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I love salons. I love intentional spaces for artists, writers, thinkers, clowns, performers yappers, educators, etc. etc. can convene to share ideas, just because.
Recently went to a salon called Salon 4J. Its not exactly a "public" salon, but I love that it has "branding" so to speak. This was an "After Dark" edition, so the topics were pretty spicy. History of "Horny Cinema", dance floor make-outs, yoni massages and a short story involving a queer woman living with the ghost of an actress from an iconic yiddish film were the topics du jour. All hosted in an apartment, very intimate, with artwork done by the host's badass grandma. Cutest snacks. What I love about salons is that they're not exclusive, and anyone can come if you have know someone and have a partiful link. If you host a salon please invite me.
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3d ago
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Let's call it like it is: There seems to be a lack of cool spaces for Black people in New York, especially in convenient neighborhoods, and it makes me scratch my head. Don't get me wrong: I love a Fanelli's moment, a Time Again moment, a Honoree Club moment, or a Rocka Rolla moment. After all, New York is supposed to be a city that prides itself on the people being integrated, despite our differing identities. You can have a fun experience anywhere in New York. All the other cities must bow down to us. However, to help get New York's groove back, I do believe there needs to be chic spots were men and women of color feel singularly welcomed at. Spots that aren't on TikTok, or a part of a scene. I lament this at times.
Now, here's the good news: I recently found one that has become one of my most visited establishments. Please Tell Me in Williamsburg, just off the Graham Avenue L stop, is a fun and elegant late night spot with good drinks and great music. It feels like a place where Black folks -- and all folks -- can congregate, hear great hip-hop music, from the classics to current, and have a nice Pilsner, Lager, or a cocktail. (The cocktails aren't bougie and pretentious either. It's pretty chill). Even the food is solid: I highly recommend the chicken sandwich.
I can be picky about bars. They mean a ton to me. A good bar is where you can find comfort, comfort that life tries to strip you from. A good bar is like church, it enlarges the brain, elevating it to a relationship with someone other than himself. A good bar is a wife of 20 years. A good bar is when you meet someone that inspires you to write a short story. There's nothing like a cold one at a place where the bartender knows you --- doesn't know everything about you --- but knows you enough to want to talk to you about the news happening in the ether.
Please Tell Me has earned my trust. It's a small space, for certain, and it can get a little stuffy in there at 1AM in the morning, but the high-spirits override any of those worries. Another cool thing: I met my girlfriend -- Mrs. Commas to all of you --- there. I knew I wanted to take her on a date when I saw her at Please Tell Me. I went bar hopping last weekend with her and our homies and we had a grand 'ol time. We weren't there for long, we got two drinks, danced to four songs and then left, but it's the kind of spot that lifts your sprits when you go. There were Black women dancing near the DJ, black men cheering them on, white and Latino men also connecting with us, and having fun. It is what I want New York to be like, what New Yorkers of color should experience. Shout out to Please Tell Me! Let's keep this place going.
@jayson
STAFF
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One of my favorite places in New York. Artists doing weird shit for cheap, itās freaky, itās inspiring, itās accessible. Last time I was there I watched a girl sing all of Hamilton naked drinking wine <3
Sep 28, 2024
full disclosure i work with the venue but that is only because i went and loved it so much. itās perfect. some things about it:
- the dance floor is an immersive art installation
- incredible bookings of up and coming artists and big names by the co-owner/operator and creative director who is herself a dj
- the sound is so good its insane. perfectly tuned and balanced
- the dance floor has some āgiveā to it so itās wicked comfy to dance on ā i never get sore
- thereās COAT HOOKS *on* the dance floor
- the drinks are delish. theres this one cocktail called āthe coffeeā it is to die for. thereās a sick happy hour but drink prices are always reasonable
- the bathrooms are made for selfies but in a genuinely cool way
- the dance floor is intimate but thereās tons of seating and tables and places to chill throughout the rest of the venue (and you can hear all the music on the same sound system)
- the service is insanely good everyone who works there is so kind
- i never once have felt awkward or out of place there itās just such a good vibe and i always make new friends
thereās more but i canāt put it all in one post or iāll be here all night
Apr 3, 2025
Top Recs from @camille___d.
I have been making more efforts to explore references without meddling of algorithms. Goodbye Pinterest. Goodbye endless "recommended for you" scrolling. I booked an appointment at the archive library of this Japanese streetwear brand called Vowels in NYC. The creative director has over 2000 fashion, culture, photography, and design related magazines and books that spanned over 4 decades. I was able to choose books out of the 200 or so that were out in the store, and they had scanners. I had the time of my life. I felt like a researcher, a real curator. This is small first step in rebuilding my critical eye & references free from digital interference.
Apr 27, 2025
I blinked and made a short film? My friend recently started an artist collective, and one of the flagship activities involves hosting parties with queer and femme DJs and/or musical talent. I take the theme and then create something to go alongside the party. This party was called Spring Fling and is about rebirths and awakenings. I reached out to friends to help me create a non-linear short film that tells the "Awakening" stories of 4 women. Pseudo-interview style, and improvised/"real" stories. We posted initial cut, and I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to make art with and for my friends!
May 15, 2025