Courtesy of Julia Drummond

This weekend marked a milestone for Shien Lee, founder of The Red Pavilion, a seedy and sultry haven for Neo-Noir nightlife and human discovery in Brooklyn. 

Nestled on the quiet end of an unassuming block in Bushwick at 1241 Flushing Ave., the explosive entertainment venue welcomed special guests for an evening of jazz spectacle and aerial performances. Audience members were witness to performances from the Red Strings Quartet, tantalizing choreography from the Subtle Asian Polers and a signature act from a Shibari & String Duo.  

As a pioneering cultural entrepreneur, Shien Lee continues to push the ceiling, blending immersive theater, performance art, and community activism, all while allowing guests a space to get lost on a path of self-discovery and wonder.

Originating from Taipei, Taiwan, and having grown up in Honolulu, Montreal, and Prague, Shien Lee’s diverse experiences inform her work with a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Serving not only as a nightlife destination, The Red Pavilion is a beacon of cultural visibility and safety for the Asian community, fostering immersive experiences and curated events that encourage self-discovery and deeper connections. 

Photo courtesy of Julia Drummond

Those interested in experiencing this life changing space firsthand can check out Shibari performances every Saturday at the Lust Caution show (also Fridays starting May). Studio Ghibli Jazz and music from popular anime and video games like The Lunar Frontier: Cowboy Bepop x Eternal Wind  are included in programming on most Thursdays and Saturdays. They are also open on Wednesdays and usually feature music from the world of David Lynch. 

Looking ahead at May for AAPI month, The Red Pavilion will debut their chamber ensemble in a new show The 2046: The World of Wong Kar Wai, featuring music from his films. 

While you take in the entertainment, indulge in their Wuism Seasonal Rotating Cocktail Menu, a testament to creativity and innovation in mixology inspired by Asian flavors. The offers change monthly, giving patrons unique creations such as The Phoenix, blending Mezcal, Campari, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, and agave for a tantalizing experience. 

Additional highlights include a Sesame Colada made with rum, Baijiu, caramelized pineapple, purple mangosteen, and white sesame paste, as well as The Red Dragon, a fiery fusion of tequila, blood orange, beet, lemon, agave, and Sichuan chili powder, rimmed with poppy seeds. For those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives, the menu includes refreshing mocktails like the Sunny Side with CBD Brooklyn Gold, ginger, and lemon, or the Divine with Caleño Dark, Roots divino, and soda. Herbal Shots can also be found like their Awake shot infused with Baijiu, goji berries, and chrysanthemum flower. 

For more news and updates, follow @redpavilionbk. 

To see a full list of their upcoming events visit https://www.theredpavilion.com/calendar