121 days into 2024, I find myself evolving with each word I write and share from my journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have firsthand experiences and to share them with others.
As a musician, I was initially captivated by the AAPI Jazz collective, but it was the owner of the Pavilion who truly moved me with her dedication to creating safe spaces for. Witnessing the beauty and artistry at the momentous 1-year anniversary celebration left me feeling deeply grateful to AAPI.
The Red Pavilion (1241 Flushing Ave) hosted a show-stopping celebration to toast its first anniversary, captivating media creators and press from all corners of NYC. Nestled in Bushwick, the venue marked AAPI Heritage Month with an unforgettable evening of culturally relevant art in the form of live music, dance and a selective Wuism Seasonal Rotating cocktail menu. The night kicked off with a cocktail hour with drinks being poured like The Red Dragon, a fiery fusion of tequila, blood orange, beet, lemon, agave, and Sichuan chili powder, rimmed with poppy seeds, alongside non-alcoholic options like the Sunny Side with CBD Brooklyn Gold, ginger, and lemon. First time visitors were quickly enamored by the sheer elegance of the venue, cast in sexy red lighting and smoke with all the charm of being on a noir film set.
With drinks in hand, the crowd was seduced by music from the AAPI Jazz Collective’s mesmerizing musicians. As expected, the space was full of celebration, with every performance and mindful detail an ode to Asian culture. The Red Pavilion offered a dynamic mix of AAPI-focused art and entertainment, reminding the esteemed guests that it is a cultural hub that sees entertainment as a powerful tool for change, where art, culture, cuisine, and community converge to build a better society. The band then supported the Sailor Moon aerial duo with a honorary aerial hoop performance to the popular manga and anime series Sailor Moon’s theme song. Other exciting performances included Agent Wednesday’s “Kung Fu Hustle,” and an aerial show in the center of the main room keeping the energy electric.
Ambient jazz, excellent service and a monumental speech from owner Shien Lee marked the momentous celebration, reminding guests of the importance of the space beyond its tantalizing nightlife entertainment. The Red Pavilion will continue to serve the AAPI community with events that echo tradition and flair, drawing people in to share, laugh and enjoy for years to come. The Red Pavilion’s private celebration marked not only its first anniversary but also the start of AAPI Heritage Month, a fitting tribute evening filled with soul, joy and Asian Neo-Noir essence. The Red Pavilion will continue to commemorate AAPI Heritage Month with special events like Taboo Jazz, Tokyo Boogie, Studio Ghibli + Anime Jazz, Springtime in Shanghai with the Red Pavilion Jazz Band, a Chino-Latino Fusion Night called Mandarin Mambo and so much more! Learn more about the upcoming fun by visiting www.theredpavilion.com.