The NFL star of The New York Giants, Bobby Okereke, shares more about his upcoming launch date, working with his COO Sarah Singley, and what entrepreneurship has taught him thus far.
The holidays are the most wonderful time of year but also the most crowded, and if you’re a native New Yorker, it’s also probably the most redundant.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
If you’re looking to do something other than taking pictures 20 feet away from a crowded tree, Brooklyn has got you covered with their first-holiday pop-up. WINTER by Empire Stores is a holiday-themed pop-up shopping and dining experience in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
In partnership with Empire Store and CraveCart, the newly opened shop features New York City-based vendors offering unique items, making for the perfect one-stop shop if you’re still searching for that perfect gift. Vendors include Adina Eden, with high-end jewelry, men’s clothing brand Jack of Spades, CraveCart, and the most delectable treats from Buttercup Bakeshop and La Newyorkina.
“With meticulous curation around our partnership, we aspire to deliver an unparalleled experience making this holiday season truly unforgettable for all who visit Empire Stores Dumbo,” mentioned the founder of CraveCart, Christina Nicholas.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
After you shop until you drop, take a breather in the heated lounge throughout the market. There, you can treat yourself to some sweets and bask in the glory of knowing you finally checked everything off your shopping list.
While you’re there, capturing the day you’ve had upstairs on the Time Out Market rooftop with the “Chill Moments” exhibit is only fitting. You’ll find yourself immersed in a massive snow globe, perfect for those Christmas cards you plan to send out (are those still a thing?)
If you’re courageous enough to brave through the cold, you’ll step outside and take note that you’re surrounded by the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline, which are breathtaking, especially in the evening.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
Aside from the market are the new Glide ice skating rink and additional holiday offerings from The Dumbo Improvement District; taking the F train to Brooklyn is on our list of plans this holiday season.
Grab your tickets and experience all of the fun here; happy shopping.
Roku recently hosted a holiday event in New York City, which showcased its entire ecosystem of products, including its industry-leading operating systems and latest product releases.
Ever wonder if your favorite SNL stars get nervous before a show or if they get star struck when getting to work with a new host? Now’s your time to find out!
SNL episodes have a fast turnaround rate and the actors are all tremendously talented at being able to adapt quickly to new scripts, characters and changes that are being made. Not only are they adapting to those elements, but to add in another level, they work alongside new hosts frequently.
Some of the SNL cast confessed to getting star struck when working with Emma Stone, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Others admitted that they still get nervous before getting on stage despite all the practice they’ve had and the amount of years they’ve been with the show. However, as one actor said, “feeling nervous means you care,” and I couldn’t agree more.
The cast lit up the red carpet with their charm, witty jokes and honesty. The tight knit members often spoke highly of each other and served as each other’s hype men and woman. Given the amount of long hours they put into the show, the actors dotingly told me that they consider each other family, and that was more than evident on the AMNH’s Gala red carpet.
Maeta has just finished meeting and mingling with fans as they rave over her performance and excitedly take photos together. I’m waiting in the cold, sketchy basement disguised as a dressing room masked with terrible lighting when, suddenly, a sudden warmth washes over my body. I hear her melodious voice filling the space. She’s singing while heading towards me. It was finally time for our awaited sit-down.
On a Wednesday night in Atlanta, singer-songwriter Maeta performs her sold-out show at Center Stage, a venue housing three spaces under one roof. She’s at The Vinyl, the more intimate venue of the three, with its low ceilings and standing room, and a few random couches near the sound booth.
The crowd was lively even before Maeta hit the stage. As the music played, I went to the bar for a vodka soda with lime, waiting for her to grace the stage. She arrived slightly past her scheduled time. She’s accompanied by her two backup singers Caleb Curry and LennAsia Unique, two artists with strong, polished voices effortlessly weaving emotion and skill into every note they sing.
They perform songs from Maeta’s new album When I Hear Your Name released earlier this year. The sultry R&B project features vocals from Ambré, James Fauntleroy, Ty Dolla $ign, Lucky Daye, and Free Nationals, with production by Pharrell and KAYTRANADA.
The 13-track album fuses pop and soul while delving into the complexities of love and the exhilarating feeling surrounding wanting someone who may not be the best for us but feels right at the moment. But moments are temporary and Maeta explores that fleeting joy in tracks like “ASMR” and “Control Freak.”
The crowd caught a glimpse of those emotions when Maeta takes a brief pause in the midst of her set to give Caleb and LennAsia some shine. Caleb performed “Can’t Be Friends” by Trey Songz and sounded almost identical to the recorded version. Following, LennAsia captivates the audience with the timeless classic, my personal karaoke favorite, “I’m Going Down” by Mary J Blige. The audience responded to Caleb and LennAsia with the same enthusiasm they showed Maeta, cheering the duo on as if it were their performance.
Throughout the night, there were times when she’d interrupt her singing to share a joke with a fan or acknowledge the vibrant energy in the room. She sports a contagious Kool-Aid smile the entire concert. I could tell she was enjoying herself as much as we were. After performing “Fuck Your Friend” she confirmed my thoughts, telling us that Atlanta might be her favorite crowd so far, prompting cheers and raised drinks.
Credit: Angel Roman
Towards the end of her set, she takes it back to her roots. Maeta’s musical journey started on SoundCloud in 2018 where she would post covers of songs by Minnie Riperton, Jhene Aiko, Drake, and more of her favorite artists. So, it only made sense to wrap up the show with her intoxicating renditions of Beyonce’s “1+1” and Silk Sonic’s “Leave The Door Open.”
The concert concludes and I head down to her dressing room.
Coming down the basement stairs after her one-hour set, she continues singing effortlessly, perfectly hitting every note in her runs. Behind her are her backup singers, her Tour Manager, and other crew. She immediately walks over to greet me.
I remembered LennAsia mentioning on stage that they all call her ‘Money Maeta.’ So naturally, as an over-eager fan, that’s how I greet her.
“Hi, Money Maeta!” I say with enthusiasm. She immediately laughs and we hug like two old friends before sitting down. She reaches for a big bag of Skittles on the table in front of us. I ask if that’s her favorite candy, to which she replies “No. I don’t know why I asked for it, honestly,” with a mouthful of rainbow candy.
It starts to settle in that this is actually happening and my anxiety surges. In situations like this, a shot of tequila would be my remedy for taking the edge off. Spotting a bottle of tequila near the entrance, I don’t mention it to maintain professionalism. But almost as if she read my mind, LennAsia spontaneously asks the room “Should we take a shot?!”
We gather around with our cups and toast to one more show before the tour ends. After Atlanta, Maeta will wrap up The When I Hear Your Name Tour with a final performance in D.C. The tour started in August and has ventured through cities across the country, including Chicago, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles, before heading to Europe to perform in London, Berlin, and Paris.
Every person in the room is super friendly and welcoming, including me in their conversations and treating me like they’ve known me for longer than 15 minutes. In a fleeting moment of delusion, I felt as If I was a part of the crew. Like I was meant to be there.
It’s late and nearing midnight. I overheard some of the crew talking about how hungry they were so I didn’t want to waste too much time. I’m sure it’s been a long couple of months for everyone. With the holidays and the new year approaching, Maeta shares with me that she’s fulfilled yet exhausted.
“We got one more show and then we can finally go home. We’ve been going for a few months so now we’re all kind of ready to be done.”
And still, despite her tired state and hectic schedule, the Roc Nation signee found the time to talk to me about her first solo tour, working with industry legends, her journey from girl to woman, and how she’ll be a force to be reckoned with come 2024.
Has this tour been everything you imagined it to be?
It’s my first tour so I know we’re still in the trenches. It’s not as glamorous as I would like it to be but I really loved my team. I keep talking about my damn background singers, and they don’t give the love back, which kind of pisses me off. But I really love them. And having them around has helped my mental health, my health, and just everything. I love my team. And I look forward to just hanging out and being around them when we’re on tour.
My introduction to you was in 2019. I found your song “Kind of Fool” from your EP Do Not Disturb.
Wait, really?!
Doesn’t that seem like light years ago? The pandemic completely ruined my perception of time.
I went through so much since then. I feel like I’m a whole different person. That [era] is like a little girl to me. I feel like I’m a woman now and I’ve been through certain things. When [Do Not Disturb] came out, I was living in an apartment with no windows, and no WiFi, I had to go to a Starbucks to use my computer. So, seeing the growth is amazing.
You recently performed at the 2023 Soul Train Awards. How was that?
Amazing! It was so different because they did it outside at night on a mountain. And there was nothing to warm us up outside so I was freezing. I got so sick afterwards for like, three days. It was bad. But the performance was really good. I’m proud of it. Watching all the videos and seeing all the love it’s getting is making me very proud. It was my first award show performance ever. So yeah, I’m proud of it. But it was definitely a struggle and I think people don’t realize how hard it was.
To be fair, I couldn’t tell you were having a hard time at all. The wind blowing through your hair while you sang reminded me of Beyoncé.
Honestly, It’s LA at night. It’s gonna be cold. The wind was so bad that they had to stop filming for about an hour.
You and James Fauntleroy both have songs on each other’s projects. He’s featured on your song “Sexual Love” and you’re featured on “Mistletoe” on his new Christmas album The Warmest Winter Ever.
We made [Mistletoe] like three years ago. I just hopped on it and he told me “Do what you want,” and we put it out. I really love that song.
You’ve both been working together for years. I’ve always felt like James [Fauntleroy] is lowkey an A&R. He’s discovered so many artists before the masses found out about them. What have you learned from him?
I’m so appreciative of his character because he’s a legend. He’s all these amazing things. When I was first signed at 19, and nobody wanted to work with me. And my A&R had to fight people to want to work with me, he was just so cool about working with me all the time. He’s very generous and has been very generous with me. And I see him being like that with other people. He’s a very humble person. He can write a song in like, 20 minutes. He just has something nobody else can recreate.
Your album When I Hear Your Name features some of the biggest names in R&B right now. How does it feel to be embraced by so many top hitters and veterans?
Sometimes, I have to pinch myself because I’m a little girl from Indiana. I was just doing Instagram covers and now I’m in Pharrell’s house. And he’s complimenting me and shit. These are full-circle moments. It’s crazy how you can start from the most random place in the world and now I’m at Pharell’s house. It was a timestamp in my life. I’ve made it to a specific place in my career and I felt fulfilled. I learned from him that no matter how successful you are, to stay humble because he was so nice to me. He treated me like a regular human being and always asked for my opinion.
Have you learned how to be vocal about your feelings in moments like that rather than shying away due to fear?
I actually had to stop doing that for a bit.
Really?
I’m such a hater.
(Laughs) Don’t say that.
I really am a hater.
Oh God.
I shut things down. if somebody has a new idea, and I’m not feeling it, I shut it down. And I’ve had to learn like, stop being so rigid. So, I’ve had to learn to stop shutting down ideas that push me and challenges and things like that. I’m very opinionated. I’m a control freak, especially when it comes to my art. I’ve been doing music my whole life all by myself and now that I’m signed, I have a team of people telling me what to do. At first, it was an overwhelming experience. But now I love my team, and I trust them. And I don’t know what I would do without them.
Do you think that’s the Pisces in you?
Maybe. I’m indecisive and I question everything.
You’ve said that this is the most passionate you’ve been about a project because you’re actually living what you’re singing, as opposed to past projects which felt more like manifestations. How did you get to this point now?
I think that people always knew when I would perform those songs, I wasn’t connecting [with them.] It just was something that wasn’t clicking. And I think, I really feel my music. When I sing it. When I listen to it. Every time I would put a project out, I wouldn’t listen to it. I would just forget about it.
But yesterday, I did my Apple Music Replay and I’m my top artist. For more than 2,000 minutes I’ve listened to my own music. So, it shows that I really love what I’m doing now. I just experienced some deep and dark moments in life and spent a few years working on it. And I’m so proud of it. I feel it in my soul when I listen to it and when I talk about it.
Who else was in your Apple Music Replay? Who have you been listening to?
I love Yebba and India Shawn. There’s a girl named ABSOLUTELY. She’s RAYE’s little sister. She’s written a bunch of amazing songs for different artists. She’s a 19-year-old prodigy.
You hate the word vibe.
I knew you were gonna talk about that.
You hate when people describe music as a “vibe,” especially your music. What name would you give your music?
That’s the issue because I can’t think of a better word. I think my music is soulful and passionate and rough and gritty.
I would call it ‘Soft Girl Music.’
That’s a good way to put it because I know exactly what you mean and you didn’t even have to say “vibe.”
How do you feel 2024 will be different for you?
Okay, so here’s my new conclusion for 2024. I just decided this about two days ago. It was like a light switch went off. I’m very generous and I’m very forgiving. Sometimes, I’ll put myself through shit to make other people feel good. I’m in a place right now where I’m done normalizing pain in love. I’m a Pisces so I feel things so hard but right now I’m in a place where I just want to demand respect for myself and to be treated well. I’m ready to be a little more selfish next year.
I’m done sacrificing my own happiness and peace for other people. It’s exhausting. Yeah, I want love to feel good. I want love to not make me cry once every other fucking day, you know?
The actor best known for his portrayal of “Young Randall” in NBC’s This is Us, has so much to offer the world of entertainment, including his new role as Eli, a teenage boy with high functioning autism.
Best known for his roles in comedies like The Hot Chick and Grown Ups, the seasoned actor made room for his own daughters to act alongside him in this adorable family comedy.
LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2023) – The City of Angels is ablaze with the season’s spirit as LA’s leading immersive holiday event, Holiday Road, opens its doors for the 4th consecutive year. With a star-studded grand opening on November 24, featuring the delightful Eva Longoria and her son, Santiago Enrique Bastón, this year’s festivities promise to be brighter and more enchanting than ever.
Holiday Road, nestled in the picturesque King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, has become a beloved tradition, drawing over 100,000 people annually. The event boasts a mile-long walking trail that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. As you enter the world of Holiday Road, you’re greeted by larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, and the ever-jolly Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The immersive experience includes:
Attendees can stroll through themed areas like the North Pole, Elf Village, and Gingerbread Lane, all adorned with impressive light tunnels, Christmas tree forests, and countless candy canes. My favorite part of the mile-long stroll was the fake snow falling from above. It’s a holiday spectacle that captivates both adults and children alike.
This year, Holiday Road has upped the ante with new lantern art and immersive scenes, adding more magic to the experience. As an exciting first, the event has partnered with Amazon MGM Studios for a Candy Cane Lane activation, tying into the release of the holiday comedy film starring Eddie Murphy. Guests can step into the world of the movie, take photos at the Carver’s house, and immerse themselves in the film’s enchanting narrative. Check out the trailer for the film here.
As attendees navigate this winter wonderland, the atmosphere is full of festive magic. It’s a walking celebration of the holidays, a jubilant occasion where families come together to share the joy of the season. With 22+ open dates until the end of the year, Holiday Road invites everyone to join the merriment and create cherished memories in this dazzling LA tradition. Tickets are available now at HolidayRoadUSA.com, ensuring your holiday season is filled with enchantment and wonder.
Check out our reel of Holiday Road here.
There have been dozens of parodies of the story of King Arthur. However, “Spamalot” stands as one of the most unique due to its comedic nature and its downright absurdity.
Based on the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the musical has been brought to life multiple times over the years since its debut in 2004. Now, after almost twenty years, the musical is back on Broadway with a star studded cast, and an updated script that truly does the original material justice.
Director John Rhodes is truly at the center of this revival. Each staging and performance aspect is a remarkable choice that leverages the entire story in general. From the first moment the curtain opens, the audience is taken into the realm of Camelot through the assistance of the Historian (Ethan Slater). Irony is strong along with a major amount of symbolism and analogies in the plot. One enjoyable aspect of this revival is its nods to current pop culture. The musical tries to stay relevant by referencing some of the biggest headlines, products, and people of 2023 which added greatly to the humor.
“Spamalot” is filled with exceptional performances. Each actor brings their unique comedic timing and talent to the stage, capturing the essence of the beloved King Arthur characters. James Monroe Iglehart is the perfect King Arthur. His portrayal of a “narcissist” king is magnificent. Each scene and song number featuring King Arthur is witty. Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as The Lady of the Lake is one of the brightest performances of the show. Kritzer uses improv unlike any other cast member in the show. It added an element of spontaneity that resulted in many memorable moments. In all honesty, this production has a solid cast. The entire cast, which includes Taran Killam, Michael Urie, Nik Walker, and Ethan Slater, exudes a spirit of determination that would enable them to effectively create a fantastic production even if there was an absence of a solid script or director. It is evidence of the collective skill of all the entire production.
Overall, the set design was quite enjoyable to view. It bore a campy vibe while emulating 5th century architecture. The costumes are intricately designed, fully bringing life to each character even more. However, the entire show’s musical core occasionally lacked impact. Even if there are several witty numbers and humorous tunes, the overall musicality and choreography missed a sense of allure. Kritzer is possibly the most striking performer. But given that the sarcastic lyrics are supposed to be the main attraction, it’s understandable that the musical quality would be less important than the entire presentation.
The second act was another area where the production fell a bit flat. The tale is set up quite well in the first act, but there is a lack of coherence in the second act when the knights are divided. Although their attempt to reconcile is believable, the second act devolves into unimportant subplots that ultimately added nothing to the production. This small criticism, nonetheless, does not take away from the musical’s overall genius.
There is a noticeable focus on maintaining the essence of the Monty Python classic throughout this entire production. The musical truly lives up to to it’s source material while also making room for modern elements. The cast is strong, while the creative aspects of this production flourish. Though there are moments when the second act lags, overall it’s a wonderful experience fit for a king.
Tickets to “Spamalot” are available now. The play is now running at the St. James Theatre