Behind the Scenes at SummerStage: Spotlight on Giuliana Mariani
At Great Performances, we believe that people make things happen — and nowhere is that more true than at SummerStage, a showcase for our expertise in NYC cultural event catering and large-format festivals. Each summer, Great Performances manages concessions for thousands of guests, showcasing not just classic park favorites but also diverse and exciting food from our some of our favorite restaurants, chefs, and partners.
SummerStage is more than concerts under the stars; it’s a celebration of New York City itself — lively, diverse, and collaborative. It’s also a chance for us to demonstrate our expertise in NYC catering, cultural event food & beverage, and large-format festivals. At the heart of it all are the people who lead our teams, and this year, Giuliana Mariani, our VIP Manager at SummerStage, stepped into a leadership role that highlights the very best of GP values.
We sat down with Giuliana to learn more about her experience, what keeps her coming back each summer, and how she brings the SummerStage energy to life. Giuliana’s leadership reflects the excellence we bring to festival catering in NYC.
Q&A with Giuliana Mariani, VIP Manager at SummerStage
What brought you back to SummerStage this year, and how does it feel stepping into the manager role?
I have been working at SummerStage every summer since it returned after Covid in 2021. I always come back to it because I enjoy the fun atmosphere it provides. You get to see all kinds of different concerts and work in such a cool venue. Getting to be outside in Central Park all summer has always been a draw for me. It has felt great to step into a manager role this summer. We have a great team that supports each other, and I have loved getting to play a bigger role in running the concessions and keeping up the special energy that comes with working at a concert venue.
Can you describe a typical day for you at SummerStage?
A typical day for me at SummerStage looks like arriving at the venue before any other GP staff to make sure we receive all our correct deliveries and sending our staff list to CPF to give to security. I then put together the staffing assignments and check the menus for the day. Once staff starts arriving, we have our pre-shift meeting and manage the night as it goes.
What’s one standout memory or moment from this season so far?
One standout memory for me so far has been the raccoons. They are cute when you keep your distance, but there is a whole family that comes around as we are wrapping up and putting out family meal at the end of the night and it has become quite the show. My grandma got me two raccoon stuffed animals to commemorate our friends Ricky and Rhonda. I made them little SummerStage shirts from my old shirts from past summers and they are now our mascots that sit in our office window. All the staff has fallen in love with them and wants one of their own.
What makes the food & beverage experience at SummerStage special for guests?
The GP team has worked very hard this year to bring special and diverse food options to SummerStage this year. What makes the experience so special for guests is that they can get classic park staples like a hot dog or they can find more unique options such as the Momofuku Bang Bar. We have also secured very special partners throughout the summer, which has really elevated the food experience for guests this summer. We have had the BelFries food truck serving French Fries at select shows all season, and we have had Charles Pan Fried and Hudson Smokehouse operating out of one of our concession containers on select shows as well. In addition, on specific cultural shows we had special partners doing authentic cuisine for the respective show. For example, for Bastille Day we had O’Cabanon serving Crepes and Croque Monsieur. It has been great to work with so many partners who are always so excited to be working at SummerStage.
How do you keep your team motivated during the busiest shows?
During the busiest shows the energy is always high. I make sure to make stops around the venue to check in with everyone and lend a hand wherever needed. But mostly I try to start the shift with good energy, starting at the pre-shift meeting with all the staff. Making sure they have all the information they need to be successful and getting them excited for the show ahead is the best way to keep up motivation.
What’s it like serving such a diverse audience in Central Park?
It is amazing seeing all the different demographics that different artists and genres attract. It is so great getting to serve all different types of people although occasionally challenging when there are language barriers. There is almost always someone on our staff that speaks the language of the guests though, as GP is also very diverse in our staff. It is very reflective of New York City as a whole.
How has this experience shaped you as a leader?
I have grown exponentially as a leader from this experience. It has been so rewarding to take on this role at SummerStage. I had already started gaining experience leading staff from captaining on events, but to take on managing the concessions at this venue was another step above that. I have gained invaluable knowledge on the administrative side of leadership as well as in building and maintaining client relationships.
If you had to describe SummerStage in three words, what would they be?
In three words I would describe SummerStage as Lively, Diverse, and Collaborative.
A Summer of Flavor, Culture, and Leadership
Giuliana’s story is just one example of how our people bring events like SummerStage to life. From ensuring smooth operations and motivating teams, to welcoming diverse audiences and curating unique culinary partnerships, her leadership reflects what makes Great Performances stand out in cultural event catering and large-scale festival concessions.
As the SummerStage season winds down, we celebrate not only the music and the memories, but also the extraordinary efforts of the people who make it all possible.
👉 Learn more about SummerStage at City Parks Foundation and discover how Great Performances can bring the same energy, expertise, and flavor to your next large-format event.
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