MO is self-love right now. Learning to be in a relationship with myself and being good to myself. Dating myself.
The Knockturnal: I know that youβve kind of gotten the stamp of approval from Sir Elton John. How has that affected your career and where you moved from after that?
Jake: I mean, I think it blew some people’s minds from back home. It blew my mind. Itβs such an honor, and itβs so affirming to get the stamp of approval by someone whoβs literally an icon.
The Knockturnal: That just means youβre on your way to being an icon. Heβs passing the torch.
Jake: Thank you. Heβs so good about supporting younger music and taking the time just to be a champion, and Iβm really grateful for it. And the past few months have been more of that than I thought. More kind of outside validation from people I look up to. Something Iβm trying to remember now is the reason they found me and the reason they liked it is because I was making art for the sake of telling the truth, being myself. And if those people are going to continue giving me thumbs up, I need to not do it for them and do it for the reason I did it before. I never thought that Elton John would call me.
The Knockturnal: I donβt think anybodyβs ever prepared for that.
Jake: No, youβre not. Youβre really not. When they say heβs going to call from 9 to 9:30 am, you either want to explode or find a bus to jump in front of. It was one of the craziest emotions Iβve ever had.
The Knockturnal: What would you say is one of the biggest obstacles that youβve overcome to be where you are today?
Jake: Myself.
The Knockturnal: I feel that.
Jake: Yeah, just learning to love myself. And it is continuous. It does not end.
The Knockturnal: Itβs so strange βcause Iβm sitting here, and I can just see how fabulous you are. And Iβm just like, βWow.β You have nothing to be insecure about.
Jake: Youβre so sweet, thank you. We all feel it, right? Even if youβre not gay or a minority or whatever. Even if youβre a fuckinβ straight cis-gendered white dude.
The Knockturnal: Well, thatβs why people lash out. They donβt feel like they belong, right?
Jake: Exactly. Everybody feels like an outsider, and when people can immediately tell that youβre an outsider, youβre kind of, you knowβ¦ I feel like in my queer experience, Iβm feeling something everybodyβs feeling but Iβm feeling it in a very specific way, to the nth degree. So, you know, we can share our story. We can be this way. βCause everybodyβs in their cages. I think as artists, you just gotta drop the keys. One of my favorite expressions.
The Knockturnal: What is one of the biggest goals youβve achieved for yourself?
Jake: I think just creating the team Iβve created.
The Knockturnal: You have a fabulous team, by the way.
Jake: Thank you. Creating the band Iβve created. Thatβs really the most important to me. Itβs amazing to be selling out venues that I dreamed of playing. Itβs so cool to play late-night shows and all these things. All those are huge milestones. Itβs fun when Madonna sends you a DM. But I think at the end of the day, Iβm really proud of this environment, and I feel like everybody just kinda loves the ship weβre building.
The Knockturnal: When you were building your core team, the people who are around you constantly, what were you looking for in those people?
Jake: I think just people who realize itβs not about them. And I say that as someone whoβs like, βItβs not about me either.β I guess itβs my art, itβs my name on it, but this mission I have is bigger than me. And I like to believe itβs spreading consciousness, itβs spreading love, freeing people, dropping keys. And I need everybody on this team to help me do that because I canβt do that on my own. If my manager never found me four years ago, I might just be fucking writing these little songs in my little room and my mom would love them. And maybe that would be it, and thatβs fine. But I do feel like my message and my capacity is supposed to be out there, for whatever reason, and Iβm owning that. I think I used to be afraid to say that, but Iβm trying to own that, and be like, I think this needs to be out there and it will help people, I hope.
The Knockturnal: What is one of the things that you want people to take away from your music? What experiences or feelings do you want them to have? What are you trying to create for their emotional story?
Jake: One of my favorite quotes I heard recently was [from] Alanis Morissette. She said, βKeep your heart guarded, and your music dangerous.β What I like about that is because I think the best music and the best art, itβs dangerous because you feel vulnerable. Because youβre taken to this place that you donβt want to be in but you also donβt want to not be in. You donβt want to ever be somewhere else because [thatβs where] you feel the most you, and I guess thatβs what I want [to make people] feel; that they can be themselves.
The Knockturnal: Whatβs next for you?
Jake: Iβm working on the next releases, which Iβm super excited about, and Iβm going on tour with Ben Platt in the spring. A 27-date, mostly arena tour, opening for him. Thatβll be really fun, so people in North America can come to that. And just movinβ and shakinβ. Make some TikToks in between.
The Knockturnal: Youβre one of the first people to start bringing βcharactersβ to TikTok. When you first started that, did you envision that it would become as big as it did?
Jake: Oh, no, some things you cannot plan.
Jake Wesley Rogers performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100437 // Usage for editorial use only //
Bren Joy performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100475 // Usage for editorial use only //
Bren Joy took the stage at Red Bull SoundClash Nashville on December 9, 2021.
Red Bull SoundClash is a long-running lineup of nationwide concerts that features two artists on two stages as they compete head-to-head in a music battle. Red Bull SoundClash Nashville brought Bren Joy versus Jake Wesley Rogers to the stage in an epic four-round clash of sounds. Originally inspired by the culture of competing sound systems originating in Kingston, Jamaica, during the 1950s, Red Bull SoundClash was born to break the mold of traditional dance hall and reggae-focused music battles.
Before the rhythmic combat, Bren Joy sat down with The Knockturnal backstage and talked Red Bull SoundClash and finding love.
Bren Joy performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100413 // Usage for editorial use only //
Bren Joy performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100451 // Usage for editorial use only //
The Knockturnal: What is it like to be a part of the Red Bull SoundClash? Is it the first time youβve done something like this?
Bren: It is the first time. Very first time. Itβs crazy, itβs wild, the stage is insane. I think it is also very rewarding, and Iβm very honored to be chosen out of all the possible Nashville artists. It brings me joy being from here, being able to represent Red Bull. Iβm a Red Bull fan anyway.
The Knockturnal: How does a rap battle differ from what you guys are going to do here tonight?
Bren: I think the difference between a rap battle and stuff like that is that weβre singing each otherβs songs, you know, at some point. Weβre throwing this baton back and forth, and I think itβs less of a crazy battle and more of a celebration of both of our music and how different it is, and how weird we both are and in these completely separate lanes of Nashville. I think itβs really cool seeing both our trajectories. Weβre [on] opposite ends of the spectrum, so I think thatβs the difference. Itβs less diss, more acceptance.
The Knockturnal: What do you think is going to be the most challenging thing about tonight?
Bren: Aw, manβ¦ Singing Jakeβs songs is pretty challenging. I think just this back-and-forth-ness. Me and my band, I feel like, are very in tour mode. This set, we have perfected, you know, and so itβs very interesting coming right off of a tour into this completely different set-up. And balancing that and having this kind of free form experienceβ¦ Itβs gonna be fun.
The Knockturnal: What is one of the biggest obstacles that youβve overcome to get where you are today, in the music industry specifically?
Bren: I think comparison is always the biggest thing. Iβm always around singers. Iβm always around incredible musicians. Everyone here has an insane voice, so I think itβs like getting to that place where I can believe in myself.
The Knockturnal: What is one of the biggest goals that youβve had for yourself, personal or career, that youβve been able to achieve?
Bren: To earn respect. Iβm still getting to that point.
The Knockturnal: Respect from whom?
Bren: I donβt know. Itβs very toxic, but I long for respect from people. β¦ The more I make music, the more I just really want to be respected by the people I work with, the people I sing for, whatever. Thatβs a goal that Iβm always trying to get to, and I really pride myself on how I handle my business and how I handle navigating right now.
The Knockturnal: What would be the next big goal or accomplishment that you want to achieve?
Bren: Happiness. Being able to express that happiness through music. I want it, and I feel like people around me can hopefully feel thatβ¦ How bad I want this, and how bad I want this to work. I really believe in what I make, and itβs taken a lot to get to this place. I wanna be happy. I am happy. Iβm very happy right now; donβt get me wrong. Iβm blissful right now. But there are levels [to happiness], and then there is happiness with success, and my version of success is very specific, but Iβm excited to journey there.
The Knockturnal: Is there something you wouldnβt do to get there?
Bren: Sell out my art. Doing something that I donβt believe in. Talking about things that I donβt believe in. I had such a long battle with being this artist from Nashville, being Black, being R&B, as well as being queer and kind of hiding that queerness, hiding that Blackness. I feel like you have incredible artists now that are coming up that embody all of that, and I think [Iβm] trying to get to that place. Thatβs something Iβm not willing to give up now that I found it, and I found that power in being Black and being queer and being an R&B artist and being from Nashville. Now that I have that strength, fuck that. Fuck losing that.
The Knockturnal: Youβre predominantly in music now. Is there any other medium that you would branch off into? Television, film, commercials?
Bren: I want to be an A&R for music. I want to get to a place where I can figure this out for myself so I can help other artists figure it out. I canβt teach until I learn. As bad as I want this for myself, there are so many artists I see every day that Iβm like, βThey should be signed, they should be signed, they should be signed,β and Iβm always giving my label people like that, Iβm sending them new artists, like, βYo, theyβre fire, theyβre fire.β So, I want to be an A&R in my thirties. Discover new artists, new talent, new money.
The Knockturnal: Is there anything you can tell me about whatβs coming next in your career?
Bren: I think new music, a new album, and new opportunities. Iβm about to move across the country, which is fun.
The Knockturnal: Youβre coming to join the 420 club (California)?
Bren: I am, I am. Ah, itβs gonna be crazy. Every time Iβm there (California), I stay for a long time and itβs just incredible. But new experiencesβ¦ And Iβm excited to show more of myself for the first time in my music than I have in the past. Iβm experiencing love, so thatβs the thing Iβm talking about finally.
The Knockturnal: Youβre a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Does that inspire your music in any specific way?
Bren: Always. Queer people are trendsetters. Queer people discover or set now whatβs cool and whatβs not. So do Black people. People of Color and queer people literally run the fuckinβ streets. We make things trend, and I think thatβs the power in what we do. So, yes, everything from my art and how I dress, to how I express myself is all defined by incredible queer artists. And I use βqueer,β you know. It used to be this derogatory term; I use it in a very positive place. I use it as a very inclusive term.
The Knockturnal: Who would be your favorite queer artist of all-time?
Bren: Thatβs a really good question. I donβt even know. I think itβs less of me having a favorite person and [more of] me having a favorite era. My favorite era right nowβ¦ The 80s were amazing, right? Queer artists in the 80s were fire, and I think I really am proud of our generation right now. We have a lot of icons kind of coming up that are in that space, that are just unapologetic, whether you have the obvious like Lil Nas X, to the not-so-obvious smaller artists. Weβre just cool. I donβt even think weβre trending right now. Weβre just finding that space. Weβre finding that stride and now that weβre getting that stride, weβre like, βYo, whatβs up!β I think itβs βcause we finally have idols. I finally am seeing someone thatβs like me winning.
The Knockturnal: Representation matters.
Bren: Yes! Finally someone like me thatβs able to book Coachella three years in advance, you now? And he hasnβt even seen the light of day, he hasnβt talked to anyone. That is power. β¦ There are just so many Black queer men that are just on top and itβs very enlightening to see.
The Knockturnal: So, youβre experiencing loveβ¦
Bren: Yes, experiencing love. A lot of the songs Iβm writing right now are about specific people.
The Knockturnal: And what about those specific people is making you experience love?
Bren: Iβve gone through so much life, longing to be desired. And I feel like now that Iβm traveling, Iβm finding those people that really are inspired and drawn to me. Instead of me chasing people or begging peopleβ¦ I feel like so many people long to be loved instead of owning that space and being like, βIβm fuckinβ great. Iβm a dime. Iβm a ten,β you know? So, I think right now the individuals that I have been really responding to really make me feel sane. I think thatβs what my music is about. My music is about summer love, itβs all about summer, and thatβs all I can give away.
Bren Joy performs for Red Bull Sound Clash at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, on 9 December, 2021 // SI202112100431 // Usage for editorial use only //
Eva Longoria Poses Alongside Brian Bowen Smith at his DRIVEBYS Book Launch and Gallery Viewing Presented by Casa Del Sol Tequila
On Thursday, October 21, 2021, the book launch and VIP gallery preview of Brian Bowen Smithβs βDRIVEBYSβ was held in an exclusive space in Los Angeles, California. The celebration honoring Bowen Smithβs new book was presented by Casa Del Sol Tequila, treating guests to some delightful sips from a fresh line of luxury tequila. A portion of proceeds from the βDRIVEBYSβ event were donated to Feeding America, a charity to which Bowen Smith has a personal connection.
Bowen Smithβs βDRIVEBYSβ features a compilation of striking images captured while trekking more than 11,000 miles in his classic 1958 Ford F100 (named βPearlβ) across the United States, documenting the emptiness brought about due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An accidental project of sorts, Bowen Smith explained how βDRIVEBYSβ began as a few casual photos and βgrew into a multi-faceted cross-country project of a lifetime.β
A renowned photographer for his celebrity portraits, Bowen Smith has snapped stunning photos for Eva Longoria, Gabrielle Union, Anne Hathaway, Will Smith, Tracee Ellis Ross, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Hart, and Samuel L. Jackson β to name a few.
Eva Longoria and Milla Jovovich Pose Alongside Brian Bowen Smith at his DRIVEBYS Book Launch and Gallery Viewing Presented by Casa Del Sol Tequila
During the event, guests were given the chance to experience Casa Del Solβs three spectacular offerings β Blanco, sipped with sun, evoking pleasant hints of fresh agave, mint, spice, and caramel green apple; Reposado, best sipped at golden hour, with notes of wild honey, raisin, and butterscotch; and AΓ±ejo, best sipped at sunset, with offerings of toffee, apricot, oak, and chestnut.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Biran Bowen Smith and Demi Moore attend Casa Del Sol Tequila Presents Drivebys By Brian Bowen Smith on October 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rochelle Brodin/Getty Images for Casa Del Sol Tequila)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Scout Willis attends Casa Del Sol Tequila Presents Drivebys By Brian Bowen Smith on October 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rochelle Brodin/Getty Images for Casa Del Sol Tequila)
Eva Longoria Sizzles at Brian Bowen Smith’s DRIVEBYS Book Launch and Gallery Viewing Presented by Casa Del Sol Tequila
Casa Del Sol, the latest in the celebrity tequila landscape, was inspired by the magic of golden hour and the legend of the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel. Co-founder Eva Longoria attended the VIP event, mingling with other stars in attendance including Demi Moore, her daughter Scout Willis, and Milla Jovovich. As the daughter of Mexican-American parents, Longoria and the brand have put heritage at the forefront, expressing the importance of both legacy and authenticity when crafting the liquor.
βIt is always my mission to uplift the voices of women and celebrate my Mexican heritage so that others may be inspired by the limitless genius and artistry that is rich in our communities.β β Eva Longoria
Photo Credit: Photographer/Getty Images for Casa Del Sol Tequila
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Tristen J. Winger, Leonard Robinson, Sarunas Jackson, Courtney A. Taylor, Yvonne Orji, Jean Elie, Issa Rae, Jay Ellis and Christina Elmore attend HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of ‘Insecure’ With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
On Saturday, October 23, 2021, HBO kicked off the fifth and final season of the hit series βInsecureβ with the sensational Insecure Fest in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Issa Rae attends HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of ‘Insecure’ With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
For this final blowout, HBO took over a large exclusive event space and transformed it into a spectacular pop-up festival experience featuring a local Black-owned marketplace as well as food vendors.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Atmosphere at HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of ‘Insecure’ With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
The event was hosted by Crissle & Fran of the βInsecuriTEAβ podcast, while DJ R-Tistic kept the excitement in the air with a heart-pumping mix. This immersive experience featured photo installations of the βInsecureβ television sets so that guests could literally step into familiar locations of the beloved show.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: DJ R-Tistic performs at HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Kamaiyah performs at HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Flo Milli performs at HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Atmosphere at HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
It only got better from there with surprise musical performances from Jazmine Sullivan, Schoolboy Q, Duckwrth, Flo Milli, and Kamaiyah, followed by an exclusive screening of the final season premiere of βInsecure.β
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Issa Rae attends HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Atmosphere at HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Yvonne Orji attends HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
Memorable celebrity appearances included the showβs creator and star Issa Rae and season five series regulars Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales, Kendrick Sampson, Leonard Robinson and Courtney Taylor. The nightβs celebration was truly an incredible send-off for an incredible series that has so positively impacted Black culture.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Issa Rae and Flo Milli attend HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Jay Ellis attends HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Yvonne Orji and SVP of Multicultural Marketing at WarnerMedia Jackie Gagne attend HBO Celebrates The Final Season Of 'Insecure' With Insecure Fest on October 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HBO)
Starring NAACP Image Award winner and six-time Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Issa Rae, βInsecureβ continues to follow favorite characters as they evaluate their relationships, both new and old, in an effort to figure out who and what comes with them in this next phase of their lives. βInsecureβ was created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, and executive produced by Issa Rae, Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Amy Aniobi, and Jim Kleverweis.
The final season premiered exclusively on HBO on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is also available to stream on HBO Max.
VIP Sponsor Naztech with George Lopez
Doris Bergman hosted the 4th annual βGratitude Loungeβ at the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, October 4, 2021. The sold-out tournament, benefiting The George Lopez Foundation, was held at one of Toluca Lakeβs most prestigious golf clubs.
Casa De Campo Hotel Resort & Villas, along with Twisted Silver Jewelry and Caribbean Living Magazine, co-hosted alongside Doris Bergman for the Gratitude Lounge portion of the event, showcasing an incredible assortment of luxury gifts.
Twisted Silver at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
Milena LA Candles at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
Hypofootwear at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
The Syndicate at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
RAWGEAR at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
naztech at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
Mperial Sportswear at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
Celebrity guests were provided with some of the yearβs hottest gifts and services, including fashion-forward footwear from Hypofootwear; the finest beauty and skincare from Beauty Kitchen and La Flore Skincare; menβs and womenβs California casual wear from Mperial Sportswear and RAWGEAR; cannabis topical and edible products from The RDC Collective and The Syndicate; incredible jewelry collections from Twisted Silver, Diamond Veneer, Zirconmani, and Earth Bands; the latest in electronics from Hypercel Corporation, Naztech, and Kamshield; luscious soy candles from Milena LA; and fabulous golfing getaways to the Dominican Republic from Casa De Campo Resort & Villa.
Chokolatta at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
Dulce Vida Tequila at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
hint at 4th Annual Gratitude Lounge In Honor of the 14th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic
Other amazing treats from the lounge featured organic tequila from Dulce Vida, delectable gourmet sweets from Popcornopolis and Doll Babee Cheesecakes, and exotic Mexican chocolates from Chokolatta. Entire VIP gift bags by Twisted Silver were on-hand as well. Attendees were invited to try products from many brands like Peatos Healthy Snacks, Actual Veggies, Chipz Happen, Simply Gum, Liquid Death, Essentia Water, Hint Water, C20 Coconut Water, Zevia, Swipz Wipes, and Caribbean Living Magazine.
This yearβs George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic benefited The George Lopez Foundation, the mission of which is to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children, adults, and military families confronting challenges in education and health, as well as increasing community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.
VIP Sponsor Mperial Sportswear with George Lopez & Joe Pesci
VIP Sponsor Chokolatta with Lu Parker
VIP Sponsor Milena LA with Omarosa
VIP Sponsor Hypofootwear with Joe Mantegna
Presenting Sponsor Twisted Silver with Roland Martin
Presenting Sponsor Casa De Campo with Mark Rolston
Many celebrities were in attendance and treated to the best of the best, including founder George Lopez, Joe Pesci, Lu Parker, Omarosa, Joe Mantegna, Roland Martin, Mark Rolston, and Mr. Craig Scime, the βUltimate DJ,β among many others.