New Lab launched its Brooklyn Yards space to a 2,000 person grand opening party Saturday. Itβs the first lab of its kind in Brooklyn.
We spent the weekend in Brooklyn for the first ever I FEEL LOVE party, a two day event celebrating all things disco, with a hint of 21st-century. Learn more!
Afro Punk Festival is quickly becoming one of the most popular east coast music festivals after hosting its yearly gathering in Brooklyn, New York for over ten years.
This year, the two dayΒ eventΒ took place August 27th-28th and featured artists and bands from The Internet, Bad Brains, and Tyler the Creator to Janelle Monae, Ice Cube, Β and Living Color.
From the eclectic fashion attire of the attendees to the fantastic, though lesser known, artists gracing the stage, attending Afro Punk is a wonderland for care-free individuals looking to embrace their individuality and freedom to live outside of the box. All of this goes hand-in-hand with the ability to enjoy the many hues of the Black and Brown faces around without concern for stereotyping or judgment.
As a matter of fact, Afro Punkβs rules are no sexism, no racism, no ableism, no ageism, no homophobia, no fatphobia, no transphobia, no hatefulness.
Basically, if you donβt have anything nice to say, donβt come to Afro Punk.
The two day event is full of happy individuals wanting to enjoy themselves in ways that they might not be able to when faced with the expectations and judgment of the world outside of Commodore Barry Park.
Outside of having a safe space to be oneself, the event also boasts of an amazing line up. Probably the most anticipated guest of Sunday night was Janelle Monae who gave a dazzling performance in her signature black and white get up with accompanying bow-tie. Monae, who is no stranger to Afro Punk and has apparently been there since its beginnings, graced the Red Stage on day two and drew a crowd so deep, growing wings and flying felt like the only way to grab a glimpse of the βHell You Talm Boutβ singerβs flowing faux-fur shawl or her flawless Prince tribute.
In-between performances, DJs played their sets while people swirled, wined, popped, locked, nae-naed, stanky legged, and whatever else the music called for while the cool breeze bounced the myriad of kinky-curly tresses swaying across the landscape. And while others moved and grooved on the grass, some made their way around the vendor booths to check out all of the unique items sold byΒ Black owned businesses, get their arms βmarbledβ with colorful swirls, catch some free promotional items, or have their souls painted across their bodies by BeyoncΓ©βs Lemonade artist Laolu Senbanjo.
Afro Punk Festival 2016 proved, once again, to be one of the most lit, safe zones for people of color (and anyone who wants to simply enjoy good people, good music, and a good life).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJrS2OHh6Yz/?hl=en&taken-by=janellemonae
AFROPUNK Festival is back and heats up Brooklyn.
White girl is a fast-paced, party of a film that in an effort to tackle real and systemic racial issues, becomes apart of the problem itself.
β(Speaking with a Nigerian accent) The other thing he told me (Jidennaβs Father) when I was in Nigeria, there are two types of people in this world: those that make things happen and those that donβt want anything to happen.
The script never changes; theΒ rhetoric remains the same. We parse through the blood-stained streets of the hood withΒ vigilance, lest we become trapped in the game.
This past Thursday evening the Knockturnal attended an exclusive Hennessy launch event at the chic bar/lounge, Kinfolk, in Brookly. Hennessy hosted its launch party in celebration ofΒ its new limited edition bottle by renowned tattoo artist Scott Campbell.
A celebration of personal identity and freedom of expression, the Afro-Latino FestivalΒ receives our precious city with open-arms.
The initial reception is welcoming, homely. People dance, sung, ate, took pictures. The single room was filled with people. Joyous faces. But the real excitement took place in the auditorium. Blessed with awards for very important members of the Afrolatino community and soulful music to compliment the gathering.
A genuine sense of pure enjoyment filled the air here. An event that simply celebrated being human. It was necessary; as merely days after a dual-tragedy shook the very foundation of black culture in the United States, that people come together with positivity in times of mourning. The weekend of July 8-10 was suitable for just such an occasion.
Friday’s version of the Afro-Latino 2016 festival was hosted by theΒ SchomburgΒ Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem. However, within it’s barriers transpired a celebration of which knew no bounds. People were able to be themselves, and pay tribute to their heritage unbarred. Many adorned festive clothing catered specifically for the Afro-Latino union. It was lovely, weird and stylish. After an hour of casual meeting, we made our way to the theatre. There, we were met with hospitality and music. Suddenly, with rapid movement, the beneficiaries of the evening’s celebration arrived on-stage. The Awardees of the evening were: Danilo Parez, Moises Medrano, Aysha Schomburg and Dr. Arianna Curtis. All four recipients have made significant contributions to their respective communities, and were represented as such.
This issue of the Afro-Latino Festival also featured performances from a plethora of artists and musicians. After the award observance, we were treated to a live recital composed of: Afrodisiaco andΒ ProyecciΓ³n Folclorico, among others.
On Friday evening, there were two more venues taken for more Afro-Latino excitement. This part of the festivities, located in other parts of the city, had their own pleasurable affairs. These eventsΒ included several musical numbers from Colombian-based bandΒ El CaribefunkΒ and Brazilian Carioca Bass / Baile Funk performer Zuzuka Poderosa – both of whom premiered at the Afro-Latino festivalΒ after-parties in Manhattan’s SOB’s and Brooklyn’s C’mon Everybody venues respectfully.
The weekend editions of the festival took place at the Restoration Bedford Stuyvesant Plaza, in Brooklyn. With people exercising their customs and cultural traditions; of which involved Henna stands, vendors, African & Latino clothing lines on full display for watchful onlookers, potential buyers – and more. It was a mesh of the colorful, the exciting, the eventful. With participants exercising their rights to freedom of expression. The park’s center-stage was composed fully of dozens – following the beat of the DJ while the African dancers on-stage moved with grace to their hearts content.
Day 3Β of the the Northside Music Festival in McCarren Park, featured The Felice Brothers, Conor Oberst, and Kacey Musgraves.