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Santa’s New Sleigh Crew: Tim Allen, Stonestreet, and Fluffy Unwrap the Festive Fun in ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season Two

by Valeria Ulmos
written by Valeria Ulmos

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to usher in the festive cheer than with the return of everyone’s favorite jolly series, “The Santa Clauses.” We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the iconic Tim Allen, alongside the newest additions to the North Pole crew, Eric Stonestreet and Gabriel Iglesias, to get the inside scoop on what viewers can expect in the upcoming season.

As the face of the franchise, Tim Allen, who reprises his role as the beloved Scott

  Calvin, was brimming with excitement as he shared insights into the magic of the new season. 

“This season is special. It’s all about passing on the magic of Christmas, and we have some fantastic new characters that bring a whole new dynamic to the North Pole,” Allen beamed. 

“Last season I went to the ‘Yule-verse’ to learn all about the different Santa Clauses but there’s a Santa Clause I don’t know much about,” teases Allen.

He hinted at the introduction of “Mad Santa,” portrayed by the talented Eric Stonestreet, and “Kris Kringle Moreno,” played by the ever-charming Gabriel Iglesias.

Eric Stonestreet, renowned for his comedic prowess, shed light on the quirks of his character, Mad Santa. 

“I think fans will be excited about the looming threat Mad Santa is to the North Pole and the Calvin family,” said Stonestreet. “I’m a big fan of Tim and me and my family watched the first season, and for me to be able to go from watching the show to being on the show is quit a treat.” Stonestreet shared with The Knockturnal. 

The actor’s enthusiasm for the role promises a hilarious and heartwarming addition to the holiday festivities.

Gabriel Iglesias, affectionately known as “Fluffy,” brought his signature humor and warmth to the discussion. 

“Kris Kringle Moreno is all about spreading joy, he’s a big kid that loves Christmas and Santa. He made this amusement park that is dedicated to Santa.” said Iglesias. ”

Working with Tim, Eric, and the rest of the cast was like being part of a festive family. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic we’ve created,” Iglesias expressed.

The camaraderie between the seasoned Tim Allen and the newcomers, Eric Stonestreet and Gabriel Iglesias, is evident both on and off-screen. Their infectious chemistry promises to be a highlight of the new season, creating a seamless blend of tradition and innovation in the timeless story of Santa Claus.

As the cast prepares to unwrap the gift of a new season, viewers can anticipate a sleigh ride of laughter, heartwarming moments, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

  “The Santa Clauses” continues to be a beacon of joy for audiences of all ages, and this season’s festivities are bound to make it a memorable addition to the holiday viewing tradition. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to embark on a jolly journey with the Claus family and their delightful new companions. ‘Tis the season for magic, laughter and the timeless spirit of Christmas!

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Nightly Lights Up NYC: A Recap of the ‘Wear Your Heart Out’ Tour at Racket

by Lucy Niederman
written by Lucy Niederman

On a brisk Wednesday night, November 8th, the lively heart of Chelsea was filled with anticipation. Excited fans, numbering in the hundreds, gathered outside Racket, one of NYC’s newest venues. The reason for their enthusiasm? The alternative-pop trio Nightly was in town, headlining two shows for their “Wear Your Heart Out” tour.

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Five Reasons ‘The Marvels’ Needs Your Attention Now

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

With the release of The Marvels, the MCU’s next major film, many have been wondering if this one is as good as previous films, if it is essential to understanding Phase 4, and if it should be watched now or later on Disney+. These questions always arise with every new Marvel release, but I can say with enthusiasm that audiences must understand how great The Marvels is as a film, and how it should not be skipped at all this season.

Guests attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

Below are five reasons you should watch The Marvels as soon as possible, or you’re missing out.

The Marvels features the return of fan-favorite characters and actors

One of the first noticeable draws to watching a major blockbuster film like The Marvels is its use of a stellar cast, some of which are favorites among Marvel fans. Fans have been clamoring for a return for Iman Vellani, and the character she plays, Ms. Marvel, from her hit Disney+ show of the same name. This is the first time we see her working alongside her idol, Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, who we have not seen since Avengers: Endgame, all the way in 2019. Also returning are Teyonah Parris, playing Monica Rambeau, and Samuel L. Jackson, playing his iconic role as Nick Fury. Fans of any of these characters will definitely be pleased, as they are further fleshed out and given new situations they must deal with.

(L-R) Lellies Santiago and Psyche Terry attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

The Marvels makes use of astounding CGI

The film also features amazing action and setpieces that is at times beautiful and a sight to behold. The lush alien landscapes and cosmic battles depicted are crisp, colorful, and grandiose, while still maintaining a level of realism that makes everything look believable. A highlight is the new mechanic that the three titular characters must face, which is that their locations in space are exchanged every time they use their powers. This creates some intense fight scenes that involve them constantly switching places and resulting in frantic, interesting combat that is a pleasure to watch.

Psyche Terry attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

The Marvels tells a compelling and heartfelt story

While there certainly are entertaining visual elements to the film, it should also be noted that the story is particularly intriguing and downright emotional at times. In the film, Captain Marvel struggles with the repercussions of her actions, as she has attempted to use her powers for good, but in doing so, she inadvertently deprived a planet of critical resources. In this film, she must face the consequences of her decisions, and how this affects her relationship with those that look up to her. There were several moments that were almost tear inducing, and those that enjoy a layered and complex plot will find plenty to love here.

The Marvels is funny as hell

I’ll say it: this movie is absolutely hilarious. For all its deeper and slower moments, it has situations that are side-splittingly funny. The movie seamlessly transitions between serious and comical moments, and one of its strong suits is being able to do so in a way that feels natural and not forced, even with high stakes.

D’Andre McKenzie attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

A particular moment that comes to mind is a sequence at a planet where all the inhabitants only speak in song and dance, which leads the main characters to fall into some hilarious situations as they attempt to communicate with these individuals. The movie is filled with moments like these that are extremely memorable.

The Marvels contributes to the overarching story in Phase 4

Lastly, those that want to see some progression with the overall Marvel story in Phase 4 will also be pleased. This film shows some continuation of Nick Fury’s character from Secret Invasion, with a possible setup for a future Avengers film, and also continues this phase’s themes of multiverse and the threats that follow. The after credit scenes show how several old and new characters will make an appearance in future movies, progressing this phase forward.

As can be seen, there are a multitude of reasons to watch The Marvels, and longtime fans of Marvel as well as newcomers will both be pleased. This film has something for everyone, for those that follow the lore extensively to those that are not as serious. Definitely catch this film soon, you will not be disappointed.

Ronnisha Peterson attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

Special thanks also goes out to Urban Hydration, the sponsor of the premiere event that I attended. I tried several of their moisturizing products, and I could see the difference instantly. For someone that suffers from dry skin in the colder months, something like this is an absolute life saver. Urban Hydration’s message itself spoke to me as well. I recognized the connection between the ideas of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvel’s superheroes embody, while also having fun. The Algae collection specifically is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow, and I couldn’t be more happy to promote this product: such a business that is proudly woman-owned and that supports woman empowerment is exactly what needs to be brought to light to give their mission a voice.

Founder Psyche Terry shared:

I believe that working with Marvel Studios provides an exciting platform for my to share the story of Urban Hydration’s mission and products in fun and creative ways.  I recognized the connection between the message of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody. The collaboration further expands on our Urban Hydration mission to reach more people, inspiring them to take charge of their skin needs and help power up their glow.  The connection between hydration, balance, and inner strength that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody resonates with Urban Hydration’s mission. This collaboration is about product promotion and sharing a powerful message of self-care and empowerment.  The Algae collection is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow and I couldn’t be more happy to bring this partnership to everyone.

The Marvels is in theaters right now, and Urban Hydration products can be purchased online from their website.

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On the Scene: Fifth Annual Arthur Miller Honors At City Winery in NYC

by Bianca Brutus
written by Bianca Brutus

Rebecca Miller established the grassroots, non-profit Arthur Miller Foundation in remembrance of her father’s legacy. AMF helps teachers create sustainable theater programs by providing them with robust, customized resources, training, and certification. This ensures that all public school kids have fair access to high-quality theater instruction.  The premier yearly fundraising event for the Arthur Miller Foundation, held in collaboration with the NYC Public Schools, The City College of New York, and Bridgeport Public Schools, is the Arthur Miller Foundation Honors.  

The Arthur Miller Foundation hosted their 5th annual Honors event on Monday, November 6 at City Winery. The event was hosted by “Purlie Victorious” co-stars Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young.

 

 Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok was honored with the AMF Legacy Award. Majoke is best known for her piece “Cost of Living” which explores two relationships between able-bodied and non-abled body people.  

 

Jerre and Mary Joy Stead received the AMF Humanitarian Award for their endless donations to arts education in schools across the country. 

New York City public school Theater teacher Talia Jaime was awarded with the AMF Excellence in Arts Education Award  for her work at Renaissance High School.

Performers of the night included Brian d’Arcy James, Justin David Sullivan, Phillippe Arroyo, Samantha Williams, and Jordan Donica.

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Red Bull Culture Clash Returns To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

Sound Clashes trace their roots to 1950’s Jamaica where crews and soundsystems competed against each other, song for song. Exclusive records known as ‘dubplates’ involving the original ‘dubbing’ or remixing its lyrics exclusively for a crew to play in battle against another. The more exclusive the song, the better.

In 2010, Red Bull adapted the traditional concept, birthing their own version: Culture Clash. Various crews unite to battle each other, amplifying diverse genres like Trap, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and more. The event has since hit cities worldwide, from London to San Francisco and Miami.

The global experience first made its way to Atlanta in 2017, where hitmakers like Mike WiLL Made-It, WondaGurl and British rapper Tinie Tempah took over 787 Windsor in Downtown Atlanta and shut down their respective stages. Despite Dancehall artist Popcaan’s absence, Team Unruly took home the win.

This year, though, Jamaica managed to redeem themselves as the rightful owners of sound clashes with Rum Punch Brunch, led by the legendary Dancehall & Reggae Deejay Tony Matterhorn and Willy Chin taking home the trophy after battling Bamba Tuesdays, Mashup Sessions and Perreo404.

Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch are two of the biggest parties in Atlanta solely dedicated to the expansive Afro-Caribbean community.

DJ Kash and friends take over Rock Steady for Bamba Tuesdays every Tuesday night for a lively weeknight out, while Rum Punch Brunch at Believe Music Hall, led by André Ruddock (Dreggae), Allan “Boom” Williams, and Karl Injex, turns Sundays into a fun day.

Prior to the inception of parties like Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch, opportunities for the city’s African and Caribbean communities to come together for unfiltered fun and authentic vibes were scarce. These parties have significantly transformed the Afro-Caribbean party culture in Atlanta for the better, providing a space for people to dance and celebrate various genres and artists, and honor cultural influences collectively.

On the opposite side of the arena stood Mashup Sessions, a renowned event series helmed by DJ Unruely and Canterbury Talez, and Perreo 404, Atlanta’s top Latin party destination featuring DJ EU and Nino Augustine. As far as I knew it, both of these crews were the “underdogs” of the night, especially when compared to the larger crowd supporting Rum Punch Brunch and Bamba Tuesdays.

Perreo 404. Credit: Brian Hall / Red Bull Content Pool

After a high energy performance from Atlanta’s own Crime Mob and a few words from the night’s hosts’ Jessie Woo and Paige Shari, a warm-up round was enacted for each team to go over the rules. The rules, in question, were pretty simple: Four rounds, 8 minutes per crew each round, no repeats and the team with the loudest applause wins.

However, with alcohol and Red Bull flowing through every attendee’s veins, strict enforcement of these rules seemed unlikely. Despite the rule that once a crew plays a song, it cannot be repeated by another crew, this was completely disregarded throughout the battle.

By the second round, both Bamba Tuesdays and Rum Punch Brunch played the popular southern anthem “Swag Surf” by F.L.Y. Except, Bamba Tuesdays took it a step further by bringing out F.L.Y. to perform it live. Judging by the explosive crowd reaction, it was obvious that Bamba had that round in the bag.

Despite the murky rules, each crew did a great job at capturing the essence of what a sound clash really is.

The nostalgia continued into round three, where Perreo 404 quickly showed their ability to compete with the big dogs when Roscoe Dash made a surprise appearance performing his 2010 hits “No Hands” and “Show Out”.

Mashup Sessions. Credit: Brian Hall / Red Bull Content Pool

Mashup Sessions brought out Young Nudy for a lively performance of “Peaches and Eggplants” during round three. Round one and three seemed to have the best energy that night. Or so I thought.

As the last round approached, tensions were high. The not-so light banter exchanged between Mashup Sessions and Rum Punch Brunch had elevated the intensity. In this case, trash talk was acceptable, particularly when delivered in the form of a dubplate.

But the trash talk didn’t hinder Rum Punch Brunch in the end. with a performance by Dancehall artists Vanessa Bling, recognized for her early work with Vybz Kartel. Serani and Aidonia. Teejay also came out and stole the show with a performance of his viral hit “Drift.”

The deserving winner of the trophy that night is open to debate. Naturally, people will claim that their favorite crew should have won. What’s undeniable, however, is that each of these crews has left an undeniable mark on Atlanta’s history.

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A Festive Holiday Mixer Unwraps Season 2 of ‘The Santa Clauses’ at Century City Mall

by Ashley Lopez
written by Ashley Lopez

The enchanting spirit of the holiday season came to life at Century City Mall on December 8 as Disney hosted a dazzling outdoor mixer to celebrate the launch of  ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2 on Disney+. The event not only brought together fans of the heartwarming show but also invited guests to partake in a magical evening filled with festive attire, Toys for Tots donations, and the chance to delve into an early Christmas Spirit with a special appearance of  Santas’s elves.

As the night began, the outdoor setting at Century City Mall provided the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a touch of Disney magic. The dress code for the evening was nothing short of enchanting, as attendees gazed through the North Pole in their most festive attire to match the holiday cheer that filled the air.

Throughout the evening, guests had the chance to mingle with fellow Disney enthusiasts, snap photos with festive photo opportunities, and enjoy holiday-themed refreshments. The atmosphere was infectious, and the sense of community and shared joy created memories that made the start of the holiday season memorable.

The winter enchantment continued with complimentary ice skating, turning the outdoor space into a frosty playground for guests of all ages.

The highlight of the evening came alive as Santa’s elves took to the ice, transforming the rink into a spectacle of joyous celebration. The elves enchanted the audience with their expertly choreographed ice-skating routines to the soundtrack of  ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2.  The crowd in attendance and mall shoppers couldn’t help but bring all focus to such a captivating performance creating a joyous atmosphere that resonated with the heartwarming essence of ‘The Santa Clauses.’

Following the mesmerizing elf ice skating performance, Disney treated attendees to the ultimate gift – a sneak peek into a series of clips from the new season of ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2. The crowd eagerly gathered to witness a preview that would unfold the magic of the upcoming season.

The Disney Holiday Mixer for ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2 Premiere became a joyous celebration in honor of the much anticipated new season to premire November 8. The night came to an end, but the magic of Disney and the warmth of the holiday season will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of all who attended.

Check out the reel here! 

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Celebrating Our Heroes

by Gaëlle Claude
written by Gaëlle Claude

Veteran’s Day is one of the most significant holidays is our society. This holiday gives us the opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for the nation. Since 1938, This day has been commemorated on November 11. The observance day was originally referred to as Armistice Day. Around 1954, the name of this holiday was changed to Veterans to highlight those who served in all U.S. wars.

This year in Washington D.C., we had the chance to attend one of the most memorable ceremonies in honor of our veterans. The American Veterans Center Annual Gala, American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes was hosted the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The rooms were filled with joy and gratitude from guests and family members. Notable attendees included David Boreanaz, Yvette Nicole Brown, Glenn Powell, and Maggie Sajak. The evening was hosted by the talented Emmy Award Winning nominated actor and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Rob Riggle, who kept a lively atmosphere the whole night. The attendees saw several shows hosted by service academy students from West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. The shows included band performances, singing and short movies. During the interim, the guests enjoyed a dinner during which they had the opportunity to socialize and get to know those monumental figures. After the dinner, the honorees were highlighted by Rob Riggle. As he highlighted our heroes, you could see the pride on everyone’s face, whether they had a personal relationship with the honorees or not. To conclude the event, the attendees took it to the dance floor. The attendees sang and danced the night, while some enjoyed cocktails and conversations. The American Veterans Center Annual Gala, American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes was a night to remember.

Honorees Include:

  • Lt. Col. James H. Harvey, III, Tuskegee Airman, and winner of the first ‘Top Gun’-style competition in 1949, the first African American jet pilot to fly combat missions, with special guest Lt. Col. George Hardy, one of two living Tuskegee Airmen combat pilots of WWII.
  • The U.S. 8th Air Force: ‘Masters of the Air,’ surviving heroes of the Allied Air Forces who owned the skies over Hitler’s Fortress Europe, subject of the forthcoming Apple TV+ series from Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.
  • The Chosin Few, veterans of the harrowing Battle of Chosin Reservoir – the most epic battle of the Korean War
  • ‘The Women who Brought Them Home’ – wives of the Vietnam POWs who fought to raise awareness to their plight, leading to their release 50 years ago, and permanently changing Pentagon policy toward POWs and MIA. With special guests, their POW husbands.
  • The Real ‘Moonlight Graham,’ Roy Gleason – The only man in history to have a perfect MLB batting average, a World Series Championship ring, and a Purple Heart
  • Nearly three dozen surviving heroes of World War II, with a special musical performance from the Air Force Band’s ‘Airmen of Note’ and 100 members of the Naval Academy Glee Club.


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