It was an exciting night at the Bowery Hotel, celebrating the premier of Causeway.
Casita Maria’s Fiesta! was held for the first time since the pandemic in New York City’s Plaza Hotel on October 11. The event honored Latino groundbreakers such as Puerto Rican Postwar and Contemporary artist Tony Bechara, chairman of the NBCUniversal New Group, Cesar Conde; and immigration rights leader Gaby Pacheco.
“Since 1934, Casita Maria has served as a beacon of hope and safe haven for thousands of families to celebrate the unique, powerful, and rich culture of the Bronx and New York City communities of color,” Pacheco asserted while doting on the organization that taught her ballet in the early 2000s. Since, Pacheco has been advocating on behalf of immigrants and gained national recognition for her work to pass the DREAM Act; which works to grant immigrant students legal status and eventually, U.S. citizenship.
As the son of immigrants, Cesar Conde took to the stage with gratitude for both Casita Maria and his parents. “They always taught us, the one thing in life that no one could ever take away from you is your education,” Conde recalled. “The work that Casita Maria is doing in educating and empowering our youth and opening up all those opportunities in life for them, that is the work that is priceless,” he marveled. Tony Bechara expressed the same sentiment noting, “I want to thank Casita Maria because many, many years ago, waves of compatriots of mine from Puerto Rico were arriving here in New York looking for a better life. New York being the beacon of hope. There was no one to help them. Casita Maria filled that void. They were the first to do it.”
Located in the South Bronx, Casita Maria has taken on the responsibility of exposing Latino youth to the opportunities many of their parents and grandparents sought via immigration. Fostering a community of innovative young professionals for decades, Casita Maria celebrates their consistent wins with Fiesta! The fundraiser enables the organization to continue serving over 1,000 students every year while being an anchor within the community.
To learn more about Casita Maria and for ways to get involved, visit https://www.casitamaria.org
I had a tremendous amount of fun at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
Divine inspiration captures a musician in a glorious moment. It’s fleeting. The rush is on. Right then and there, an impromptu recording session produces their hit song you know and love — in real time. But that only happens in movies. Right?
“I was watching the Michael Jackson ‘Bad’ video on TV, the world premiere,” Weird Al Yankovic told The Knockturnal. “And immediately thought — ‘fat’. They were walking through the turnstiles in the subway. What if this guy was like 900 pounds and couldn’t get through the turnstiles? And before the video was over I had a concept for the video.”
Weird Al’s “Fat” is to Michael Jackson’s “Bad” as “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” is to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “The Doors” or “Sid and Nancy.” Biopics tend to take artistic liberties, not limited to the genesis of songs. It’s almost mandatory that at some point in one of these movies a band member will go, “wait a minute,” then commence jamming the riff to what will be their biggest hit. “Weird” tends to take artistic liberties with those well-trodden artistic liberties.
In real life, no, Yankovic did not write most of his songs spontaneously, nor did he have a torrid love affair with Madonna nor did he make a mortal enemy of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar — all of which happen in the movie.
“A lot of times when I write a song it’s a matter of me thinking about something for a long period of time,” said Yankokovic. “[‘Bad’ is] the exception to the rule. Usually it’s me thinking about what are the variations on the theme I can explore.”
The Knockturnal spoke to the cast, director and some of the real life people who inspired the not so true story at the New York premiere of “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” at Downtown Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse on Nov 1.
Daniel Radcliffe, standing on the carpet with Yankovic, is noticeably shorter. About eight inches. His vocabulary also differs.
Radcliffe, beginning to speak about his favorite Weird Al song not included in the film called “Bob”, let out a reflexive “ah, fu-,” narrowly avoiding consummating the f-bomb. A cursus interruptus. “I didn’t even get through the whole word,” he said. “So it’s fine.”
Yankovic has not and has never, according to himself and all known documentation, sworn. “He doesn’t. It’s true. I do, unfortunately. I grew up on film sets so I swear like a sailor,” said Radcliffe. “And I’m English, so it’s like charming when I do it.”
Despite the disparities, Radcliffe pulled it off. After all, he didn’t have to play the teetotalling, clean-mouthed, sperm donor eligible (Yankovic’s a cool six foot) version of Al. Radcliffe plays Weird Al’s parody of Weird Al — international sex symbol, MMA-trained, binge boozing, libidinous rockstar Al.
“Dude, it was one of the things that I loved getting to do in the film,” said Radcliffe. “Everyday I was getting to do a fight scene or a song and dance number or comedy with Rainn Wilson or Evan [Rachel Wood].”
One of those song and dance numbers is “I Love Rocky Road,” a parody of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” In the film, Radcliffe lip syncs the song in front of a rowdy crowd of bikers, punks and other hard-looking folks. Along with his performance in Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” parody “Like a Surgeon,” Radcliffe cited “Rocky Road” as his favorite to do.
“I was never in a band growing up and I got to live out that fantasy during that sequence,” he said. “Al was on set everyday. He would come in with notes occasionally, mostly about musical stuff we were doing.”
While interacting on set, Radcliffe said he never urged the man he was spoofing to spoof himself and his most famous role — Harry Potter. Weird Al has taken on many big franchises like “Star Wars” (twice) and “Spider-Man,” but has never gone to Hogwarts. “I’m almost surprised it hasn’t happened anyway. Potter does feel like it’s pretty rich ground for parody,” said Radcliffe.
During one of Yankovic’s days on sets, he had a rather famous friend and fan visit — and make a brief cameo in the film. “The making of this movie was a blur,” said Lin-Manuel Miranda. “I was there for a morning. I got to hug Al.”
Miranda has long admired the parody artist, gushing over him in numerous interviews. Now, he’s friends and coworkers with a larger than life figure to him. He said, “I feel like I’m friends with Santa Claus.”
His Saint Nick-esque persona notwithstanding, Yankovic is pretty approachable, according to the “Weird” director Eric Appel. Appel said he wanted Yankovic’s blessing to do the movie so he reached out to mutual friend Patton Oswalt to set up a meeting.
In that very first meeting, Yankovic threw out some of the more outlandish components of the film, namely, Pablo Escobar’s appearance as a primary antagonist. “That came from the very first conversation I had with Al in 2019,” said Appel. ”I believe Al had just binge watched all of ‘Narcos.’ And Escobar was just right there on the tip of his brain. He was like, ‘I think it would be really funny if we had a sequence in the movie where I turned into John Wick and Escobar just makes sense as a 1980s super villain.”
Even the pitch meeting smacks of a parody of an off the walls Hollywood boardroom. “I saw someone’s tweet a while ago that said this movie feels like someone’s fake movie from ‘30 Rock,’” said Appel. He did an impression of Alec Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy talking to Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon from the NBC show, “We got Harry Potter as Weird Al, Lemon.”
Yankovic didn’t just take the idea of Escobar from watching Netflix; he took one of the actors from streamer’s hit show to play the drug lord. Arturo Castro, who plays a prominent member of the Cali cartel in “Narcos” and Escobar in “Weird,” joked, “This is the only part that was a real fact. Al Yankovic got rid of Pablo Escobar.”
As for the surviving Escobars and their acolytes who might watch his repeated portrayal of Colombian cocaine czars, he said, “I really hope they have a sense of humor.”
Weird Al didn’t really face off with Escobar in the jungles outside Medellín. He didn’t do practically anything featured in the movie. But he wouldn’t have done any of this at all — the successful novelty music career, the fake biopic — without the mentorship of Dr. Demento.
Early in his career. Yankovic came under the tutelage of Barry Hansen, better known as the Los Angeles comedic radio broadcaster Dr. Demento.
As the movie goes, Weird Al submits a tape of “My Bologna,” a parody of The Knack’s “My Sharona” to Dr. Demento, played by Rainn Wilson, to instant acclaim and commercial success. Dr. Demento actually did receive that tape, recorded in a bathroom at Cal State San Luis Obispo, by a curly-haired college student. But it didn’t catapult Yankovic into overnight stardom. Hansen said it took about six years for Yankovic to cultivate his art and gain mainstream traction.
“Every year it seemed like he learned to do something new, something better,” said Hansen of those first six years. “He started out making these homemade tapes and then he started being able to produce his own records. Then he started being able to produce his own videos. Now he’s co-producer of this movie.”
“Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” is available for streaming on Roku.
After the North 3rd Street Market in Brooklyn was closed in 2020, a new food hall operated by the hospitality group Moonrise Ventures called the Williamsburg Market has recently opened in its place. The Williamsburg Market features food options from 17 vendors which include: Alidoro Italian Sandwich Shop, Chef Bill Kim’s Urbanbelly, Malai Ice Cream, Harlem Seafood Soul, Ivy Stark Mexology, Paper Plate, and more. The concept of the Williamsburg Market offers guests an intimate ‘French country farmhouse meets Brooklyn industrial’ aesthetic. The space also features a gorgeous 360-degree brass and marble bar, an indoor/outdoor dining room, and kiosks for each vendor. The Knockturnal was in attendance at the market’s grand opening celebration in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
While at the opening, The Knockturnal sampled Paper Plate’s signature chicken sandwich and fries which was served with a mini vanilla Oreo milkshake. Prior to opening in it’s permanent location at the market, Paper Plate debuted as a vendor at the Smorgasburg outdoor food market. The Knockturnal also sampled the chicken and waffles from Harlem Seafood Soul. Harlem Seafood Soul was originally established as a food truck in Harlem by Chef Tami in 2016. Aside from their seafood offerings Harlem Seafood Soul is known for their fried mac and cheese balls.
“It is truly a unique opportunity to bring together such a talented group of chefs and operators under one roof here in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, one of New York City’s most exciting and dynamic neighborhoods,” said Cameron Schur, Managing Partner of Moonrise Ventures, who also calls Williamsburg home.
Photo Credit: Lexi Lambros
This fall, to celebrate the newest addition to the Harley-Davidson Sport category, I was invited to test ride the 2022 Nightster motorcycle. I’ve been looking forward to follow the next chapter of the Sportster story and for a chance to renew my love of Harleys after test riding the Sportster S last year, so the Nightster was the perfect opportunity to hop back on the road. What I found riding this bike around Chicagoland was more than just my passion for motorcycles: the Nightster served as a vehicle for discovery and expression.
My journey began at the Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee, where I met with Paul James, PR Manager at Harley-Davidson, who gave me a walkthrough of the Nightster. Immediately, I was struck by how elegant this bike was. In lush Redline Red (also available in Vivid Black and Gunship Grey—for me, red can’t be beat), the 2022 Nightster takes the quintessential profile of the iconic Sportster model and updates it for a new generation.
The first thing I noticed was the Revolution Max 975T powertrain, with its snaking exhaust headers and Metallic Charcoal finish. The powertrain is complemented by exposed rear shock absorbers that highlight each other to make a sleek profile with obvious might, striking that perfect balance between refinement and strength. When the Sportster was first introduced in 1957, it was positioned as an alternative to heavy cruisers, and the 2022 Nightster continues this legacy, built in the enduring Sportster silhouette. After plenty of time admiring the Nightster with Paul, I hopped on. In just a few minutes, I was immediately comfortable with the bike. The forward riding position, mid-mount foot controls, TFT display, and safety enhancements remind you that you’re riding a piece of cutting-edge technology. Equipped with signature Harley-Davidson gear including a limited-edition H-D x Jason Momoa Ka Pō jacket, insulated leather gloves, and BOOM! Bluetooth helmet, I was in good hands and ecstatic for the ride back home.
I picked up the bike in the middle of October, when autumn was just starting to come into full effect. Everyone talks about the changing colors of the coast lines on the East Coast, but you can’t beat the picturesque landscape of the Midwest in the fall. On the ride back to Chicago, half the trees still clung to their green leaves, the other half erupting in deep oranges, yellows, and reds. It had rained just a few days before, and even through my helmet, I could smell the aroma of wet earth along the road as I drove through miles of vibrant trail and fields down the I-94. The Nightster immediately rejuvenated me, alleviating the burnout and tedium of my busy lifestyle.
The Ride Modes beautifully complement the safety technology like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), TCS (Traction Control System), and DCSC (Drag-Torque Slip Control System) intervention. Each mode uses a carefully calibrated combination of safety settings, translating to an incredible amount of flexibility and confidence on the road. No matter the adventure, and even with the maximum amount of intervention in Rain Mode, I always felt like I was the one riding the bike—and not the other way around.
The new liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin Revolution® Max 975T powertrain is the heart of the 2022 Nightster
The Nightster features three Ride Modes: Road, Sport, and Rain. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS setting. Road is an all-around option for everyday riding, while Sport is for speed and Rain for low traction situations.
The Nightster's fuel tank ingeniously placed under the seat
The City
After I’d made it back to my home in Lincoln Park, it was time to give the Nightster a test in the city, I was curious to see how this motorcycle would handle Chicago’s busy traffic, crazed drivers, and bicyclists. As a city dweller and motorcycle enthusiast, it can be hard to find the right bike for the crowded, chaotic conditions of city riding. Unsurprisingly, the Nightster delivered the same great performance on the highway as it did on the streets of Chicago.
My first destination was downtown, to meet some friends in Fulton Market for dinner and drinks. I love Fulton Market—the rows of delicious restaurants and innovative bars remind me of my days in LA, lounging with friends and family at open air malls like the Grove. The close-packed buildings, broad streets, and gorgeous industrial architecture remind me of my favorite parts of Brooklyn, too. As much fun as it is to be in Fulton Market, getting there is another story. The streets are congested, parking is a chore, and there are always tons of pedestrians. Usually, I’ll just grab a bus or a train, but I took this as a good opportunity to test the Nightster.
The Nightster’s low seat height at 27.8 inches and light weight (481 pounds, wet) make it a quick and nimble machine that’s extremely pleasurable to ride through downtown Chicago. In addition to its razor-sharp handling, the fuel tank transposed under the seat shifts the center of gravity lower on the motorcycle, making it even easier to maneuver with confidence. As with all motorcycles, parking was a breeze on the Nightster. Getting to Fulton Market is such a pain that I made sure to leave well in advance. Between the agility of the Nightster and the ready parking I found on a motorcycle, I got to my location 30 minutes before my friends—enough time to get some shots of this beautiful bike.
The month I had it, the Nightster was my “yes man,” always encouraging me to say “yes” to adventure. The bike gave me an open invitation to be more curious, and to be as excited to take the ride to my destination as I was to be there. This is what I love most about riding a Harley in Chicago: it gives you a reason to explore the city and experience the incredible variety of living here, like feeling the warm breeze of the lake or discovering a local restaurant tucked in the city’s remote corners.
Naperville
On National Motorcycle Ride Day (October 15th), I took another opportunity to say “yes” and test the Nightster’s long-distance capabilities and ride modes.
Right after I jumped on the highway, I immediately grew a hunger for more torque and acceleration. As soon as I flipped on Sport Mode, the engine roared to life. For the past two weeks, the Nightster had been my nimble sidekick, taking me through city streets with tactility. Little did I know the understated power of this machine. The liquid cooled Revolution Max engine is insanely smooth—switching gears was effortless, with none of the jitters common to older bikes.
Before arriving in Naperville, I saw some off-the-beaten-path signs to the Green Valley Forest Preserve and Whalon Lake. Still in a mood to say “yes,” I decided to make a detour. I let myself be taken in by the incredible autumnal beauty of this part of Illinois while the Nightster handled the rural roads with ease. When you need it to, the bike seamlessly blends into the background, making it an intuitive ride. Again, I felt invigorated and rejuvenated cruising through autumn trees and endless fields.
When I arrived back home, a Triumph Scrambler parked in my usual spot caught my attention. Hearing my motorcycle engine, the owner of the Scrambler, Christian, opened his window to introduce himself and we immediately hit it off. Having a motorcycle is a great way to meet people and I was pleasantly surprised by instantaneous connection between bikers and the love of riding. Noticing Christian also had a Harley-Davidson Bluetooth Helmet, we instinctively decided to pair up and explore the city.
Over the next few days, Christian and I strapped on our helmets and set off for adventure. With Bluetooth connected, we had crystal clear conversations as we roared down highways, discussing movies, bikes, and everything in between. Mostly, I’ve used my helmet for navigation and music, but this was the first time I’d used the microphone to talk in real-time on the road. Riding with Christian while having a fluent conversation became a unique and special way to grow our friendship.
Kettle Moraine and Baháʼí Temple
As my time with the Nightster was coming to an end, I wanted to finish with a scenic ride through Wisconsin and cruise through the nature preserved roads of the historic Kettle Moraine.
I flipped on Rain Mode to tackle the rain-slick roads, and I immediately noticed an increase in traction. I could feel the throttle response change to the inclement conditions almost instantaneously. That kind of tactility is so important on a motorcycle as powerful as the Nightster; even on a wet highway, the Nightster in Rain Mode gave me reassurance. The nimble 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires also made carving down winding roads effortless. I’m not the most confident backroad rider, but my apprehensions faded on the Nightster.
Even this late into fall, there were still plenty of green leaves on the trees, mixed in with the more traditional fall palette. Being immersed in nature grounds me, a juxtaposition with hectic city life. Taking those winding roads in Wisconsin, the Nightster gently purring underneath me, and the rich, crisp air all around… I felt a calming sensation of serenity I’ve never experienced before.
On my way back, I stopped by the Baháʼí Temple in Evanston. Since coming to Chicago, I’ve always wanted to see it. The Baháʼí Temple is one of twelve standing temples of worship for the Baháʼí faith in the world. I’m not a particularly religious person, but its famed architecture convinced me to see it in person. A superstructure in ornate concrete and quartz cladding, the central dome of the building, surrounded by nine pillars each adorned with symbols from world religions, stands tall among immaculately curated gardens. Nothing in the area looks like it, and when you’re standing within its Foundation Hall, looking up at the intricate details, you are transported someplace else.
I had an amazing time riding the 2022 Nightster. This bike is a marvel of engineering, delivering a smooth, comfortable experience that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of power. It’s a stunning design, sleek and modern while echoing the best features of the classic Sportster. With the Nightster, I got to experience more of myself and the Midwest: heading downtown for drinks, riding with Christian, and taking day trips up to Wisconsin to highlight a few. The Nightster handled the transition from city to country seamlessly, allowing me to express my curiosity and passion for adventure—which is the underlying theme of my relationship with the Nightster: expression. Expressive in its design and expressive in the way it makes you feel.
When I think back to my (too-short) time with the Nightster, I’ll remember the incredible experiences that this machine gave me. The way it encouraged me to say “yes.” From its ease of use and comfort to its incredible power, the Nightster is a proud entry in the legendary history of Harley-Davidson’s design and legacy and a beautiful homage to the beloved Sportster.
The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster motorcycle is now available at Harley-Davidson dealers starting at $13,499.
It’s been a busy fall. Here are some of our favorite things on the scene.
Tourism Australia’s new live-action short film, G’day, starring Rose Byr4ne and Will Arnett, debuted online on October 19. The film is part of a new global tourism campaign inviting international travelers to Come and Say G’day, and plan and book an Australian adventure of their own.
Directed by acclaimed Australian director, Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), G’day the short film shows the unlikely adventure of a souvenir kangaroo named Ruby, voiced by beloved Australian actor Rose Byrne, and a toy unicorn, Louie, voiced by actor Will Arnett.
The short film follows Ruby and Louie as they ‘break out’ of a gift shop on the Great Barrier Reef and take an incredible adventure around Australia, visiting iconic sites including Sydney Harbour, Melbourne’s laneways, and stunning natural landscapes like Uluṟu and Nitmiluk Gorge.
Rose Byrne in her new role as Tourism Australia’s Global Ambassador and the voice of Ruby, said, “Having the opportunity to voice Ruby was such an honour – she’s a representative for what it means to be an Aussie – she is warm, welcoming, but also endlessly curious and seeing Australia for the first time. I’m so excited to be able to help welcome travelers to our beautiful country.”
In other news, Civetta Hospitality partners James Mallios, Kylie Monagan and Tanya Saxena welcomed guests to Amali at Chiotes Hall. The Upper East Side will never be the same – think Gossip Girl venue hotspot for a modern age and sensible crowd. The new event space and hidden gem on has a capacity for 150 seated guests and up to 200 guests for receptions.
The culinary team at Amali will oversee food, beverage and service for the space, which is equipped with two 15-foot dropdown screens with built-in projection and surround sound speakers. 4AM’s Director of Events Chris Bachmann provided the night’s talent, which included a DJ, Saxophonist, Steel Drummer and Magician along with the gorgeous lighting and staging.
Lastly, non-alcoholic spirit innovator Wilderton’s newest release Bittersweet Aperitivo was celebrated with Wilderton’s co-founder Brad Whiting and co-founder/lead distiller Seth O’Malley at the intimate new aperitivo bar Midnight Café in Manhattan West.
Midnight Café’s Iain Griffiths (Dandelyn, White Lyan) curated the drinks list with bites by Chef Chai Trivedi plus a DIY scent bar from Olfactory NYC, and botanical installation by Alimentari Flâneur.
Bittersweet Aperitivo is an n/a ruby red liquid hand-crafted in the Pacific Northwest from globally-sourced botanicals using a proprietary process resulting in a vibrant homage to the Italian aperitivo tradition. Think an n/a love child between Campari, Aperol and sweet vermouth. Bittersweet Aperitivo joins the brand’s two original expressions – the spicy, smoky Earthen and the bright, floral, citrusy Lustre.
Happy fall season everyone!
Timeless style is always a must in Hollywood. From red carpets to red carpet roll outs, it’s always a moment to shine in the industry we all admire.
The Outfest Legacy Awards celebrated its 40th year in late October at Paramount Studios. Outfest Legacy began with UCLA students trying to find a way to support LGBTQIA+ representation in the media. Now, the non-profit organization continues to “create visibility to diverse LGBTQIA+ stories and empowers storytellers, building empathy to drive meaningful social change.” Kerri Stoughton Jackson plays a big role in the success of Outfest. Jackson began her involvement as a volunteer, and now runs the program of over 500 volunteers while holding the title of Deputy Director. Jackson was awarded the Outfest Jonathan Howard Legacy Award. Additionally, Amazon’s diversity and inclusion branch ‘Glamazon’ was awarded the Corporate Award, for the company’s efforts to advocate and provide mentorship for their employees. Moreover, the Star Trek franchise celebrated their win of the Visionary Award, for their outstanding efforts in representation over the years. The guest of honor, Janelle Monae, was awarded the Trailblazer Award. Monae has been involved with efforts such as advocating for The Trevor Project’s Suicide Prevention, co-chair for When We All Vote, and creating the Fem the Future initiative. Fem the Future aims to provide a platform for women in the arts industry spreading the word about their visions for their future. In addition to Monae’s effervescent talent as an actress and a Grammy winner, there is no denying that she is a feminist ally. All of the other guests were thrilled that Janelle Monae would be in attendance.
The common thread throughout the red carpet interviews, and throughout the evening, was that these individuals have a vision of the future in which there is no need to have a separate awards ceremony for the LGBTQIA+ community. The industry hopes that representation will be so commonplace that it will be unnecessary to celebrate the LGBTQIA+’s achievements separately.
In order to celebrate Outfest, Paramount Studios transformed one of their filming lots into a white tablecloth dining area for the donors. The theatrics of the lot, such as colorful spotlights all over the buildings, made it feel like a very special evening. At one point during the evening, it started raining in Los Angeles. This only added romanticism to the night, as the waitstaff was prepared with ponchos for all of the guests. Overall, Paramount Studios hosted a lovely evening to celebrate the 40th Outfest Legacy Awards. 
The Midtown Manhattan Location of Hudson Commons, for Cloudy Bay’s wine pairing dinner, was extraordinary – it felt like a picturesque Carrie Bradshaw moment, with everyone dressed up in cocktail attire, sipping on Cloudy Bay’s new Sauvignon Blanc, and being in awe of the beautiful views on the balcony, overlooking the hot pink Empire State Building, and the fitting “New Yorker” Hotel sign right next to it!