Good Talk: Planets In Transit Panel

Join us at Ace Hotel Brooklyn for a panel discussing Planets in Transit, the latest project from the first 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Brooklyn-based photographer and DJ Guarionex Rodriguez Jr.. Displaying photos from a decade of nightlife documentation centering Brooklyn’s nocturnal spaces for Black, Brown, and queer communities, the exhibition finds pulsing figures sharing moments of quiet intimacy. At a time when racial, sexual, and gender discrimination is rampant, these gatherings provide privacy and spiritual transcendence for the most vulnerable.

For this conversation, Pitchfork writer Kiana Mickles sits down with two queer cultural powerhouses of the past decade, Papi Juice and GUSH, as well as Soul Summit, a legendary Black Brooklyn institution that has been hosting free house music parties since 2002. The discussion will cover the history of these events, what it takes to sustain a safer space, and how these parties have adapted to a changing New York. The panel will be followed by a DJ set from Guarionex.

About The Artist

Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr., Artist

Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr. is a Dominican-American artist based in Brooklyn, New York. His work explores diasporic unity and niche musical movements that have served in the creation of community and identity. Guarionex’s artistic practice has been rooted in themes of trust and vulnerability that have provided a voice for multiple communities by holding space that reflects and connects with others. Simultaneously, his experimentation through analog techniques bring elements of abstraction which heightens the intimacy of his work. Additionally asking the viewer to consider how we are all influenced by our surroundings.

Kiana Mickles, Moderator

Kiana Mickles is a New York-raised music critic and nightlife writer at Pitchfork. Their criticism traces the history of electronic music subcultures, with a focus on music on the experimental fringe, Black and queer expression, and pop music. Their stories combine creative research and cultural criticism to unveil how sounds, people, spaces, and high and low culture shape the modern world.

DJ Tabu, Soul Summit, Panelist

Soul Summit Music founding member DJ Tabu was born and raised in Brooklyn, where his lifelong connection to music began at an early age. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of the city, he developed a deep appreciation for rhythm and culture by collecting 45s, cassette tapes, and eventually 12-inch vinyl records. As a teenager, he was heavily influenced by the energy of early hip-hop, breakbeats, neighborhood block parties, and legendary park jams that defined New York City’s golden era of sound system culture.

During his early clubbing years in New York City, Tabu immersed himself in the underground nightlife scene, experiencing firsthand the powerful influence of iconic DJs, legendary dance floors, and the soulful spirit that shaped the city’s nightlife culture. Those late nights moving through clubs, loft parties, and underground gatherings helped shape both his musical taste and his understanding of how music could bring people together across every background.

Sienna Fekete, GUSH, Panelist

Sienna Fekete is a curator, educator, and public programmer based in New York City with a background in radio, podcasting, and music. She is the Co-Director of Programs at The Center for Art and Advocacy. She also sits on the advisory board for Speciwomen. Previously, she was the Senior Arts Manager at The Lower Eastside Girls Club, the Curatorial Fellow 2021-22 at The Kitchen, the host and producer of the Points of View podcast for Cultured Magazine seasons 1-2, a talent booker for season 2 of the Stars and Stars with Isa podcast, and a producer for On Air Fest and SiriusXM. Additionally, she organized volumes 1-3 of The Community Cookbook project. She was also a founding member of Chroma, a former cultural agency and creative studio centering on the work and perspectives of women of color. She has worked with a variety of arts organizations and institutions including Abrons Arts Center, Governors Island Arts, The Guggenheim, MoMA, MoMA PS1, New Museum, NEW INC, Performance Space New York, Sky High Farm, and radio platforms NTS and The Lot Radio. She received her MA in Art and Public Policy from NYU Tisch and her BA in Literary Studies and Culture and Media from The New School. She also participated in the Independent Curators International New York Curatorial Seminar 2024 and The Studio Museum in Harlem’s Museum Education Practicum 2020.