Alicia Keys appears at the immersive cooking event “The Table” alongside Andra Day and Ayoni. [+] Co-hosted by Keys and Mercedes-Benz USA, the event will celebrate innovators and creators who are pushing boundaries in their fields on Friday, June 28th at Verse LA.
Chelsea Lauren & Gonzalo Marroquin/Shutterstock
(An eclectic cast of creatives, including Victoria Justice and Swizz Beatz, enjoyed a special evening with host Alicia Keys at Grammy Award winner Manny Marroquin’s LA hotspot Verse. Sage Bava, a creative himself, covered and wrote about the event.)
Mercedes-Benz’s culinary series, “The Table,” is more than just a dining experience; it’s a fusion of diverse perspectives and creative energy aimed at fostering innovation across various artistic disciplines. “The Table” brought together established creators and emerging innovators across art, music, technology, culinary arts and more, highlighting the mutual connections and shared passion that drives creativity forward. The beautiful restaurant/venue, “Verse,” offered a warm and elegant environment that sounded as great as it looked. Boasting 52 speakers, it provided a dining experience like no other.
At the heart of “The Table” is a commitment to celebrating and supporting creative visionaries who push the boundaries in their fields. Merging technology and culinary artistry, the event offered guests a glimpse into the inspiration, perspective and motivations of these influential figures. It fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and dialogue, creating an environment where ideas could flourish and new connections could be made.
One highlight of the event was an inspiring speech by Alicia Keys, who spoke passionately about championing women’s rights in music production. Addressing the stark statistic that only 2% of music producers are women, Keys emphasized the importance of increasing opportunities for female voices in the industry. Her organization, “She is the Music,” aims to address this imbalance and empower women in all aspects of music production.
During her speech, Keys introduced talented singer-songwriter and producer Ayoni, who captivated the audience with a performance of original songs accompanied by an incredible band. Ayoni’s performance not only showcased her musical talent, but also highlighted the series’ commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Her presence embodied the spirit of “The Table,” a platform for renowned artists like Alicia Keys to inspire the next generation of creative leaders.
Chef Oscar Torres created an innovative menu that matched the evening’s artistic theme. The culinary experience elevated the holistic sensory journey, providing guests with a feast for both the taste buds and the spirit. With thought-provoking discussions, captivating performances and culinary delicacies, “The Table” ensured all attendees left inspired, nourished and enriched.
Ultimately, Mercedes-Benz’s “The Table” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in driving meaningful innovation. By bridging disciplines and celebrating diversity, the series redefines what it means to be a leader in the creative industries, setting the table for future breakthroughs, cultural evolution and world fusion. — Sage Bava