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KoncertsMusicThe Latest

Karen Bernod’s Return to the Spotlight: 25 Years of Soul and Still Rising

by JaMir Robert July 4, 2025
written by JaMir Robert

Thank you again to Nina for this invitation. The Knockturnal was invited to attend the remarkable and deeply moving concert of soul and jazz singer-songwriter Karen Bernod, who has spent decades lending her voice to legends like Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, and Luther Vandross. Now, she returns center stage to remind us of her power and presence as a solo artist.

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July 4, 2025 0 comments
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EntertainmentEventsEventsLifestyleThe Latest

Rain Didn’t Dampen the 2025 Jazz Age Lawn Party

by Joshua A. Guttman June 29, 2025
written by Joshua A. Guttman

It was a rainy day on Governor’s Island,  but showers didn’t drown out the 20th Anniversary Jazz Age Lawn Party.

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June 29, 2025 0 comments
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FeaturedLifestyleThe Latest

Restaurant Review: The Club Room

by Megan D'Souza October 4, 2024
written by Megan D'Souza

 Jazz clubs are all the rage again in New York, and we’ve been to our fair share. We were not prepared, though, for the glitz and glamor that is the Club Room.

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October 4, 2024 0 comments
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Julius Rodriguez -- Credit: AtibaPhoto
EntertainmentEventsThe Latest

The GRAMMY Museum Presents: An Exclusive Night with Julius Rodriguez

by Lucy Niederman July 30, 2024
written by Lucy Niederman

Presented by The GRAMMY Museum, The Knockturnal was invited to an exclusive conversation with musician Julius Rodriguez in honor of his latest body of work, Evergreen.

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July 30, 2024 0 comments
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EntertainmentEvents

Olympia Vitalis: A Soulful Voice Rising from West London

by Hakeem Animashaun March 13, 2024
written by Hakeem Animashaun

Raised in the vibrant cultural tapestry of West London, Olympia Vitalis emerges as a captivating figure in the soul music scene, fearlessly claiming her rightful space. With a background rooted in gospel choir, Olympia’s journey into the realm of soul music has been defined by seven years of immersive experience, where she has finely crafted her distinctive improvisational style.

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March 13, 2024 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Musician Hadar Orshalimy Announces Her Upcoming Jazz Album

by Britt Trachtenberg March 2, 2023
written by Britt Trachtenberg

Musician Hadar Orshalimy’s upcoming album features songs from the Great American Songbook. Jewish women wrote all covered arrangements. Orshalimy’s ninth album ‘Witchcraft’ featured jazz music and celebrates feminism. On March 8, the album will appear on digital music platforms.

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March 2, 2023 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Arturo O’Farrill Presents “North American Premiere” of “The Cuban Khaleeji Project” with Afro Latin Jazz Alliance & Little Island

by The Knockturnal August 28, 2022
written by The Knockturnal

On Sunday, August 21, The Knockturnal was invited to experience a magical musical evening on Little Island.

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August 28, 2022 0 comments
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EventsLifestyleMusicThe Latest

Summer Kicks Off at Somewhere Nowhere: Rooftop Pool Unveiling and Gotham Jazz Sessions

by Megan D'Souza June 21, 2022
written by Megan D'Souza

On Wednesday evening, popular Manhattan club Somewhere Nowhere unveiled its rooftop pool for the summer. The special day prompted the club to host a variety of lively events, including a Gotham Jazz show with the Womack Sisters headlining, which we had the chance to check out. 

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June 21, 2022 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Exclusive Interview: Jazz Artist Spiros Exaras “The Magic of Christmas” [Video]

by Serena Khahera December 29, 2021
written by Serena Khahera

The newest Holiday EP from internationally acclaimed jazz artist Spiros Exaras is here, and The Knockturnal got the inside scoop. Exaras’s first ever original holiday single “The Magic of Christmas”, released on December 1st, brings joy to the world. Exaras is known for his impressive fusion of different musical elements, notably in his Greek- Cuban collaboration with Elio Villafranca, “Old Waters, New River” as well as in his signature Blue Note album “Phrygianics”.  Along with  title “The Magic of Christmas”, Spiros Exaras also released a second Christmas track titled “Christmas Wish”. In the title track, “The Magic of Christmas”, Spiros’ resonant guitar sound meets with Don Braden’s distinctive sax, and Eugene Ruffolo’s smooth vocals to create what is sure to be a future Christmas classic.

Inspiration for “The Magic of Christmas” struck when Spiros’ daughter was studying abroad and was unable to join the family in decorating the Christmas tree. With love and imagination, Spiros and Ileana decided to co-write a song expressing the holiday cheer that magically unites people, no matter the distance. A jolly journey of two solos is followed by a line in Spiros Exaras’ native language, Greek. “Ding, dong! Christou’genna pantou,’” (Christmas is everywhere), wishing happy holidays from his home to the world. Indeed, The Magic of Christmas knows no borders. The second track, Christmas Wish, is a heartfelt song about lending a hand to those less fortunate. It is a wish for a world where holiday joy is not a privilege for the few, but can spread to all people. Amanda Homi’s soulful voice along with Caryl Paisner’s stunning cello interpretation blend with Spiros’ dynamic arrangement to create a song that is both touching and hopeful. The Magic of Christmas EP is a joyful sleigh ride, a cheerful stroll through a sparkling city, and gift of heartwarming melodies that once opened, will bring smiles to all its listeners.

Check out our interview with guitarist, composer, producer Spiros Exaras below and don’t forget to check out the music video for “The Magic of Christmas” along with “Christmas Wish” now on YouTube and Spotify.

 Tell us about your new song

In my family, we have a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree together while listening to Christmas songs- jazzy Christmas songs. One year my daughter, Ileana, was studying abroad and couldn’t join us for this annual tradition, so we decided to unite in a different way: by writing a song that we could look forward to listening the next holiday season we’d get to spend together as a family.

It had to be Christmas song- a jazzy Christmas song. If you listen to the lyrics, you’ll get to hear holiday spirit from four cities, all of which Ileana and myself have travelled to: Paris, London, Moscow, and of course, New York. “The Magic of Christmas” is about the joy- bearing holiday energy that knows no borders, and that brings us together no matter the distance.

It’s available on all streaming services, but Apple subscribers exclusively can also listen to the Atmos mix for a more cinematic and immersive experience.

What was the creative process behind it?

You would think that after being exposed to so many holiday songs in one’s life, writing them would be second nature, but its not so!  If it’s a Christmas song, you want it to “sound” like Christmas. The challenge then, is trying to think about the song rationally- as in trying to come up with festive harmonies and thinking about traditional instruments like bells, while also trying to make it come from the heart- and that’s when all the thinking you’ve put in finally translates into emotion. After weeks of thinking and writing nothing, my daughter, Ileana, sent me a picture of herself in front of Saint Basil’s Church in Moscow, a historic landmark. As if by magic, memories came back to mind and the first lyrics landed: “Christmas in Moscow’s Saint Basil, Ding Dong, Saint Patrick’s in New York”. I sent the draft to the ‘master’ to finish it brilliantly. This is the first time Ileana and I wrote lyrics together.

What are some of your favorite holiday songs?

Holiday songs are more than just melody: they are memory, they are hope, and they can inspire comfort even in not so comforting times. Some songs that are timeless for me are “I’ll be Home for Christmas” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, and “Carol of the Bells”. I believe these songs have the power to bring moments of heartwarming unity.  Joni Mitchell’s “River” is also an important and beautiful song, showing the angst that can be hidden behind the lights and ornaments of the season.

How was collaborating with your daughter?

Being able to work with Ileana is a blessing. I trust her and take her opinion very seriously. She is in touch with her generation, and her academic and experiential knowledge from living in different countries ensures  that I stay up-to-date with the times, and reconsider any ideas that may be old fashioned, both in the music industry and in life. It is important to build a relationship of honest communication and respect with your children. You grow together, and most importantly, these are values that your children will export to society. It all starts in the family. Of course, at times we are both “stubborn Greeks” but that’s because we set the bar high. She has a great gift for translating the emotion I want to communicate into lyrics.

What’s next for you?

Next up, I’m working on a concept album with 11 songs inspired by ancient Greek mythology. You’ll be able to hear exotic rhythms, ethnic instruments, and progressive harmonies mixed with cool electronic sounds. It’ll be performed with my band, World-Jazz Ensemble.  If you’re into myths, heroes, gods, and goddesses, stay tuned for a “mythical” jazz twist!

In the meantime, you can get an acoustic glimpse of a Greek-folklore fusion, featuring santurist Loukia Valasi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz63BOf0frk). Finally you can check out another very important project from this past year: a video for “La Ruta”, a song co-written with Jeremy Ryan dedicated to refugees who risk their lives for a better future, with original images from the Syria- Turkey Border, Greece, Serbia, and the United States, by acclaimed photographer Craig Ruttle  and original text from NYU psychoanalyst Dr. Spyros Orfanos. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3-68KxF-bY)

What about “Christmas Wish”, the second holiday song you released this season?

The holiday season in New York City is a gift in itself, bringing in a rush of love, compassion, and gratitude. Not everybody, however, receives this love and compassion. “Christmas Wish” is a reminder not to lose sight of our consideration for others amidst the shopping and the sparkling spectacles.  It’s a song that I hope will inspire those with a big enough hand, to lend it to those who do not have their basic needs met, physical and emotional. I hope that everyone will have something to feel grateful for this season. That is my wish.

Cover art by Pau Yaniz Gonzalez

December 29, 2021 0 comments
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EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Tribeca Film Festival Film Review: “Shapeless” Stylish Empathetic Body Horror

by Joshua A. Guttman June 19, 2021
written by Joshua A. Guttman

Content Warning: Eating Disorders. Body horror is a traditionally excellent way to depict anxiety.

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June 19, 2021 0 comments
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Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

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#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

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#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

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 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

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#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

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#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
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#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

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#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
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👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

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#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
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#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

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@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

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#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
@mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Some @mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Something Beautiful — a 55-minute visual album that blurs the line between music, film, and fantasy. Premiered at Tribeca, now playing on the biggest screen: herself. 🎬✨ 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/high-energy-higher-fashion-miley-cyruss-pop-opera-something-beautiful/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

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#MileyCyrus #SomethingBeautiful #VisualAlbum #PopOpera #Tribeca2025 #EditorialMoment #MusicAndFilm #FashionInFilm
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