At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
This month we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, and Daniel Dougherty has cooked up some love potions to enhance any celebration.
Pucker-Up Cherry Limeade (Zero Proof)
Combine 1 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Elderflower Syrup, .5 oz Cherry Syrup in a tall glass (a highball, collins glass, or pint glass will work). Fill with Club Soda and garnish with a Cherry.
Special Someone Spritz
Shake together 1.5 oz Aperol, .5 oz Strawberry Puree, .5 oz Basil Agave Syrup and pour into a Coupe. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a sprig of Basil.
Strawberry Fields Forever
Combine 1.5 oz Tequila, 1 oz Creme de Cacao, 1 oz Strawberry Puree, 1 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Agave Syrup in a shaker. Shake well and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with two sliced Strawberries to form a heart.
At Great Performances, we love celebrating the incredible stories of our team members. Today, we turn the spotlight on Blythe Lockwood, one of our talented team members and a resident of The Rehearsal Club (TRC) in New York City.
A Conversation with Blythe Lockwood
How long have you lived in New York City, and where are you from originally?
I’ve been in New York for just 10 months! I moved here from colorful Colorado, where I grew up dreaming of Broadway and the stage.
What inspired your move to New York City?
The city’s Broadway and theatre history is unmatched. If there’s a place to pursue a dream in musical theatre, it’s NYC. I’ve wanted to perform on Broadway since I was four years old, so it was a no-brainer for me. Originally, I planned to move in September 2023, but I stayed an extra six months in Colorado to co-direct a musical and take some advanced dance classes. It was worth the wait—I felt so much more prepared when I finally arrived!
How did you first hear about The Rehearsal Club, and what drew you to it?
I learned about TRC in September 2023, and it instantly caught my attention. The idea of a sanctuary for women in the arts, with subsidized rent and a network of connections, felt like it was tailor-made for people like me. I just knew it was the right fit.
Was there an audition process to join the Club?
Oh, absolutely! It was quite a process. I submitted video reels of myself singing and acting, along with a headshot, cover letter, and resume. Then came the interview with the board and past residents—it was nerve-wracking but so rewarding. Finally, I had to submit my qualifications for renting a unit. It took about a month and a half to finalize everything. Even though I was accepted, there wasn’t a room available at the time, so I had to wait. I officially became a resident in September 2024, almost a year after I first applied.
When did you start working with Great Performances?
I joined GP in June 2024, and it’s been such an amazing experience. The people I’ve met here are incredible. There’s such a sense of camaraderie—everyone’s in it together, even during those long 12-hour shifts. It’s been such a supportive environment.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On audition days, I’m up early to get to the audition house by 7 a.m. to sign my name on the non-union list. Then I grab coffee and breakfast before waiting for the auditions to start. If I get seen, it completely makes my day! When I’m not auditioning, I spend my time cleaning, hanging out with friends, working my real estate job, and picking up shifts with GP. I like staying busy—it keeps me energized and happy.
What would you like others to know about you?
I’ve been dreaming about performing on Broadway since I was a little girl, and being in this city feels like I’m one step closer to that goal. Sure, New York can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also the place where dreams come true. My biggest advice is to always follow your passion. It’s never too late to go after what makes you happiest—shoot for the stars!
Great Performances: A Legacy of Supporting Artists
When Great Performances was founded, it began as a staffing agency with a clear mission: to create opportunities for women in the arts, whether they were between gigs or seeking new paths. Our founder and CEO, Liz Neumark, envisioned a platform that would empower women to advance their careers while providing meaningful work. Over the years, Liz has continued to innovate, finding creative ways to help artists thrive.
This mission resonates deeply with the work of The Rehearsal Club, which has been a safe haven for young women in the performing arts since 1913. After partnering with Webster Apartments in 2018, TRC relaunched its residency program to provide safe, affordable housing and a nurturing community for artists. Today, aspiring residents can apply online through rehearsalclubnyc.com, and men and women alike are welcome to join as non-residency General Members. In October 2023, TRC celebrated its 110th anniversary, marking over a century of dedication to fostering talent in the arts.
A Bright Future Ahead
As a part of the Great Performances family and a resident of The Rehearsal Club, Blythe Lockwood continues to inspire us with her determination and passion. Her journey reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities for artists to shine. Here’s to supporting dreamers like Blythe, one audition and one event at a time.
A gold-brushed box replete with antique cogs, a delicate dancer wound to twirl through Tchaikovsky and Nabokov.
A dream long-lost–or so I thought.
Like many children, one of the first extracurriculars introduced to my young and disruptively energetic self was that which might be both enriching, and give my mom a few spare hours of solitude–dance.
The local studio was widely known for providing education in an array of styles. Tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and of course, ballet.
In the beginning, I took to them all with equal intrigue and excitement. But it wasn’t long before ballet began to outpace the others. A lover of stories and storytelling, the narrative undercurrent of the artform called to me.
The ability to embody such a range of characters, to step into their confidence, their vulnerability, their bravery, was a skill I’d not yet mastered in my personal life. Afraid to be called on in class, yet confident on stage before hundreds of strangers–the juxtaposition was a phenomenon my parents and teachers could not comprehend.
Ballet became a sacred place in which I shed the fear of being seen.
Yet as all easily distracted and exploratory teens are, I cycled through years of numerous hyper-fixations and hobbies, dance eventually taking a back seat. Sports team practices prevented any other outside indulgences, and besides, stereotypes would protest against my ancient age of fifteen’s ability to go professional. So what was the point?
I carried on, pocketing that part of me in favor of whatever came next. The following nine years were a period of immense growth, the standard early-twenties affair of broken hearts and moving away from home.
Arriving at the start of 2024 with a list of broad-stroke resolutions to help reconnect with myself, I was determined to re-introduce things I’d abandoned to my flighty youth.
Many years it may have been, my love for ballet remained safely tucked away, occasionally pulled from the drawer of days past to reminisce over fondly with wistful sighs of “What if?”
My hometown in Ohio had provided little opportunity for exploring such a question, especially at 24. But New York City held an abundance of it. A single Google search produced dozens of studios offering adult ballet, from beginner to professional to performances. It was a gold mine for the regret of an ignorant teen who wished she’d known what she was giving up before it was gone.
I wasn’t going to let it pass me by a second time. One class turned to two, to three, to five, to all of a sudden performing at Carnegie Hall come October. I again fell in love with that freedom I’d felt so long ago. The pure peace that comes with stepping up to the ballet barre or onto the stage–complex combinations a balm to a disquieted mind.
I gave it my all, and it gave right back. Not only did I regain an old part of me I’d nearly forgotten, I welcomed many new ones as well. New friends, new teachers, new experiences. A new, deeper connection to the community I’d been living in for 3 years.
Jersey City Ballet enveloped me in its arms, and nurtured the inner child I’d left behind. In turn, I have taken it upon myself to donate my time, energy, and expertise to ensure it feels the same amount of love and support.
In the historically exclusive world of dance, Jersey City Ballet is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. It creates a safe place for individuals of all ages, body types, and socioeconomic standings to experience and learn the art of classical ballet.
These are the core reasons why I was so incredibly honored when recently approached about becoming a Board Member of Jersey City Ballet Theater. Though I would carry on happily assisting in any way I can regardless of official title or membership, the acknowledgment for my love of the organization was rewarding.
It brings me joy to know that Jersey City Ballet understands how fully I believe in it and its mission, and that those at the helm trust me to continue to assist in sharing these values as a representative.
I look forward to further serving the students, staff, and dancers of Jersey City Ballet through this opportunity.
And of course, to lots and lots of dancing.
If you’re interested in enrolling in or supporting Jersey City Ballet’s programs for youth, adults, or professionals, you can learn more at jerseycityballet.org.
Apollo Music Café
sahn
Friday, February 7th at 10:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $39.85
Falling on the heels of Valentine’s Day, the singer, songwriter and poet known as sahn has taken pen to paper to create an introspective musical love letter that covers the elements of loss, renewal and everlasting love. sahn delivers a powerful evening of smokey, jazz-infused, songs and stories from her debut album “the mornings”.
For the Love of Luther
Saturday, February 8th at 10:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $39.85
Master of Song and Apollo Legend, Luther Vandross is one of the most important voices of all time. On this night, his greatest hits are effortlessly covered with classics such as “Never Too Much”, “A House Is Not a Home”, “So Amazing” and more. It’s a night like no other with no stop to love!
The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth As One Can Bear
Saturday, February 22nd at 4:00pm and 8:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $57.25
Experience James Baldwin’s powerful non-fiction writings like never before in The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth as One Can Bear—an immersive multimedia experience created by composer and multidisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. As part of The Apollo’s James Baldwin centennial celebration, this groundbreaking performance weaves together songcraft, poetry, film, and Baldwin’s own words from works like Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time.
Through instrumental ensemble, small choir, and Baldwin’s timeless language, Pinderhughes invites audiences to grapple with the pressing questions of today while imagining new ways forward. Surrounded by beautiful soundscapes and poignant visuals, this transformative experience honors Baldwin’s legacy and inspires a deeper understanding of our modern world.
FILMS TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE
In Person, all month long
Tickets: $15 non-members, $8 members
Asia Society continues an ongoing monthly series titled Films to See Before You Die featuring classic films and underseen gems from across Asia and the Asian diaspora with extended introductions by Asia Society’s Curator of Film.
Moral – Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Brokeback Mountain – Friday, February 14th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Pushing Hands – Saturday, February 15th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Sense and Sensibility – Saturday, February 15th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – Saturday, February 15th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
The Wedding Banquet – Sunday, February 16th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
The Ice Storm – Sunday, February 16th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Hulk – Sunday, February 16th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Life of Pi – Friday, February 21st from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk – Saturday, February 22nd from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ride with the Devil – Saturday, February 22nd from 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Lust, Caution – Saturday, February 22nd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Gemini Man – February 23rd from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Taking Woodstock – Sunday, February 23rd from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Eat Drink Man Woman – Sunday, February 23rd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Pedrito Martínez
Thursday, February 13th at 7:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space (BAMcafé)
Tickets: FREE
BAM FREE MUSIC
Part of Winter/Spring 2025
Since arriving in New York City in 1998, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martínez has collaborated on records and onstage with superstars like Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, and Camila Cabello. Martínez, a consummate master of the batá drum, has played, sung, and danced with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. A founding member of the successful crossover band Yerba Buena, he formed his own group in 2005, winning hearts and topping polls worldwide with concerts and recordings. His vitality, charisma, and megawatt smile onstage never fail to make an impression.
Setting the stage is Discolocas, a club night established in March 2022 to provide a safe, supportive space where women selectoras and DJs could feel comfortable sharing their vinyl selections. Expect to be moved by everything from vintage rumba, salsa, and cumbia to experimental sounds.
Dave Guy
Thursday, February 27th at 7:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space (BAMcafé)
Tickets: FREE
BAM FREE MUSIC
Part of Winter/Spring 2025
Trumpeter Dave Guy is well known to music lovers for his soulful, fiery work with hot bands like The Roots, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and the Menahan Street Band, as well as guest shots with such icons as Al Green, Amy Winehouse, and Pharrell. For this BAM outing, the East Village native will lean into charts from Ruby, a sophisticated debut solo album that shows how he brings together his disparate influences and experiences in classic R&B, hip hop, and jazz into a signature sound all his own.
Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, and mastering engineer L3ni is the general manager of Soul in the Horn, a global lifestyle, music, technology, and entertainment brand. A classically trained pianist, L3ni has spun on bills with Lizzo, Foushee, Hiatus Kaiyote, Beats Antique, Little Dragon, and Soulive.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Friday, February 28th through Wednesday, March 12th
Location: BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
Tickets: start at $35
Hot off two sold-out runs in London’s West End, this staggering revival of Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire stars Oscar nominee Paul Mescal (Gladiator II, Aftersun, All of Us Strangers) alongside Patsy Ferran (Living, God’s Own Country) and Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve, Black Mirror), arriving at BAM for a limited five-week run.
Olivier Award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall (Cabaret, Summer and Smoke) helms an empathetic and powerful vision of one of the greatest American plays ever written.
In the sweltering heat of New Orleans summer, a woman’s grip on the world begins to slip. When Blanche arrives at her sister Stella’s doorstep, desperate and out of options, her complicated past ignites a smoldering tension within the walls of the stifling apartment. And all the while, Stella’s husband Stanley—played by Mescal with unique “swagger and sensitivity” (The New York Times)—stalks the truths that Blanche so desperately wants to keep buried. Soon, Blanche’s meticulously constructed facade begins to crack and peel, offering an intimate and compelling picture of darker currents pulsating underneath.
Salsa Party
Thursday, February 6th from 6:00pm to 9:30pm
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Lobby, 1st Floor
Register for Free
Celebrate the art of salsa and join in our monthly dance-filled evenings hosted by Balmir Dance Society! Start the night with a class led by professional dancers at 6 pm, followed by live music, social dancing, and performances by Brooklyn’s best Latin dance teams.
Drink and Draw: Valentine’s Day Burlesque
Friday, February 14th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Location: Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor
Tickets: $35 and include after-hours admission to Toward Joy, art materials, and a complimentary drink. Member tickets are $20. Not a Member? Join today!
Bring a friend, a valentine, or yourself for a special edition of Drink and Draw celebrating art and love. Sip a specialty drink and sketch models from Frolic: Black Burlesque Revue, hosted by Foxy Belle Afriq. Plus, enjoy performances by some of Brooklyn’s finest burlesque performers, and delve into stories of romance, heartbreak, betrayal, and self-love in a guided tour of Toward Joy: New Frameworks for American Art.
Schedule
6:30–7 pm: Tour of Toward Joy, 5th floor
7–8 pm: Life drawing, Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd floor
8–8:30 pm: Tour of Toward Joy, 5th floor
8:30–9:30 pm: Burlesque performances, Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd floor
Valentine's Day with Kim Nalley
Friday, February 14th at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Tickets: table seating $225
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening at Dizzy’s Club, featuring the extraordinary Kim Nalley. Known for her incredible vocal range and heartfelt interpretations, Nalley brings jazz’s greatest love songs to life, creating a timeless and romantic atmosphere. The night includes a special three-course prix fixe menu, making this the perfect way to share an intimate and memorable time with your special someone.
Thembi Dunjana Quintet
Tuesday, February 25th at 7:00pm
Tickets: start at $20
Pianist Thembi Dunjana, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed rising stars in Jazz, returns to Dizzy’s with an incredible quintet, pairing her brilliant original compositions with fresh arrangements of McCoy Tyner’s classic masterworks.
Dianne Reeves: With Love
Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
For her 11th annual Valentine’s Day engagement, NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves returns to Rose Theater with an all-star band to celebrate that mysterious force called love. A true master, Reeves delivers mystical mystifying sets that showcase her striking stylistic range, clarity of tone, and heartfelt storytelling. Featuring cherished standards and surprise repertoire from a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, Dianne Reeves: With Love showcases songs of rapture and anguish, of romance and heartbreak. Experience an evening of enchantment for old friends, new lovers, families, and solo revelers.
Blues Jam
Friday, February 21st and Saturday, February 22nd
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Join us at Jazz at Lincoln Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating the soulful and electrifying power of the blues. This special event brings together award-winning artists to create a one-of-a-kind jam session that bridges the deep traditions of the blues with a vibrant modern energy. Featuring blues aficionado and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist Sherman Irby alongside an all-star lineup including: Grammy Award-winner Chester “CT” Thompson (Santana & Tower of Power) and Grammy Award-nominated Deshawn Alexander on B-3 organ; Grammy Award-winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on guitar and vocals, known for his raw, soul-stirring, and authentic blues sound; Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi; 2025 Grammy-nominated guitarist Ruthie Foster; Grammy-nominated drummer Adam Deitch (Lettuce); Grammy-nominated pedal steel guitarist Roosevelt Collier (Jelly Roll); New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee and guitarist Chris Bergson; and hosted by B-3 expert Pete Fallico.
First Friday
Friday, February 7th from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tickets: Free Admission All Day & Open Late
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum Members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6 – 9 PM. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
2–3pm: Fabric Collage Workshop
3–4pm: Lester Beall Curatorial Tour
4–5pm: Mixed Media Portrait Workshop
5–6:30pm: He Got Game Movie Screening
7pm: Brooklynettes Performance
Introductory Cyanotype Workshop
Saturday, February 8th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets: $50
Join artist Ben Blaustein for an afternoon of cyanotype printing. This introductory workshop will cover all the steps in this historic photographic process, from the coating of the paper to the exposing of the print with UV light. Participants will learn contemporary applications of this technique. No previous experience necessary.
Ben Blaustein is a Brooklyn-based artist working in printmaking, photography, sculpture, and performance. Using the cyanotype process, he creates compositions that explore ideas of time, memory, and secular transcendence.
Valentine's Evening with Ellisha Marie: An Evening of Jazz, Wine, and Artisanal Delights
Friday, February 14th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: Wave Hill House; Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory
Tickets: $225 per couple; Members $200 per couple
An Evening of Romance and Refinement
Let the enchanting melodies of The David Fletcher Trio, featuring Ellisha Marie, sweep you off your feet! The evening will fill your heart with unforgettable music, featuring love songs from the great American songbook to postmodern favorites by Sting, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Cyndi Lauper, Jason Mraz and Coldplay. This jazz trio will warm the heart during this winter holiday of romance. And the grand setting of our venue promises an experience that will stay with you long after the last note fades.
Schedule of the Evening
6:00PM Welcome Drinks in The Shop at Wave Hill and Conservatory Photography Session (Ends: 7:45PM)
6:45PM Bar Service Begins in the Mark Twain Room
7:15PM Wine and Cheese Tasting with Sommelier in Armor Hall
7:45PM Tapas and Dessert Bars Opens
8:30PM The David Fletcher Trio, featuring Ellisha Marie, takes the stage
9:30PM Last Call
10:00PM Evening Ends
Valentine's Tea
Saturday, February 15th and Sunday, February 16th at 11:30am and 1:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House Café
Tickets: Adults $56; Children $36 with adult. Includes admission to the grounds.
Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances is delighted to present the present Valentine’s Tea at Wave Hill, perfect for a date, “Palentine’s”, or an afternoon with friends. Enjoy the flavors of winter with a custom menu designed specifically for Wave Hill incorporating seasonal ingredients and inspiration from our own organic farm, Katchkie Farm.
ICE SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!
Ice skating at Wollman Rink NYC is an iconic winter experience that captures the magic of New York City. Nestled in the heart of Central Park, the rink offers skaters of all ages and skill levels the chance to glide across the ice while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Wollman Rink provides a welcoming environment, complete with skate rentals, lessons, and a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.
Beyond just skating, Wollman Rink NYC is a place where memories are made. The rink hosts special events, themed skating nights, and live performances, making it a hub of wintertime activity. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a family outing, or simply a moment of peace in the bustling city, Wollman Rink offers a unique and unforgettable experience that has been a cherished New York tradition for generations.
Igloo Village
Elevate your skating experience at Wollman Rink NYC inside our cozy, private, heated Rink Side igloos, under the Midtown Manhattan skyline in Central Park. Each of our transparent igloos feature an electric fireplace, soft lighting, and comfy seating for eight, as well as delicious food and beverage options.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
First Friday February 2025 Art, Music, Dancing, & Poetry!
Friday, February 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
Experience The Bronx Museum after hours!
We stay open late on the first Friday of the month so you can get your weekend started right. Enjoy the FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT exhibition currently on view in our galleries. Plus we will have music, dancing, and poetry activations throughout the evening (more details to come).
The Museum also provides complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to help keep everyone refreshed and energized.
AIM Convening 2025:
Artist Professional Development
Saturday, February 8th from 12:30pm to 5:00pm
For Artists in NYC – FREE!
As part of The Bronx Museum’s flagship AIM Artist Fellowship—an annual career accelerator program for the most promising artists based in NYC—the AIM Convening is a day of professional development and community-building activities open to all artists who would like to participate.
Specifically, the Convening is designed to impart vital advice to artists that can help them succeed in a competitive and difficult-to-navigate industry. It also seeks to create space and opportunity for NYC artists to connect with one-another and build community.
Nature's Workshop: Winter Watercolor Painting
Friday, February 1st from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park
Join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature’s Workshop series. Each program in this series explores its topic in-depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. Let the tranquility of winter flow in your paintings. The Rangers will provide the art supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Black History Month: Langston Hughes and Love Potion Brews
Sunday, February 9th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park
Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Craft your own color-changing love potion while enjoying the jazz poetry of Langston Hughes, and learn about his impact on the Harlem Renaissance.
The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism
February 15th through April 27th
Our annual celebration of all things orchid carries you to the vibrant setting of Mexico for The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism. Set off on a journey where the fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry takes center stage amid awe-inspiring displays of orchids, and wander through lush landscapes brought into vivid relief with thousands of flowers that showcase diverse ecosystems and rich cultures. Among bright arrangements of orchids in settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, come visit a paradise of tropical beauty—without ever leaving the Bronx.
Sensory Table
February 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Some of the plants behind the familiar scents of chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon can be found right in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Use your sense of touch, smell, sight, and even sound to identify these and other select botanical items at the Sensory Table.
Seal Exploration
Saturday, February 8th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Orchard Beach Nature Center in Pelham Bay Park
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the Long Island Sound. You may be surprised by what looks like a rock in the distance, is actually a healthy seal.
Kids Week: Nature Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, February 18th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Playground for All Children in Pelham Bay Park
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city for Kids Week during mid-winter recess. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fun nature scavenger hunt! Participants will learn how to use a map to uncover hidden clues and discover the nature in the park along the way.
Heartfelt History: Valentine Card-Making Workshop
Saturday, February 8th from 10:00am to 11:30am
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
Join us for a special historic Valentine-making workshop, where creativity meets tradition! Step back in time and explore the art of crafting hand-made Valentines, inspired by the intricate designs of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
You’ll learn how to make your own historic-style cards using classic techniques such as paper folding, cutouts, and paper “scrap” decoration. Discover the history of Valentine’s Day through the ages and how this beloved tradition has evolved. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, crafter, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season of love, this workshop promises a fun and educational experience for ages 5 and up. Don’t miss this chance to create a timeless keepsake while celebrating the artistry of the past!
Cost is $10/ person. Cost includes materials and a self-guided tour of the museum after the workshop.
Black History Month: Science Fiction and the Natural World
Sunday, February 16th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Explore the connection between the natural world and science fiction with this storytelling hike and fire-side chat. Listen to the works of Octavia Butler while walking the trails at dusk. Afterwards, cozy up to the fire and share your thoughts!
Winter Workspace 2025: Drop-In Sunday
Sunday, February 2nd and February 9th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Glyndor Gallery
The Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday series provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors to deepen their connection with the arts and their experience of the garden by learning how artists are drawing inspiration from our site. During this event, visitors can mingle with participating Workspace Artists in their studios, ask questions, and learn about their creative practice. Each Sunday a different group of three or more artists participates.
This event is family-friendly, and we welcome visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to attend. A Discovery Guide for families is available at the gallery desk, offering a fun way to engage with the artwork on view.
Conservatory Family Exploration Day
Sunday, February 23rd from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory and Wave Hill House
Chat with garden experts, adopt a plant, explore the Conservatory and find out how a greenhouse works!
Activities are drop-in and are intended for children and their adult companions.
Valentine's Day Celebration
Saturday, February 9th from 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Join Williamsbridge Oval for DIY Crafts for children. This fun do-it yourself, Valentines’ arts and crafts program teaches how to create projects.
The Legacy of Former "Colored" School No. 4, a talk by Eric K. Washington
Thursday, February 13th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
This illustrated talk by historian Eric K. Washington visits an unassuming building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood that, in shedding light on 19th-century Gotham’s forgotten past, has excited wide media attention. Hidden in plain sight on West 17th Street is the former “Colored” School No. 4, the last of a network of racial-caste public schoolhouses that once were relegated to New York’s African American teachers and students. Built in 1849-50, the city-owned building’s decades-long use spanned the eras of the Antebellum Period, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Washington spearheaded the collaborative community preservation effort that culminated in 2023 with both the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designating the curiously idle building a historic landmark and the city’s mayor pledging $6 million towards its rehabilitation. His talk will highlight many of the notable teachers, students and events once associated with this remarkably surviving Black heritage site.
Did you know that Great Performances is headquartered in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx? We love being a part of the Bronx community, supporting other Bronx-based companies, and giving back to our community.
Legacy, Lineage and Liberation
Monday, January 13th
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: FREE
The Apollo celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble, Urban Bush Women with a stunning visual exhibition in the Laura and Frank Baker Gallery. With special pop-up performances on select dates, Lineage Legacy and Liberation: An Examination of Urban Bush Women’s Art-Making and Community Organizing Praxis contains rare photographs, performance footage, manuscripts, costumes and memorabilia from the groundbreaking ensemble’s 40-year history.
Claudine
Friday, January 17th at 7:00pm
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: Start at $25
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1974 classic film Claudine and the life of the late James Earl Jones at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, in partnership with the Harlem Festival of Culture Foundation.
Experience the powerful performances of Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones in this timeless story of resilience, love, and community. Claudine tells the tale of a strong-willed single mother raising six children in Harlem, whose budding romance with a charismatic garbage collector is tested by the struggles of life within an oppressive system.
Duration of Mountains and Seas (穿越·山海经): Musical Showcase
Asia Electric
Saturday, January 11th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Tickets: Free with registration!
Duration of Mountains and Seas (穿越·山海经) is a musical showcase that reimagines ancient mythology, creating a fantastic universe where Chinese music meets electronica to traverse through time and space. Conceived and created by composer/ musician Hu Chenyun, the showcase includes the electronic music duo Frankfurt Helmet and a group of renowned musicians from the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra. This contemporary performance is inspired by the great classic of ancient Chinese mythology, Classic of Mountains and Seas (3rd Century B.C.), exploring a world of mythical beings and vast geographies. The creative intermingling of Chinese instruments such as suona, pipa, and konghou with electronic voices creates a space where technology and nature—and past and future—are placed in vibrant dialogue.
Moon Over Manhattan: Lunar New Year Family Day 2025
Celebrating the Year of the Snake
Saturday, January 25th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children over 2, $8 members
Join us in welcoming the Year of the Snake at Asia Society’s 2025 Lunar New Year Family Day program! On Saturday, January 25, come watch exciting lion dances and martial arts demonstrations, sing along to fun New Year songs, and enjoy some Year of the Snake-themed arts and crafts! Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious Lunar New Year snacks at the Leo Cafe as well.
TECHNE
Saturday, January 4th through Sunday, January 19th
Location: BAM Fisher
Fishman Space
Tickets: Tickets are $35 for all four experiences or $10 for each individual experience
BAM, Onassis and Under the Radar Present
TECHNE
Four Digital Installations
Curated by Onassis ONX
Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions
TECHNE is a multi-part experiential program comprising four large-scale digital artworks. Created with generative AI, real-time interactive displays, and immersive sound, this program transports viewers into four distinctive new realms, brought to life by visionary creators.
The 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 20th at 10:30am
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: Tickets are free for this event and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8am on January 20 in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby.
We honor the life and legacy of Dr. King at this vital Brooklyn tradition. Join us for a very special solo presentation by Ailey II, vibrant music with The Fire Ensemble led by Troy Anthony, and more. Ring in the New Year with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders in a day of activism, music, and family-friendly activities.
Salsa Party
Thursday, January 9th from 6:00pm to 9:30pm
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Lobby, 1st Floor
Register for Free
Celebrate the art of salsa and join in our monthly dance-filled evenings hosted by Balmir Dance Society! Start the night with a class led by professional dancers at 6 pm, followed by live music, social dancing, and performances by Brooklyn’s best Latin dance teams.
Brooklyn Poetry Slam
Wednesday, January 15th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor
Tickets: Register in advance and pay as you wish (suggested admission: $10)
Amplify the voices of Brooklyn at a series of pay-what-you-can slams, presented by poets and cofounders Mahogany L. Browne and DJ Jive Poetic. Come to listen to poets, or arrive early to sign up if you’d like to join the slam (limited availability).
Celebrating Cedar Walton with Willie Jones III and Friends
Tuesday, January 16th through Sunday, January 19th
Tickets: start at $20
On what would have been Cedar Walton’s 91st birthday, we pay tribute to the prolific composer and hard bop pianist whose works have left an indelible mark on jazz. Timeless pieces like “Bolivia” and “Firm Roots” will come to life through an all-star ensemble of artists who shared the stage with Walton. Led by drummer Willie Jones III, a longtime collaborator and mentee of Walton, this group includes Steve Turre, Ralph Moore, Vincent Herring, and David Williams. Joining them is Juilliard’s rising talent, pianist Tyler Bullock, in a dynamic celebration of Walton’s lasting legacy.
Chico Pinheiro and Romero Lubambo Duo: Two Brothers
Tuesday, January 28th and Wednesday, January 29th
Tickets: start at $20
Romero Lubambo and Chico Pinheiro, two of the most celebrated Brazilian guitarists, come together to perform music from their new album Two Brothers, a stunning collection of Brazilian and jazz guitar works. Both masters of their craft, Lubambo and Pinheiro have spent their careers perfecting the unique sound that Brazilian music brings to the guitar. Lubambo, known for his performances with Dianne Reeves and Trio da Paz, and Pinheiro, a frequent collaborator with legends like Rosa Passos, promise an intimate evening filled with lush melodies and vibrant rhythms.
The Unity Jazz Festival
Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th
Location: The Appel Room
Tickets: $87
After its successful debut in 2024, the Unity Jazz Festival returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center with a brand-new lineup featuring Rachael & Vilray and brings together acclaimed artists, first-time listeners, and longtime fans. A roster of diverse, intergenerational acts convene in the Ertegun Atrium, Agnes Varis and Karl Leichtman Studio, Dizzy’s Club, and the Appel Room to perform and uplift the JALC community.
Cool School & Hard Bop: The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis
Thursday, January 16th through Saturday, January 17th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
The cool jazz movement is known for its mellow lyricism and striking, often surprising arrangements, while hard bop is distinguished by its bluesy melodicism and virtuosic vocabulary. Music-directed by JLCO saxophonist Sherman Irby and frequent collaborator, pianist Joe Block, Cool School & Hard Bop explores the shared themes of these two genres. The performance includes reinterpretations of iconic recordings by Miles Davis, the Modern Jazz Quartet, the Max Roach-Clifford Brown Quintet, Horace Silver, and Art Blakey, alongside newly commissioned works by Benny Green and Luther Allison. Benny Green will also perform his newly commissioned piece.
Afro-Futurism and Nike
Thursday, January 23rd from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Tickets: Free with RSVP
The sports world has often been a critical marker of future trends in celebrity, style, marketing, and youth culture. The museum’s current exhibition, Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sports Stars into Superheroes, demonstrates how posters of notable athletes set the tone for the future of sports branding, fostering the idea of the “Sports Star.” Poster House is thrilled to host a panel discussion about the ways in which Nike allows us to consider Afro-Futurism within the messaging and styling of a brand that has had special appeal for Black people.This panel will examine Afro-Futurism in the context of fashion history, literature, and visual language to investigate a future that never was. Join us in thinking about Nike branding from a new perspective.
BEARING WITNESS: Black Printmakers “Calling Out” America!
Friday, January 24th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Tickets: Free with RSVP
In conjunction with the acclaimed exhibition Lester Beall & A New American Identity, Poster House is pleased to partner with the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop for an engaging conversation with esteemed scholar and historian Leslie King Hammond. This presentation reflects on the artistry of African American printmakers in the era of President Roosevelt’s Works Project Administration of 1935 to 1941, work that had a powerful impact on subsequent generations of Black printmakers. Each artist–then and now–sought to create original and truthful prints in their chosen mediums and modalities to “signify on” (or indirectly criticize) the realities of their lives as citizens in the United States.
Family Art Project: Fan of Lunar New Year!
Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Meet at Wave Hill House
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Celebrate the start of the Year of the Snake by learning about their role in the Chinese zodiac. Then, assemble and decorate a fan inspired by snakes in nature that call the Bronx home.
ICE SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!
Ice skating at Wollman Rink NYC is an iconic winter experience that captures the magic of New York City. Nestled in the heart of Central Park, the rink offers skaters of all ages and skill levels the chance to glide across the ice while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Wollman Rink provides a welcoming environment, complete with skate rentals, lessons, and a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.
Beyond just skating, Wollman Rink NYC is a place where memories are made. The rink hosts special events, themed skating nights, and live performances, making it a hub of wintertime activity. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a family outing, or simply a moment of peace in the bustling city, Wollman Rink offers a unique and unforgettable experience that has been a cherished New York tradition for generations.
Igloo Village
Elevate your skating experience at Wollman Rink NYC inside our cozy, private, heated Rink Side igloos, under the Midtown Manhattan skyline in Central Park. Each of our transparent igloos feature an electric fireplace, soft lighting, and comfy seating for eight, as well as delicious food and beverage options.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
First Friday January 2025 Art, Music, Dancing, & Poetry!
Friday, January 10th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
Experience The Bronx Museum after hours!
We stay open late on the first Friday of the month so you can get your weekend started right. Enjoy the FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT exhibition currently on view in our galleries. Plus we will have music, dancing, and poetry activations throughout the evening (more details to come).
The Museum also provides complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to help keep everyone refreshed and energized.
Family Time January 2025: Free Art-Making for All Ages!
Saturday, January 11th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
FREE!
All are welcome to participate in an art-making activity inspired by our current exhibition, FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT. The activity is geared towards families with young children, but is fun for everyone!
Mulchfest: Brook Park Street Tree Care
Saturday, January 11th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
FREE!
Come work with NYC Parks Stewardship to care for local street trees! Volunteers will learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees. They will also learn about the important role street trees play in New York City.
Holiday Train Show
November 16, 2024 through January 20, 2025
Enter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night. The timeless holiday magic of rail travel fills the Garden with nostalgia as model locomotives and trolleys trundle through our picture-perfect outdoor lawn display and bring the Haupt Conservatory to life with the busy sounds of the season. In the warmth of our landmark glasshouse, you’ll find twinkling, plant-based replicas of famed local architecture creating a cityscape in miniature—a meticulously crafted world brimming with the lively energy of New York City during the holidays.
After dark, our roving Train Conductors welcome you to Holiday Train Nights, and set you on your journey through the warm glow of the Holiday Train Show. Experience the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory like never before, with colorful lighting bringing the holiday spirit under glass. During your visit, you can bop along to holiday classics and Christmas pop favorites sung by performers in our Locomotive Lounge. And with sweet and savory bites, spiked cider cocktails and mocktails, and hands-on gingerbread fun for purchase, the night is made complete with your favorite treats. Whether you’re out on the town with friends for our 21+ nights, or bringing the whole family for an all-ages celebration, make new holiday memories while discovering the magic of New York City’s favorite holiday experience.
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up
November 16, 2024 through January 20, 2025
Kids and families can join us in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden Pop-Up for drop-in play that gets your little ones outdoors and engages their creativity!
NYRR Open Run
every Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
NYRR Open Run brings free, 5K weekly community-led runs, to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Called the “Gateway to the Bronx River,” 205-acre Soundview Park is located where the Bronx River opens into the East River. This urban green space is filled with grassy baseball and soccer fields, a cricket pitch, basketball courts, a running track, walking/biking paths, picnic fields, and more! With its extensive views of the water, Soundview Park celebrates the beauty of both the Bronx and East Rivers. The back part of our Open Run course has beautiful views of the Bronx River waterfront for participants to enjoy!
New Year's Day Super Hike
Wednesday, January 1st from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike. Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park. Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. Explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, and unplug from the world to clear your head.
Black-Owned Farms in the Bronx in the Early 1800s with J. Keith Doherty
Thursday, January 9th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
This talk by historian J. Keith Doherty will focus on a number of early farms in the Bronx that were owned by free Black men during the era of Gradual Emancipation, when slavery was slowly being abolished (1799-1827). Though several Black-owned farms existed in the rural environs of the city at the time, nearly all have been forgotten by history. This talk is an attempt to shed light on a long-buried chapter in our local history when Black men—many of whom had been enslaved in their youth—rose to become successful businessmen. In addition to being one of the only ways of gaining genuine financial independence, land ownership was critical for Black men as the sole means of acquiring suffrage, due to a racist mandate in the state constitution that required them to possess at least $250 worth of property to vote.
J. Keith Doherty is a former Professor of History and Art History at Boston University, where he earned his doctorate and taught for 14 years. Since returning to his native New York in 2012, he has authored several articles and a short book on the early history of the Bronx and Westchester, with a special focus on Black-owned farms in the area at the turn of the nineteenth century (1799-1850). In addition to his academic work, he is a researcher and educator at the Philipse Manor Hall, the VCHM’s architectural “twin” in Yonkers, and leads tours of various parts of Manhattan for the Big Onion touring company.
Warming Winter Yoga
every Sunday in January and February beginning January 12 from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Armor Hall
Join us for our first ever Winter Yoga series! Held in the beautiful space of Armor Hall, the flow of each session is inspired by the frosty winter weather. While sheltered and warm, we’ll be surrounded by a panoramic view of our Conifer Slope and majestic trees, offering an inspiring winter backdrop. This new series is one you won’t want to miss!
Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend
Saturday, January 18th and Sunday, January 19th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Meet at Wave Hill House
In 1966 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. The bold patterns and bright colors of these now famous quilts made from fabric scraps would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own fabric collage to honor Dr. King’s Birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend.
Did you know that Great Performances is headquartered in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx? We love being a part of the Bronx community, supporting other Bronx-based companies, and giving back to our community.
Through the busy holidays, we normally watch Chefs and Planners do the acrobatics of an event, but the mise en place is a quiet orchestration from every team, bent over slanted desks, pulling levers like Inside Out. When we hear the hums of the season, it’s pies goldening in crusts, and tastings being plated. Silverware rings through the hallways. It can be met at one of our office corners with a faint whirring, a little hum of calculators turning.
In the midst of the busyness, we gained a new member in Accounting, Nino Andre Dionio, in partnership with the SOAR Experimental Learning Program through LaGuardia Community College’s Center for Career and Professional Development, pairing students with experiential learning. He spent the fall with us, and as a student with interests ranging from Finance to Urban Sociology, he has fresh insight into GP’s culture, work, and the food:
Q: Hi Nino. Tell us a bit about yourself!
A: I’m currently a sophomore at LaGuardia Community College. I’m interested in doing something in business, more specifically in Accounting. I found it really unique to work in a catering company. What really hooked me was my interview – when I heard about the people and atmosphere, to me it sounded like a great working environment. It sounded fun but also professional.
Q: What have you enjoyed so far about your last month and a half at GP?
A: What I’ve liked so far is how I’ve gotten close with my coworkers. I’m glad to have a casual conversation with them in and out of the office. It helped a lot by how fast I got accustomed to GP. Another is the desserts and food – they’ve been really good and I’m thankful for the lunches too.
Q: I’m glad good food and conversations are the highlights. Anything interesting you’ve talked about, or anything you found surprising from people?
A: There have been a lot of funny conversations that I hear in the office. But what I found interesting were my meetings with everyone. It was interesting hearing about everyone’s career path. Many things they’ve said have stuck with me every time I think about my career.
Q: Putting this career plan aside for a second, if there were a job at GP you could have for just a day, what would it be?
A: I think Culinary is a really fun role to have. I really enjoy cooking at home and wouldn’t mind learning about some cooking from GP. And I really like the food, so I think it would be fun to have insights on how we make our food.
Q: So have you discovered any new favorite dishes or desserts since you’ve been here?
A: One dessert that always stuck out to me was the chocolate cake with banana I brought home. It was really good, and I’m glad I was able to share it with my mom because she also really liked it.
Q: And one last question. What do you find more satisfying – balancing a budget, or perfectly plating a dessert?
A: I find balancing a budget more satisfying, for sure.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with incredible non-profits to help bring their events to life. Whether it’s a fundraising gala, a community appreciation day, or an intimate donor dinner, we know that every detail matters when it comes to sharing your mission and inspiring support.
Planning a non-profit event can be both exciting and challenging. It’s not just about hosting a gathering—it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful impact. We sat down with Linda Abbey, our resident Non-Profit Expert, and talked about her top tips for planning a Non-Profit event. Here are a few tips she’s learned along the way to help make your next event a success.
Identify the “Spend”
We know budgets can be tight for non-profits, so it’s important to start with a clear understanding of your resources. Consider both your financial limits and the time and people you can dedicate to planning. This clarity allows you to focus on priorities that maximize the impact of your event without stretching beyond your means.
What Event Format Best Suits the Mission?
The right event format helps you connect with your audience while staying true to your mission. Are you celebrating achievements? A formal gala might be perfect. Hoping to engage the community? A casual picnic or a virtual panel could work wonders. The format sets the tone, so choose one that complements both your cause and your guests.
Manage Guest Expectations with Optics
Every element of your event sends a message—whether intentional or not. From the invitations to the venue, make sure every detail reflects your mission and values. A sustainable catering menu, thoughtful decor, or a welcoming community space can all help communicate your commitment to your cause while building trust with attendees.
Incorporate the Goal into Hospitality
Food and hospitality are central to any event, and they’re a perfect opportunity to tie back to your mission. For a health-focused non-profit, we’ve worked with clients to craft menus featuring locally sourced, nutritious dishes. For environmental organizations, we’ve helped create zero-waste events. Thoughtful hospitality choices make your mission tangible and memorable.
Encourage Sponsorships to Offset Costs
Sponsorships can be game-changers. Partnering with businesses whose values align with your own can bring in much-needed funding or in-kind donations. Sponsors often appreciate the visibility your event offers, and their contributions can elevate the experience for attendees without straining your budget.
Prompt Post-Event Follow-Up
The event might end, but the conversation shouldn’t. Follow up with guests, sponsors, and volunteers to thank them for their support and share the impact of the event. Highlight successes through newsletters or social media, and let attendees know how they can stay involved. Keeping those connections alive builds lasting relationships for future support.
Let’s Make Your Next Event Unforgettable
At Great Performances, we believe every event tells a story—and we’re here to help you share yours. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant gala or a laid-back community gathering, our team is ready to bring your vision to life with menus and experiences that reflect your mission and values.
Let’s connect to talk about how we can make your next non-profit event as impactful as your cause. Together, we can create moments that inspire.
Let’s Start Planning Your Nonprofit Event!
The holidays are a time for sharing—sharing meals, laughter, and the traditions that make this season special. At Great Performances, we’re fortunate to work with an incredible team of individuals who bring their creativity and care to everything they do, both professionally and personally. This year, we asked a few of our team members to share their holiday traditions in their own words. Their stories reflect the joy, warmth, and meaning that make this time of year so magical.
Morgan Golumbuk, Senior Event Director
“This tradition came about purely by accident, which—I think—makes it all the better. Growing up, our Hanukkah gifts increased in value or size as the nights went on, but the first gift was always the same: scratch-off lottery tickets and candy bars. I knew that I had to offer these same foundational gifts to guests of my first solo-hosted Hanukkah last year, so I traipsed across the neighborhood in search of matzoh ball soup ingredients, spiked seltzers, and the gifting goodies. When I called my parents to tell them about my plans, they said that they didn’t even realize the gift-giving pattern; it was just a happy mitzvah.”
De’Enna Quinn, Inside Sales Associate
“Each year, I bring a southern tradition of a show-stopping dessert for my husband’s New Jersey family holiday gatherings. Since 2011, it’s become my personal holiday mission: no Christmas is complete without a show-stopping trifle to match the festive feast. My husband’s family has an incredible Christmas tradition—each year, they choose a different cuisine to center the holiday meal. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed homemade sushi and udon bowls, Southern fried chicken with all the fixings (a theme I proudly picked), and even a classic holiday spread.”
Ali Rea Baum, Senior Event Director
“When I was 9, my mother and I moved to California from New York. It was a very big move for me, as I was leaving most of my family (most importantly my dad). I grew up half Jewish/half Unitarian, so both Christmas and Hanukkah were big parts of my life. To ensure that we continued some of my New York family Hanukkah traditions, every Christmas Eve, my mother would make a brisket and latkes. This tradition continues to this day. Last year, I couldn’t be with my mother on Christmas Eve, so I made the brisket and latkes on my own for my husband, daughter, dad, bonus mom, and brother. It was delicious.”
Brandon Reichert, Director of Information and Technology
“Every Christmas, my apartment turns into the ultimate board game battlefield. Friends and family show up, each bringing a brand-new game, and from the moment the first dice roll hits the table, it’s game on. The stakes? Eternal bragging rights and the all-important game night lineup for the next year.
The day is pure chaos in the best way. Someone’s always dramatically flipping through the rulebook while another person insists, ‘I swear this is my first time playing!’ right before crushing everyone. Trash talk is flying, alliances are made and broken, and laughter fills the room—usually at someone’s ridiculous strategy that somehow works.
By the time dinner rolls around, the scoreboard is the center of attention. Who’s on top? Who’s the underdog? Over plates piled high with ham (because it’s not Christmas without ham), we argue about the best plays and the most epic fails. It’s all in good fun… mostly.
At the end of the night, we tally up the winners, and everyone leaves with a mix of pride, plans for revenge, and maybe a little too much ham in the belly. It’s the perfect mix of competition, laughter, and holiday cheer—and it’s the tradition I look forward to every single year.”
Linda Abbey, Executive Vice President
“Our apartment on LaSalle Street between Broadway & Amsterdam has a perfect view of the lighted tower that is Riverside, an interdenominational church modeled after the 13th-century Gothic cathedral in Chartres, France. The bells toll every Sunday at 10:15 a.m., at which time we open the windows wide to bask in the sound.
One of our holiday traditions is to attend the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols at this stunning church. Classic and modern carols are interspersed with readings, and often a harp solo here, a piano and flute solo there. The organ music is moving; the singing of the choir stirring. A pocketful of tissues is a must. To slowly meander home afterward in the quiet winter chill is to appreciate just how blessed we are to have access to the magic that is Riverside.”
Brigid Randolph, Culinary Development Coordinator
“One of my favorite holiday traditions (that my mom in particular enforces!) is that our family doesn’t listen to any Christmas music until after Thanksgiving dinner is over. Once all the dinner plates have been cleared though, Christmas music is fair game, and we’ll bust out the classics along with the pumpkin pie—usually a Johnny Mathis Christmas album or the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
From scratch-off tickets and brisket to carols and competition, these traditions reflect the many ways our team celebrates the season. Each story reminds us that the holidays aren’t just about the food we share or the songs we sing but the people we gather with and the memories we create together.
Here’s to embracing traditions old and new, savoring the flavors of the season, and finding joy in every laugh, every note, and every roll of the dice. Happy holidays from all of us at Great Performances!