“Sometimes when the laws are unjust, the just have to be outlaws.” – Mario Van Peebles
NEW YORK, NY – Each year, the New York Junior League hosts a fundraising gala for its community programs and volunteer training, allowing it to continue advancing its exceptional impact in the NYC community.
Credit: Andrew Werner
The New York Junior League is one of New York City’s oldest and largest nonprofit volunteer organizations, run by 2,300+ women volunteers, focusing on uplifting women through community impact and leadership opportunities.
Credit: Andrew Werner
For this year’s gala, the organization set their sights on Cipriani South Street as their venue, with the theme of “Glamour in Gotham: Celebrating New York City’s Historic Past And Vibrant Future”. The fundraising gala, colloquially known as ‘Winter Ball’, is a black-tie event that begins with an extravagant dinner and culminates with dessert and dancing.
Credit: Andrew Werner
As is customary for fundraising galas, the NYJL conducted a live and silent auction, offering attendees the opportunity to go home with experiences such as a stay at the Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, day access to the Stamford Yacht Club, or even a private shopping experience at Alice + Olivia. Last year, the event raised over $600,000. This year’s total surpassed that by more than $100,000.
At this year’s gala, the NYJL honored several Outstanding Sustainers and Volunteers, the highest honors attainable from the organization. These awards are typically reserved only for exceptional women who embody the core values of the NYJL and demonstrate a dedication to giving back to the greater NYC community.
Credit: Andrew Werner
The committee presented awards to two Outstanding Sustainers (A. Gale Kroeger and Elizabeth Timberan) and five Outstanding Volunteers (Mona Kelly Lopez, Moriah K. Lutz-Tveite, Susan Timmons Marks, Elizabeth Ann Beller Staryak, and Megan Zuckerman) for their efforts. In the words of NYJL President Serra Eken, “These seven women embody the New York Junior League’s humanitarian spirit and their compassion and commitment to serving their community keeps us at the forefront of meeting the needs of women, children, and families in New York.”
Quoted directly from a press release: Since 1901, the New York Junior League (NYJL) has responded to New York City’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges. Powered by more than 2,300 women volunteers, the NYJL works with more than 60 community-based organizations to advance children’s social-emotional learning and to provide life skills programs to youth and adults who are navigating periods of difficult transition. Bringing their diverse experiences and talents, trained NYJL volunteers engage women and children in health, education, and arts workshops specially customized to their needs. The NYJL also advocates with state and city government for women- and children-centered policies and develops volunteers’ leadership skills for service in the NYJL and on other nonprofit boards, all while cultivating a community that reinforces women’s personal relationships and collective power as drivers of positive change.
Credit: Andrew Werner
Credit: Andrew Werner
Get ready for “90 minutes of pure adrenaline.”
Mitch Holson/Atlantic Records
Imagine a scared, young girl posting singing videos to social media, terrified of actually being on stage. Now imagine that same girl embarking on her first national tour.
That is the story of 22 year old singer-songwriter Maryjo. Her music journey started out back in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where she says she had horrible stage fright and was terrified to sing in front of people. But she liked to sing, so she decided to start posting singing videos on social media.
We got to sit down with Maryjo to talk about her journey and the exciting projects she’s created along the way.
“It didn’t really feel like singing in front of people,” she explained about why she started posting videos. She had no idea those videos would lead her to becoming a fan-favorite contestant on season 19 of American Idol. That same support from viewers of the show is what helped her become the performer she is now. “It gave me confidence.”
As a songwriter, she told us that getting the emotion across is the most important thing for her when she’s writing. “Once you get the emotion across, people start to listen.”
And that they do. Not only does Maryjo have 146K monthly listeners on Spotify, she also has 1.3 million followers on TikTok and 27.6 million likes.
Sarah Rodriguez/Atlantic Records
Her newest single “Drunk Tattoo” tells the story about how sometimes you fall for the wrong people and you hit a realization point and start to question why you ever liked them. Many of her songs come from her own personal life experiences. We asked her what it meant to her that so many fans can listen to and resonate with her songs. “It makes me feel like I’m doing my job right,” she told us. “I want to send a message for them to relate to it or connect to it, and that’s exactly what they’re doing.” With a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes, she added “And that makes me happy.”
After signing with Atlantic record in the fall of 2022, she released her single “Love Fools”, alongside a music video filmed through her home security camera – an idea her manager Kelly gave her. The ballad features a backing from GRAMMY® Award-nominated, 2x ACM Award-winning blind piano virtuoso Gordon Mote.
Many great producers and musicians have lent a hand in her song-writing and producing. She absolutely lit up when asked her about her experience with these amazing artists. “It’s so fun,” she boasted excitedly. “It’s nice because now I can feel comfy in the {recording studio} – because once you find your people you’re like, ‘Oh. There ya go’.”
Starting January 30th, Maryjo is headed on tour with musical artist Knox. “This is my first {tour} with a band and the road and the sprinter van… and the early morning wake-up calls,” she exclaimed with a bright smile on her face. From Chicago, Illinois to Atlanta, Georgia spanning a little less than two weeks, it’s hard work but nothing about it seems to beat her down. “I’m so excited,” she told us simply.
This is just the beginning for Maryjo and we are so excited to see what she has in store.
Imagine a celebrity chef preparing a private dinner for you, while you sip on a fresh Dirty Martini in hand, in a $20 million apartment in New York City. On Wednesday, January 24, the lucky winner of Tanqueray’s Damn Fancy Dinner Sweepstakes got to immerse in that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Photo Credit: JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment’s first global girl group, VCHA, is aligning the stars between America and Korea with their debut song, “Y.O.Universe,” with the idea behind their group being an American girl group under the influence of K-Pop, being trained in Korea.
Shortly after the pre-release Up Late, Korean artist GEMINI released his latest EP, Love Sick, on September 22. It is now available on major music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Melon, YouTube, and other streaming services, or you can buy your own physical album here!
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”.
New York Fashion Week is back and active, as everyone gathered near and far to be apart of the many shows, press events and after parties. It’s a full week affair and on Saturday September 9th I had the pleasure of attending Leonardo 5th Avenues NYFW Runway show located at the infamous Spring Studios.
New York City on a rainy September evening, anticipation and excitement filled the air. I had the privilege of attending a highly anticipated fashion show at Spring Studios, a venue renowned for hosting some of the most prestigious events in the fashion industry. Leonardo 5th Avenue promised to be an unforgettable experience, and I was eager to immerse myself in their collection. Designers, Leonardo and Ana Sofia, debuted their RTW Spring/Summer 2024 collection on the runway with the rainy day, but the show must go on. Leonardo’s show was filled with so many unique attendees dressed to impress. As the doors to the hall opened, I made my way to the front row, where the runway extended like a glistening pathway. The stage was bathed in bright lighting, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. The pristine white catwalk seemed to stretch into infinity, a canvas awaiting the artistry of the designers.
The show commenced with a breathtaking display of creativity and innovation. The designer’s collection was a unique expression of their artistic vision, and I was captivated by the diversity of styles on display. From sleek and minimalistic ensembles to bold, avant-garde creations, every piece pushed the boundaries of fashion. The destructed tailored suits, paired with the models dark grungy black Smokey eye makeup, was the perfect combination of elegance and grunge. The models, with their impeccable poise and grace, glided down the runway at first in pairs of two. They walked with a vampire blank expression, sharp movements and confidence that brought the garments to life. The music pulsated in harmony with the designs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the spectacle. This is my first viewing of the brands clothing and I was blown away. The innovation of turning unisex suits into rockstar styled outfits is amazing. The collection was a mix of high fashion quality with street style inspiration. One model had a suit with a studded choker, long cape attached to the romper style suit and chunky leather high heel boots. This was a moment everyone’s jaw dropped in awe of this silhouette.
What I found equally fascinating was the backstage chaos that contrasted with the elegance on the runway. Hair and makeup artists worked tirelessly to ensure each model’s look was impeccable. Designers and their teams hurriedly made last-minute adjustments to the outfits, and the energy backstage was electric. As a fellow model, I saw a few familiar faces that are good friends of mine and other fabulous models I’ve shared a runway with. It’s always a proud moment to see models flourish and grow while being chosen to walk show to show throughout the chaos of fashion week.
The final walk, where all the models appeared together, was a spectacular. The audience erupted in applause, acknowledging the immense talent and hard work of the designers, models, and everyone involved in making the event a reality. Leonardo and Ana Sofia graced the runway with their presence and walked amongst a roaring applause in support and congratulations to their showcased collection. They took pictures, press gathered for interviews and others hurried to the next show.
Congratulations to Leonardo 5th Avenue. I am now aware of this brand and will be on the lookout for what is to come of their next collections and even interests in pulling one of their fabulous evening wear pieces. For more information about Leonardo 5th Avenue, check out their instagram and vogue runway pictures online.
San Fransisco-based DJ & producer Ravenscoon walks us through his new ‘BODY’ EP in this exclusive track-by-track.