Isola Brooklyn

Hannibal Buress Is Opening New Brooklyn Venue Isola in Williamsburg | Eater NY

"Comedian, actor, and rapper Hannibal Buress is opening a Brooklyn performance venue next month at 361 Metropolitan Avenue (between North Fourth and Fifth streets) with an opening day on Sunday, March 9 featuring an already sold-out, big ticketed showcase teasing surprise special guests. Buress first announced he’d take over the Knitting Factory space in June 2024; the venue's website describes itself as a "new sanctuary for artistic expression," and Buress "semi-makes fun of himself and the website" in an Instagram video posted last summer. The space will serve food and drinks, though further details aren’t available yet. Buress plans to revive the Knitting Factory stand-up series he had hosted since 2009: a weekly comedy night starting March 16, and another series called Eshu Tuesdays focused on variety acts like performances and DJs beginning March 11 — a name that takes its cue from Buress’s rapping name, Eshu Tune, and the Nigerian god known for trickery. The Knitting Factory itself dates back to 1987 when it operated in downtown Manhattan hosting concerts, art, and more; it relocated to Williamsburg in 2009 but closed in 2022 because of a huge rent hike, and Knitting Factory’s founder at the time said: "Good luck to whoever wants to take the space." Buress actually hosted the club’s final show." - Nadia Chaudhury