John Patrick Shanley’s new play is a frank look at playing the cards you’re dealt in life, with or without allies that come along the way.
The Knocturnal attended Celestial Arts Presents The Influence, Writers Who Brunch, and Inconvenient Conversations.
There’s nothing like spending the holidays in New York– from the countless movies that are set in the city, to the even more innumerable people dressed up as Santa and holiday cheer throughout the streets, it truly is a magical time of year. And with it comes all of the winter wonderland activities, especially ice skating.
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.
A Mexican-inspired Courtyard opened its doors to Brooklynites in Williamsburg earlier last month, inviting them to enjoy Mexican gastronomy and culture as they experience the menu for the first time. The popular food district has long been an epicenter for culinary innovation, drawing the attention of food enthusiasts from far and wide. By offering contemporary interpretations of classic Mexican dishes, Mexi navigates the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation.
In an ever-evolving culinary landscape, Mexi distinguishes itself through a commitment to authentic flavors, cultural immersion, and a holistic dining experience. The echoes of Mexico resound not only through the delicious dishes but also through every aspect of Mexi’s decor. Traditional tiles, hand-painted artworks by local artists, and Mexican symbolism create an environment that transports diners to the heart of Mexico. The restaurant breathes life into century-old church pews, reclaimed beams, and custom doors, which stand as artifacts of history, now repurposed for the enjoyment of patrons. Large oil paintings adorning the walls capture the essence of Mexican landscapes, agave plants, and traditional Folklorico Dance Dresses, creating a sensory journey through the country’s diverse regions. Every detail, from the Zapotec Queen-sized rug to artisan hand-painted tiles, adds texture and authenticity to the space, ensuring that Mexi remains a masterpiece in culinary immersion.
Mexi Food
The Mexi team drew inspiration from their Mexican heritage to create a menu that pays homage to the country’s rich culinary traditions. Spearheading these efforts is Chef Zenaido Hernandez, an experienced talent from the restaurant group, with the consultation of Michelin chef Johan Svensson from Aquavit. At Mexi, everything is made from scratch, from corn tortillas to mole sauces and hand-rolled corn masa dumplings, often referred to as ‘gnocchi,’ showcasing a commitment to authenticity and quality.
- Fire-roasted tomatillo & jalapeño salsa verde ($14): Mexi’s salsa verde offers a flavorful and mild option that’s perfect for dipping chips. The tangy notes and smoky heat in the red salsa add depth and variety to the experience.
- Tuna Serrano Aguachile($19): While not everyone may be a ceviche enthusiast, Mexi’s take on the Tuna Serrano Aguachile is a culinary adventure. The combination of fresh tuna marinated in a cucumber-lime broth, mixed with herbs and vegetables, results in a refreshing and delightful dish. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Short Rib Birria Tacos ($24): These open-faced tacos feature juicy short ribs, served with their own consommé sauce, offering a deeply satisfying and richly flavored option.
- Pork Shoulder Al Pastor ($26): An embodiment of Mexican street food, these taco skewers feature guajillo pepper-marinated pork shoulder, served in a grilled pineapple. Guests have the opportunity to create their perfect bite with complementing salsa matcha, salsa roja, and house-made tortillas.
- Popover Churros: For dessert, The Popover Churros, reminiscent of traditional churros, are served with dulce de leche and Mexican Chili chocolate sauces. A sweet and indulgent finish to Mexi’s menu.
Photo courtesy of Mexi
Mexi Cocktails
Curated by Ramon Morado and Carlos Becerra, Mexi’s cocktail menu is a celebration of Mexican spirits, showcasing rare small-batch tequilas and Mexican rums. These ingredients serve as the foundation Mexi’s cocktails that draw inspiration from Mexico’s history and heritage.
- Mexi in the City: A Mexican-inspired take on the Cosmopolitan, with colors reminiscent of the vibrant streets of Mexico.
- El Concord: A mix of Margarita and a wine float, symbolizing the historical period when Mexico was occupied by Spain.
- Maria Felix: Inspired by Mexican Actress and singer Maria Felix, known for receiving roses after her performances, this cocktail captures her essence with its pink and red hues.
- Sergio Leon: Drawing inspiration from the agave landscapes in Mexico, Sergio Leon incorporates green to represent the agave plant itself, accompanied by foam as part of the fermentation process.
Mexi is located at 149 North 9th Street and is open daily from 4 to 11 p.m., with reservations available through Resy.
Giving us all a well needed disconnect from reality, ROLL THE BONES (RTB) theatre company transformed audience members to simpler times with immersive theatre experience, No. 9.
A delightful excuse to bond, No. 9 is designed for pairs who are willing to unplug for an hour to escape into one of three worlds: Asheville, North Carolina in 1986, Redding, Connecticut in 2007 or where we ended up; in 1993 chilling outside of a trailer in Twentynine Palms, California with our host, Lynne. Before the experience began, each pair received a watch preset to go off after an hour; which marked the end of our visit.
It was a starry night in Twentynine Palms on October 13, and friends and partners were kicked back on lawn chairs with a cooler full of beers and powdered sparkling cider. In addition to the dim lighting, sounds of crickets and life like set; Lynne’s nomadic and welcoming spirit ignited an eclectic mix of conversations ranging from constellations, the vibrations crystals and humans share and the emergence of TLC.
Created and directed by RTB Artistic Director, Taylor Myers, and Michael Ryterband, No. 9 is “ a human-centric answer to the loneliness epidemic of the digital age.” The production was accompanied by a seamless shift to the Dead Letter Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge where audience memembers were served chili, pizza, and other comfort foods and cocktails.
Opened to the public on October 14, No. 9 is set to run through early November. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: A guest attends CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Saturday, October 7, 2023. Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn, New York. — Saturday morning rain showers fell hard and heavy in the borough of Brooklyn; but it didn’t stop the main event from happening on Flushing Avenue. The annual cultural mecca for Black and Brown creatives, CultureCon, opened its lines to the likes of designers, brand influencers, culture benders, film talents, small business owners, media press outlets and many more. CultureCon, founded in 2019, is the fastest growing conference and brings together creatives and changemakers of color that aim to elevate their social and professional networks. These bountiful creatives intend to make a mark on the culture and within the communities they serve. In an effort to keep the focus “community centered” the conference sets its sights on celebrating prominent and innovative voices leading the way. It is their hope to inspire attendees to make notable impacts in their respective lanes, creative causes and to become an infectious impact on the world at large, as a BIPOC creative-thought leader.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: A guest attends CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This year’s CultureCon presented by Creative Collective included presenting partners: Max, Amex, Shea Moisture, Amazon PRIME, Freevee, Clinique, Google, Ciroc, Bullet Bourbon, Seedlip (Non Alcoholic Spirits), Patreon, Paramount (Content For Change), KickStarter, NBCUniversal,Spotify, Walmart, Tubi, School For Experiential Education in Design, The Startup Collection | Aveeno, Ben & Jerry’s, Coca Cola, LTK, Visible by Verizon, Dotdash Meredith, LCKR, Getty Images, Nielsen, TikTok, #CultureTags, NPR, and The Tillary Hotel- Brooklyn.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Simone Jordan, Laura Stylez and Jacob Lattimore speak on stage during CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
CultureCon encourages the creative collective body by honoring notable influencers, industry trailblazers, tastemakers and celebrities. The two day event featured panelists that discussed navigating and managing the pressures in the film and entertainment industries; obtaining careers in the growing field of tech and various degrees of corporate spaces. Other major topics offered insights on personal branding; overcoming the socio-economic factors that impede or inspire creativity; investments, crowdfunding for business and managing personal finances with financial gurus such as Financial Educator and New York Times Bestseller, Tiffany “the Budgetnista”; as well as discussions on maintaining self care while launching brands and building empires.
This year the 2023 CultureCon brought on a new facet to their ever growing pilgrimage, now including in its activation booths, a Creative Career Job Fair that allowed the attendees to meet one on one with recruiters from: Amazon Studios, Clinique, Max, NBCUniversal, Google, Walmart, Shea Moisture, and Kickstarter. Career hopefuls had the opportunities to provide or upload their digital resumes within the talent submission pool for further consideration and a chance to land their dream jobs.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Issa Rae speaks onstage during How to Find Your People Brand: American Express panel at the CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Day one of the CultureCon event included the prolific and legendary American Actress and Writer, Issa Rae (Insecure, Rap Sh!t, The Photograph, The Lovebirds, Barbie) discussed her organization, ColorCreative, and how it cultivated its initiative, the Find Your People Program (FYPP), to mentor aspiring creatives of color through an intensive creative program.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Issa Rae speaks onstage during How to Find Your People Brand: American Express panel at the CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Emmy-Award winning actor and rapper, Jharrel Jerome (When They See Us, Moonlight, Full Circle) sat down with podcast host and entrepreneur, Bimma Williams to share his creative process in music and his career journey. Sharing insights on “When They See Us” and providing more insight on his new album “I’m a Virgo”, inspired the crowd who remained engaged during his interview with Bima.
Actress and Film Producer, Marsai Martin (Blackish, Little, Fantasy Football), at the blossoming age of 18 years, took to the stage to share her newest venture as the global brand ambassador for Clinique and shared her creative evolution in beauty after partnering with the high-end beauty brand. Marsai spoke on her numerous achievements, multiple NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, her historic role as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood, and founding her company Genius Entertainment.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Teyana Taylor and Eric Jones Jr. speak onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This year’s CultureCon honoree, was the illustrious superstar, Teyana Taylor(A Thousand and One, Coming 2 America, The Breaks). The multihyphenate shared the stage in an intimate discussion with Emmy-Award winning journalist, Eric Jones, to discuss her incredible career and was rightfully presented with the CultureCon 2023 award by her mother and children. Teyana dazzled the crowd with her star studded aura. She handed out pearls of wisdom to the attendees; mentioning that her faith in God kept her strong in mind and spirit; and reminding us that the wait for our promise is actually our time of preparation for a great outcome and to learn to give ourselves flowers by being our own glade plugin; further exemplifying why she earned the right to be acclaimed as a cultural icon.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Ziwe speaks onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
TV host and internet icon, Ziwe closed day one with a hilarious conversation alongside, DeAndre Brown AKA The Corporate Baddie. “Black Friend: Essays,” and her journey from being an intern with big dreams to a certified boss in the midst of her dream career.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Lola Brooke speaks onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
On day one, I found myself richly inspired by panelist, Rap recording artist, Lola Brooke, who eagerly shared her love of performing on stage. The “Don’t Play With” lyricist lit up as she discussed that she knew in her heart she’d always wanted to perform; she said that before bed at night, she recalls falling asleep with music in her ears and dreaming that she was on stage. She expressed staying grounded and knowing that every decision that she’d made “fell on me” and that remaining centered was above all else, priority for her.
Day one of CultureCon lunch consisted of jollof rice ( a tomato and rice-based dish that is widely eaten across West and Central Africa) sweet plantains, gold coast slaw, grilled peri-peri chicken with a Bissap Hibiscus juice from African Chop House, and yes it was delicious. Other featured restaurants included the Crabby Shack, Ras Plant Based, OxKale, Cafe Rue Dix, File Gumbo Bar, Aunt Et uncles, Charles Pan Fried Chicken, the James Beard nominated chef and Harlem icon’s soul food for the soul pick, and Chef Kwame’s Patty Palace.
By the close of Day one’s festivities, my black mesh CultureCon tote was full to the brim with goodies. I collected my goodies from Clinique whose volumizing mascara and skin moisturizer has instantly become a new favorite in my makeup arsenal; magazine giveaways (and cookies) from the largest publisher in North America, Dotdash Meredith; free beverages from CocaCola and SmartWater; and an adorable “Black Men We Love You” men’s care kit from Shea Moisture.
Let me know, did you get your Culture on this weekend or are you planning to attend the Fourth Annual Culture Con? Let me know your thoughts and stay tuned for Day 2 of Culture Con!
An extraordinary weekend filled with inspiration and hope unfolded as New Yorkers had the privilege of witnessing the legendary Jane Goodall in action. From the moment she took the stage at Kings Theatre to deliver her captivating presentation, “Reasons for Hope,” to the thought-provoking conversation at the renowned 92nd Street Y, Dr. Goodall’s enduring optimism for our planet illuminated the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
Dr. Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and UN Messenger of Peace, has dedicated her life to studying and protecting chimpanzees and advocating for conservation efforts. Her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations is truly awe-inspiring.
During her presentation at Kings Theatre on Saturday September 30th, Dr. Goodall shared stories of resilience, highlighting the importance of individual action and collective responsibility in tackling the environmental challenges we face. Her words resonated deeply, reminding us that even small acts can have a profound impact.
What struck me most was Dr. Goodall’s emphasis on the power of the youth. She spoke just as passionately the following evening on Sunday October 1st at the 92nd Street Y, about the role young people play in shaping the future and encouraged them to become active agents of change. Her ability to instill hope in the hearts of the next generation was a testament to her belief that together, we can make a difference.
Leaving both events, one couldn’t help but feel grateful for having witnessed Dr. Goodall’s unwavering dedication and contagious spirit. She is undeniably a gift to our world—a beacon of hope shining brightly amidst the challenges we face. Her legacy serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate future.
In a world that often seems marred by uncertainty, Jane Goodall’s extraordinary work and her enduring optimism remind us that the actions we take today can positively impact tomorrow.
Set against the backdrop of Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, NY, Max hosted an immersive screening of Matthew Cherry’s new animated series Young Love this past Wednesday. The Chicago-based show follows an African American couple voiced by Issa Rae and Kid Cudi as Stephen & Angela, along with their daughter Zuri, played by Brooke Monroe Conaway. The animated series was greenlit by Max in 2020 and launched 9/21 for streaming on Max.
The new series for Max is created by Cherry, who will showrun with long-time animation creative Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). The series will be executive produced by Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young (producer of Hair Love) along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.
For the family-friendly event Max hosted immersive activations in partnership with Scene In Black & The Lay Out based on the 12-part TV show including:
- Angela’s Salon: Hair Braiding presented by Yeluchi by Un-Ruly
- Stephen’s Studio: Beats Making presented by BeatClub & Serato
- Zuri’s Reading Corner: Kids Activities presented by Penguin Random House
- Photo Moment: Family House
DJ BMAJR kept the mood alive and upbeat as the official DJ of the evening playing throwbacks and new singles for their set.
The event kicked off promptly at 6 PM, drawing a crowd of eager parents and their little ones, all grabbing snacks and preparing for the evening’s screening. However, the show didn’t start until after sunset, around 7 PM, heightening the anticipation among the attendees. While some episodes had already been released on Max the week before, the opportunity to gather and celebrate a Black TV show in the heart of Brooklyn felt like a powerful statement.
Notably, the local partners that Max collaborated with were predominantly Black vendors or organizations, further emphasizing the event’s intentional commitment to diversity. This choice was in line with the show’s creator and showrunner, Matthew Cherry, who is a Black filmmaker and first-time father. It was an inspiring moment, given the historical significance of Black hair and how it has defined the Black community, to see a light, family-friendly show portraying everyday struggles such as dealing with family expectations, life after a setback, and parenthood, especially to a bright young Black girl. These are challenges that the young couple must contend with, and the TV show skillfully highlights their journey.
Amidst these pressures, the TV show shines a light on the joy and love that the family members have for each other and those around them. Angela’s return to her life after her cancer remission includes relearning her trade as a hairstylist, with mistakes made but ultimately giving herself grace. Stephen grapples with embracing his musical talent and recognizing that his work may not appeal to everyone, understanding that artistic taste is subjective. Meanwhile, Zuri, as cute as ever, urges her parents to participate in a school project, not just to fulfill an assignment, but to showcase how cool and supportive her parents are. Angela and Stephen manage to arrive just in the nick of time, making Zuri proud and treating the kids to some great music for dancing.
Photograph Courtesy of Max
Max screened the first two episodes interactively, engaging the audience with trivia questions related to influential Black movies and TV shows embedded in popular culture. As the evening came to a close, Matthew Cherry, along with other key members of the show, took the stage to express their gratitude to the guests for joining in the celebration of the continuation of their storytelling journey, from Hair Love to Young Love. The Brooklyn audience gave Cherry a well-deserved round of applause, echoing their appreciation for the screening.
NEW YORK, NY – From September 22 to October 1, the multidisciplinary design studio and showroom café Hudson Wilder in DUMBO, Brooklyn, will act as a sanctuary not only for contemporary home goods, but also for the curated art and design exhibit “Playing House”.