Category: Last Night in NYC

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Last Night In NYC: Spotify Hosts Exclusive Preview of “Stay Scary” Halloween Pop-Up in NYC with Jameela Jamil

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: An outside view of the Spotify Halloween Costume Pop-up Event on Mercer Street in New York City on October 24, 2019. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: An outside view of the Spotify Halloween Costume Pop-up Event on Mercer Street in New York City on October 24, 2019. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify)

Last week, Spotify celebrated the opening of its immersive Halloween Costume Pop-Up with an event in New York featuring Jameela Jamil as guest DJ. The pop-up features costumes inspired by artists who have dared to push boundaries and challenge us, often with their iconic style, and will be open to the public for one day only on Saturday, October 26th.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Jameela Jamil DJs during the Spotify Halloween Costume Pop-up Event on Mercer Street in New York City on October 24, 2019. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify)

Jamil played tracks from artists like Cardi B, Kanye West and TLC while wearing one of the sparkliest items available at Spotify’s pop-up – a replica of the Billie Eilish spider-covered crown featured in the singer-songwriter’s “you should see me in a crown” music video.

A self-confessed fan of Eilish, Jamil later posted a photo of herself in the crown on Instagram Stories, saying “I am Silly Eilish. The less cool third sibling.” Eilish reposted, “OMG NO.”

A highlight of the event was a presentation by Spotify’s VP, Global Executive Creative Director, Alex Bodman, who explained to guests the inspiration behind each costume accessory on display, including a replica of the live python Britney Spears famously draped around her shoulders during her 2001 MTV VMA’s performance of “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Also, featured is nail art from popular Latin artist Bad Bunny, the Lil Nas X rhinestone-accented jacket patch you see in his “Old Town Road” music video and a replica of Trippie Redd’s diamond-crusted fang grillz.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: A view of atmosphere during the Spotify Halloween Costume Pop-up Event on Mercer Street in New York City on October 24, 2019. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify)

The overall theme of the pop-up is “Stay Scary,” and Spotify worked closely with all 12 artists involved in curating the approach to Halloween.

“Halloween is about celebrating the best in pop culture,” says Bodman. “We wanted to highlight some of the iconic artists who have thrilled, challenged and even shocked us, by inviting consumers to a pop-up they can truly immerse themselves in. It’s a celebration of iconic moments in music history and connects fans and artists in a way that only Spotify can.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Guests attend the Spotify Halloween Costume Pop-up Event on Mercer Street in New York City on October 24, 2019. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spotify)

The pop-up opened to the public on Saturday, October 26th and as well as scoring a free costume (on a first come, first-served basis) visitors were able to interact with a “dare to listen” playlist station, see Spotify-produced short films highlighting musicians who have stepped outside comfort zones for the sake of their art, as well as take some pretty awesome photos with.

More photos below by Theo Warden, Getty Images / Courtesy of Spotify. 

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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Last Night In NYC: Lil’ Kim, Wale, LaQuan Smith, Jonathan Mannion Celebrate Moët & Chandon ‘Nectar of the Culture’

Last night in NYC (Oct. 22), Moët & Chandon joined forces with iconic cultural photographer, Jonathan Mannion, and renowned fashion designer, LaQuan Smith to launch its new Nectar of the Culture campaign, which celebrates the people, places and moments that continue to push our culture forward.

The exclusive launch drew a cross-section of creative luminaries, including Lil’ Kim, Wale, BJ The Chicago Kid, Mack Wilds, SFPL & iOne Digital‘s own Gabriel Williams and Danielle Herrington, who arrived wearing custom LaQuan Smith attire. These notables and more all gathered for a multi-course pairing dinner prepared by CLEO TV’s own, Celebrity Chef JJ Johnson.

A pillar within culture for over 25 years, Mannion is infamous for having documented “The Golden Era” of hip hop and is now capturing the next generation of pioneers, in what has been dubbed the “Rose Gold Era.”  Debuting with New York’s pioneer – Queens-born designer LaQuan Smith – Moët and Mannion will continue to celebrate various pioneers in key cities across the U.S including Atlanta, Miami, LA and Chicago.

Check out more photos below by Lewis Mirrett for Moët & Chandon.

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CULTURE CREATORS C2 SUMMIT PROGRAMMING AND PANELISTS ANNOUNCED

 

Culture Creators officially reveals the programming slate and key speakers for the first-ever C2 Summit, presented by Hilton, scheduled for October 21, 2019 in Washington, D.C. The summit takes over the Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall in front of an audience of 250-selected HBCU students from the Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland areas.
Among an impressive list of panelists, speakers include NBA Hall of Famer, Isaiah Thomas, who will offer his perspective on the business of sports and entertainment. Gary Coichy [Founder of Pod Digital Media Podcast] and Jackie Wilson [Founder of Nova Fitness] will be on-hand discussing the digital age and utilizing technology as a platform. John Gibson [VP of External and Multicultural Affairs, The Motion Picture Association] and Keesha Boyd [Executive Director, Comcast/NBC Universal] will provide their points of view on how to navigate careers as TV/Film content creators. Discussing festivals and the world of live music, Shawn Gee [Pres. Live Nation Urban] and Marcus Allen [Founder of Broccoli City] will share their experiences and journeys, while Phylicia Fant [Head of Urban Music, Columbia Records], Marc Byers [General Manager of Motown Records] and Jeriel Johnson [The Recording Academy] will lead a talk regarding the entertainment business. Executives from sponsors Hilton, Morgan Stanley, PEPSI, JBL Audio and WME will also be in attendance and on various panels.
Additional panelists hold top positions at FOSSIL, Players Tribune, Alamo Records, Atlantic Records, Epic Records, Warner Records, Under Armour, NBA, HITCO and more. The speaker lineup also includes Chris Atlas [Warner Records], Lori Hall [TV One], Datwon Thomas [Vibe], Brittany Ireland [Howard University], Steve Canal [The Brand Executive], Cyrene Lovette, and Jason Johnson [Audiomack].
The C2 Summit will be comprised of fireside chats and breakout sessions with a range of topics including:The Business of Sports and Entertainment, Defining the Culture of Your Brand, Financial Literacy in the Black Community and Creating Festivals and Careers in the Live Music Industry. Additionally, THE WHETHER will be on-site to administer professional resume services. Students will have the opportunity to take professional headshots and participate in one-on-one mentorship rounds with summit speakers.
For complete programming details, including the full list of panelists, please visit The Culture Creators website!
Culture Creators upholds its ongoing mission to elevate and empower tomorrow’s thought leaders and creatives with the C2 Summit.
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FLY Events Last Night in NYC

Fly Events: McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Experience at 25th Essence Fest

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McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement was lit at the 25th Essence Festival! The (em)power-packed weekend was full of activities to uplift and inspire up-and-coming entrepreneurs everywhere. With appearances by actress/businesswoman La La Anthony, entertainer Luke James, reality television starsCynthia Bailey, Tamar Braxton and Trina Braxton, vocal powerhouses Jazmine Sullivan and Kierra Sheard, the always-suave actor/host Terrence J and more, some of the culture’s brightest stars came out to support the Black & Positively Golden movement, which celebrates Black excellence through empowerment, entrepreneurship and education.

BLACK & POSITIVELY GOLDEN WELCOME BREAKFAST: McDonald’s kicked off the explosive weekend with an exclusive Black & Positively Golden Welcome Breakfast. The intimate event was hosted by McDonald’s Head of Cultural Engagement and Experiences Lizette Williams — the spearhead behind the brand’s largest African American-focused campaign in 16 years — and New Orleans franchisee Henry Coaxum.

WE SHINE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PANEL: Actress and self-made businesswoman La La Anthony moderated McDonald’s We Shine Entrepreneurship Panel before a crowd of thousands. She interviewed rising moguls, Dana Chanel (Sprinkle of Jesus, Founder), Nicole Walters (The Monetized Life, Founder & CEO)and Jewel Burks-Solomon (Part Pic, Founder), alongside McDonald’s franchisees Jade Colin and Tanya Hill-Holliday. At 29, Colin is McDonald’s youngest owner/operator, while Hill-Holliday is the brand’s first female owner/operator in Philadelphia.

EMPOWERING MUSIC PERFORMANCES: R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan brought down the house Saturday with some of her classics. Gospel music vocalist/actress Kierra Sheard left it all on the stage Sunday afternoon. Thousands of fans gathered at the Black & Positively Golden Booth for both performances to rock out to some of their favorite tunes.

BLACK & POSITIVELY GOLDEN LATE NIGHT PARTY: After a long day of empowerment, McDonald’s hosted its Black & Positively Golden Late Night Party — the official Essence After Party. Celebs, such as actor/singer Luke James; reality television stars Cynthia Bailey, Tamar Braxton and Trina Braxton; actorTyler Lepley; and social media star Karlton “@notkarltonbanks” Humes, sparkled at Club XLIV as attendees and Hiplet-style dancers showed off their best moves to the sounds of DJ Rashida and DJ B-Hen.

BLACK & POSITIVELY GOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS: To close out the weekend, McDonald’s empowered the next generation of leaders by supporting college education. In partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the organization’s national ambassador and HBCU alum Terrence J, McDonald’s presented two, $10,000 Black & Positively Golden Scholarships to well-deserving incoming HBCU freshmen.

Photos Courtesy of McDonald’s 

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Fly Events: SPOTIFY HOUSE OF ARE & BE in New Orleans – U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, Lena Waithe, Raphael Saadiq, Jemele Hill, Omari Hardwick, & more

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Spotify

On Saturday, July 6, Spotify celebrated a community of Black voices, female creators and thought leaders in New Orleans at the multi-storied Spotify House of Are & Be at Kingsway Studio, featuring live performances, a high-profile podcast recording, DJ sets, a curated art gallery, and personalized Are & Be playlist (5MM followers), spotlighting these visionaries up close and personal.

On the first floor, Spotify House displayed 6 rooms of iconic artists and influential R&B albums, whose work of art speaks to our soul and tells the story of our times. Featured artists included:  Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, Sade, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, H.E.R, and more.  The Bar Room incorporated The Classics such as Jill Scott and Anita Baker, among others. Moving into the Red Room was Neo Soul, with the music sensibilities of Solange and D’Angelo, to name a few. Contemporary R&B was highlighted in the White Room, featuring Musiq Soulchild and Janet Jackson. Lastly, the Pool Room paid tribute to the many ladies of 90’s R&B, followed by R&B Excellence in the Dining Room and New R&B in the Backyard.

Extending the narrative beyond music, Spotify House showcased 6 Black women-led podcasts and installations on the 2nd floor, where Jemele Hill is Unbothered did a live taping with U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The episode premieres on Spotify on Monday, July 15 at 6PM ET. Other podcast spotlights included: Dope Labs, The Nod, Still Processing, and Therapy for Black Girls.

Keeping the party going, Spotify hosted a Black Girl Magic Day Party that included a performance by R&B artist Ari Lennox, followed by an evening Are & Be Jam Session curated by Neo-Soul Artist and R&B/Hip-Hop Super Producer Raphael Saadiq, featuring JoJo, VanJess, Lucky Daye, PJ Morton, Luke James, Ledisi, and DJ set by Angel+Dren.

Also spotted at the event: Power’s Omari Hardwick, Lena Waithe, Monica, Wale, Mario, Elle Varner and BJ The Chicago Kid, among others.

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Brandy Performs at Coca-Cola Stage during Essence Festival 2019 [Photos]

Coca-Cola activation at the Ernest Morial Convention Center during the 25th Essence Music Festival on July 6, 2019, in New Orleans, LA. (Erika Goldring Photo)

Check out photos of Brandy performing a medley of her hits at Coca-Cola’s stage during the 2019 Essence Festival! 

Photo Credit: The Coca-Cola Company

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Fly Events: HBO Takes Over The 2019 Essence Fest Weekend

This past weekend, HBO held multiple events at The Loft by HBO during EssenceFest in New Orleans.

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On Friday, July 5, 2019, HBO hosted the Human By Orientation Gallery Exhibit. As a continuation of HBO’s Human by Orientation initiative, HBO partnered with Queer | Art for an exhibition featuring the artwork of Lola Flash. Human By Orientation is a platform that highlights the universal humanity of all people regardless of ethnicity, orientation or gender identity. The campaign encourages the powerful dialogue needed to humanize the LGBTQ+ community as multifaceted individuals with experiences that celebrate otherness.

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Later that Friday night, HBO x Everyday People hosted an exclusive late night party at the Ace Hotel just after things were finishing up at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of EP’s DJ Moma while light bites and speciality cocktails were being served. It was definitely a night to remember!

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To kick off a jam-packed Saturday, July 6, 2019, HBO hosted an intimate, custom workout morning session called Motivation & Movement with Angela Manuel instructed by international fitness evangelist and motivational coach Angela Manuel Davis.

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Later that morning, HBO held their HBO POV: Black Ladies in Comedy Brunch where Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell (Supervising Producer & Actress) joined A Black Lady Sketch Show’s Dime Davis (Director) and Lauren Ashley Smith (Head Writer) to chat about creating comedic hits, being a black woman at the top of your game, and the process of rising to the top. The conversation was moderated by The Read’s Crissle West.

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Following the brunch, HBO also hosted A Black Lady Sketch Show Screening, Panel, and Mixer where the stars of A Black Lady Sketch Show – Robin Thede (Creator), Quinta Brunson, Ashley Nicole Black, and Gabrielle Dennis – sat down to discuss the need for A Black Lady Sketch Show, the process of its creation, and what to expect this season. The discussion followed a screening of the pilot episode and was moderated by culture writer Jamilah Lemieux.

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To close out the weekend, on Sunday, July 7, 2019, HBO in partnership with Black Girl in Om, hosted a special yoga session complete with a workout as well as affirmations in The Loft.

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Cast Of Netflix’s “Family Reunion” Takes On Essence Festival 2019 [Photos]

The cast of the new Netflix sitcom “Family Reunion” took to the Essence Festival Centerstage in the Convention Center to discuss the series with moderator and gospel singer/radio personality Erica Campbell: (l-r) Cameron Wright, Anthony Alabi, Isaiah Russell-Bailey, Richard Roundtree, Jordyn Raya James, Loretta Devine, Talia Jackson and show creator Meg DeLoatch.

At the Ford Stage with SiriusXM’s “Heart & Soul,” Anthony Alabi, Richard Roundtree, Loretta Devine and Meg DeLoatch kept the conversation fun with radio co-hosts Cayman Kelly and Michel Wright.

A quick flick before hitting the Ford Stage: Anthony Alabi, Meg DeLoatch, Loretta Devine and Richard Roundtree.

Next stop: the Essence Festival Radio Row

Also, a multitude of press gathered at the Convention Center to interview the “Family Reunion” cast as well.

Good Times!

Photos: ONE/35 & Gabriel Williams

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Fly Events: ESSENCE Festival Welcomes Stars from “The Lion King”

JD McCrary (voice of Young Simba), Shahadi Wright Joseph (voice of Young Nala) from Disney’s “The Lion King” were on hand at ESSENCE Festival 2019 this weekend at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. They celebrated the movie’s upcoming opening by singing “Can’t Wait to be King” on the ESSENCE Centerstage. Additionally, the Great Street Stephen Full Gospel Choir under the leadership of Pastor Debra Morton and GRAMMY®-nominated, Stellar Award-winning gospel legend Bishop Paul S. Morton performed “The Circle of Life” with Tshidi Manye (Rafiki in Broadway’s “The Lion King”). Tamron Hall helped facilitate the festivities.

Check out more photos below Courtesy of Disney.

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Fly Events: The Black Excellence Brunch Honored Ms. Tina Knowles-Lawson with Facebook During Essence Festival

On Sunday, July 7, 2019, Facebook and the Black Excellence Brunch partnered together to honor Ms. Tina Knowles-Lawson. The event took place during the 25th Anniversary of Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA at The Treme Market Branch. Over 100 guests attended the event honoring Ms. Tina and celebrating Black Excellence.

During the Brunch R&B Group, June’s Diary serenaded the audience and guests were treated to a discussion with Ms. Knowles-Lawson. Ms. Knowles-Lawson said,

“When I was growing up we did not have anything like this. I love this. I would like to see this picked up and continued nationally to honor us.”

Ms. Tina Knowles-Lawson poses with Black Excellence Brunch founder, Trell Thomas. [Photo Credit: Anthony Whiting ]
The Facebook sponsored event which featured a Facebook and Instagram Stories installation, where guests took photos and videos to share their stories of black excellence – and empower their communities to consider their own excellence. Trell Thomas,

“It was a pleasure to work with Facebook on honoring a mentor and friend. Our guests really enjoyed attending and we are looking to many more Black Excellence Brunches.”

Photo Credit: Anthony Whiting

About Black Excellence Brunch

In August of 2018, communications professional Trell Thomas decided to create a community that celebrated the excellence of young black professionals. Trell, a seasoned entertainment/media expert, saw an opportunity to introduce entrepreneurs, clothing designers, stylists, actors, etc. to one another other via a family style brunch modeled after “Sunday Dinner”. The brunch features soul food, a discussion and the opportunity for millennials to gain insight from seasoned professionals while fellow-shipping with other successful black and brown colleagues. @BlackExcellenceBrunch

About WACO Theater

The theater center is a space (W)here (A)rt (C)an (O)ccur. The mission of this organization is to empower people to gain the skills and ability to identify necessary and pursue their dreams no matter who they are or where they came from. Waco Theater opened in November of 2017 by Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles-Lawson.

About Trell Thomas

Trell Thomas is a media expert and activist. His work spans from Career beginnings on the Obama Presidential Campaign in ‘08 to overseeing talent relations and communications with some of the biggest brands in Viacom. Trell has a great appreciation for sharing narratives of diverse communities and bringing stories of excellence to the forefront through various events he hosts. Trell’s mission is to empower people of color and spread positivity through black excellence. He is the founder of Black Excellence Brunch and has used this event series to connect young people of color from all walks of life.