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Mercedes-Benz USA launched a rousing culinary experience called “The Table” that brought together creators across creative industries to celebrate the diverse perspectives that drive creative pursuits and make innovation possible. On Friday evening, June 28, Alicia Keys collaborated with the iconic global brand to host the most lavish experiential dinner party in Los Angeles that honored the big thinkers and risk-takers from the fields of entertainment, art, music, fashion, and culinary.
The Knockturnal had the privilege to be seated at The Table. The new experiential culinary series not only was exciting, but it was inclusive, poignant, and uplifting. Guests were treated to hearing about the personal stories, inspirations, and the importance of mentoring from prolific innovators such as 16-time Grammy winner Keys, singer-songwriter Ayoni, Oscar Torres, the Executive Chef at Verse LA, and Manny Marroquin, 18-time Grammy-winning mixer and the owner of the prestigious Larrabee Studios. The dinner was also a star-studded affair with Keys’s husband, Swizz Beatz, Andra Day, and Victoria Justice in attendance.
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
The extravagant night began with a personal chauffeured ride to Larrabee Studios in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicle (a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV to be exact). During the ride to the studio, an immersive Dolby Atmos music experience was provided with Keys’s music playing in the background to set the mood and prepare us for an incredible night. Soon, guests met with Marroquin, who provided a tour of the legendary Larrabee Studios. He told stories about hosting many world-renowned artists at the studio, including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Kanye West and John Legend. Keys also recorded her 2012 hit single “Girl on Fire” with Marroquin at Larrabee Studios.
Manny Marroquin and Alicia Keys
After the studio tour and a few drinks during a mix and mingle cocktail hour, guests walked over to Verse LA for a four-course meal prepared by Chef Torres. The “Angeleno cuisine” was inspired by Torres’ Hispanic roots and the menu featured uni, pepián chicken tetela, a T-bone lamb chop and flan for dessert. The wait staff meticulously served each dish in unison while set in an intimate dining space featuring a Dolby Atmos experience. Guests were seated together at a long LED-screen community table where their name and moving images flashed. Many were in awe of the hi-tech table.
At the start of dinner, Mercedes-Benz USA CMO Melody Lee welcomed guests and discussed the importance of bringing everyone to the table and that it fosters collaboration and exploration. “As an established leader with a strong history of innovation that continuously sets new standards in the luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz aims to give barrier-breakers who are challenging the status quo a seat at the table, because that is the only way to experience, explore, and celebrate,” she said in her remarks. “We believe diversity drives innovation and has the power to move us all forward.”
Alicia Keys and Andra Day
Soon, Keys was front and center. She eloquently spoke about her foundation called She Is The Music, which is a movement to empower female creators and to increase the number of women working in the music industry such as songwriters, engineers, producers, artists and industry professionals. She then shared her passion for supporting rising artists. “It’s so brilliant watching each other grow, and there’s no limit to the way that we can grow,” said Keys, who is a Mercedes-Benz partner. “There’s no limit in what we can express and how we can bring it forth. And so to see our friends and our loved ones growing and trying new things that are pieces of the universe that we’ve created and even extend beyond them is really exciting.”
She added, “We love being at the table and connecting our unique worlds together. This is how we continue conversations and grow and continue to be inspired.” Keys went on to introduce singer-songwriter Ayoni, who is a She Is The Music beneficiary. Ayoni performed four crowd-pleasing songs that included “San Francisco,” “Too,” “Bitter in Love,” and “Santa Monica,” all live in Dolby Atmos.
Alicia Keys, Andra Day and Ayoni
Ayoni also shared her personal experiences. “Tonight is a perfect example of the incredible opportunities that She Is The Music is creating for aspiring creatives like myself. She Is The Music is incredibly close to my heart because it has provided me with a supportive community and invaluable resources to evolve as an artist,” she said. “The mentorship, the workshops, and the genuine connections I’ve made have transformed my career and reaffirmed my purpose.”
The incredible night came to a close with the same personal chauffeur taking us back home in an opulent Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Lastly, each guest was gifted with a spectacular Sonos Era 300 speaker to commemorate the evening. Powered by Dolby Atmos, this speaker is undoubtedly the best-sounding speaker that delivers immersive audio. It reveals rich depth and clarity—ultimately transforming the way people enjoy music. Guests truly had an unforgettable experience thanks to Mercedes-Benz USA, Larrabee Studios and Dolby.