Set against the stunning backdrop of the glittering Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Black Tie Ball was an enchanting evening hosted by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy at New York City’s most breathtaking waterfront park.
Senior Event Director, Lauren Tregor, spearheaded this 600-person seated dinner. Join us in reliving the magic of the night through our photo gallery below, showcasing the breathtaking ambiance, honored guests, and the exquisite culinary experience that made this event truly unforgettable.
This year’s gala honored four remarkable champions of the park: Daniel L. Doctoroff, Regina Myer, Nanette Smith, and the landscape architects of MVVA, who have played pivotal roles in bringing the Brooklyn waterfront vision to life. The evening was a celebration of joy, wonder, and exploration, with supporters rallying around the Conservancy’s commitment to providing free access to cultural, fitness, and educational experiences for all New Yorkers.
Guests were treated to a thoughtfully crafted menu that highlighted the best of seasonal cuisine, beginning with delightful butlered hors d’oeuvres like Green Chickpea Pani Puri and Lobster & Corn Tart. The meal progressed to an elegant first course of Burrata and Apple, followed by a choice of Roasted Branzino or a delicious vegetarian option. Desserts featured a stunning Maple Choux, alongside an array of butlered treats.
The evening’s menu included:
- Cocktail: Maple Old Fashioned
- Butlered Hors d’Oeuvres:
- Green Chickpea Pani Puri
- Lemon Confit Potatoes
- Crispy Arancini
- Lobster & Corn Tart
- Pulled Poblano Lime Chicken
- Savory Bread Pudding
- Duck Banh Mi Summer Roll
- Steak Frites
- First Course: Burrata and Apple
- Entrée: Roasted Branzino (Vegetarian option: Smoked Eggplant)
- Plated Dessert: Maple Choux, Bowl of Fresh Berries
- Butlered Desserts: Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles, Fresh Fruit Tartlet
On a beautiful evening at Hall des Lumières, guests gathered for an unforgettable night dedicated to supporting the future of Governors Island. This nonprofit gala, attended by 400 guests, celebrated the island’s transformative initiatives, including public art, innovative climate solutions, and the preservation of open spaces.
Produced by Senior Event Director, Gary Bedigan, this 400-person cocktail reception was a visually stunning event for a nonprofit organization we’re always delighted to support.
Honoring Remarkable Leaders
The event honored inspiring individuals:
- Andy Darrell, Senior Advisor at the Environmental Defense Fund, whose work is pivotal in advancing environmental policies.
- Charles Gaines, a renowned artist whose innovative works challenge perceptions and provoke thought.
- Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development & Workforce, who plays a crucial role in shaping New York City’s future.
Engaging the Senses and the Sensibilities
Hall des Lumières allowed the team to create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience thanks to cutting-edge projection technology. The space was transformed into a breathtaking visual landscape: Governor’s Island.
Not only was this a visual delight, the event was a culinary delight. As guests mingled amid the stunning projections showcasing scenes from Governors Island, they enjoyed a variety of butlered dishes, several curated buffet stations, and delectable cocktails.
We’re thrilled to be partners of Governors Island collaborate with them on events that champion vital initiatives for our community. The success of this gala exemplifies the power of coming together to foster a brighter future for all.
The Menu
Cocktail Selections
- Smokey Paloma: Altos blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit and lime juice, agave, club soda, black salt rim
- Paloma Pizzaz: Passionfruit, lime, grapefruit, honey, club soda
Small Bites
- Truffled Kettle Chips
- Pumpkin Spiced Corn Nuts: Pumpkin seeds, dried cranberry
- Roasted Cherry Tomato Tatin: Savory onion jam
- Mighty Mushroom Maki Roll: Mushroom medley, baked tofu, shiitake truffle sauce
- Crispy Arancini: Fra diavolo sauce, parmesan cheese
- Puffed Tortilla: White cheddar fondue, pickled chili
- Salmon Tartare: Persian cucumber, crème fraiche, dill
- Tamari Ginger Poke: Crisp sesame tuille
- Poblano & Chicken Salad: Yukon gold potato crisp
- House-made Kosher Pigs in a Blanket: Deli mustard
Noodle Station
- Chicken Chow Mein
- Soba Noodle Salad: Cabbage, snap peas, edamame, peppers, sesame seeds, herbs, ponzu dressing
- Scallion Pancakes
- Seaweed & Cucumber Salad: Served with crispy noodles, soy sauce, ponzu, Chinese mustard, red chili sauce
- Shrimp Pan Fried Dumplings
- Vegetable Pan Fried Dumplings
Carvery Stations
- Chef Carved Strip Steak
- Salmon en Croute: Mustard cream sauce
- Caesar Salad Crudo: Shaved fennel and cauliflower, hand-torn croutons, creamy lemon Caesar dressing, shaved parmesan
- Creamed Spinach Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Roasted Wild Mushrooms & Shallot Agridolce: Served with horseradish cream, chimichurri, mustard sauce
- Striped Bass with Tomato Caper Relish: Artichoke, spinach, fennel, crispy fingerling potatoes
- Roasted Chicken & Lentils: Harissa, parsley, mint, cilantro, lemon
- Multi-Colored Roasted Cauliflower: Toasted garlic bread crumbs, parmesan, lemon
- Tuscan Kale & Pecorino Salad: Basil, mint, lemon vinaigrette
- Parker House Rolls: Cultured local butter
Paella Station
- Traditional Paella: Chicken, chorizo, mussels, clams, scallops, shrimp, rice, red peppers, peas
- Farmers Paella: Yellow rice, peas, artichoke, roasted sweet red peppers, zucchini
- Grilled Shishito Peppers
- Pan con Tomate
Butlered Desserts
- S’mores Squares
- Fresh Fruit Tartlet
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- Flourless Chocolate Cake Bites
For more information on how to get involved with Governor’s Island initiatives, please contact development@friendsgi.org.
On October 7, 2024, Powerhouse Arts (PHA) hosted its premiere Artists Celebration Dinner, transforming its Brooklyn venue into an immersive culinary experience. This special evening featured Stimulus Interactiva, a cross-disciplinary presentation crafted by Dutch artist and chef Jasper Udink ten Cate of Creative Chef Studio. The event was designed to foster connection and community, uniting art and food through an evening that celebrated the artistic spirit and Powerhouse Arts’ mission to support creative expression and collaboration.
Senior Event Director Morgan Golumbuk worked closely with Powerhouse Arts, Chef Udink ten Cate, and the entire team to execute the team’s vision for the event. The journey began with cocktails, setting a lively tone for the evening, before guests took their seats for a carefully curated multi-course meal. Each dish was inspired by Jasper’s creative vision and executed by the talented culinary team at Great Performances. Highlights included the Edible Ecosystem, with shaved fennel tagliatelle, heirloom tomatoes, and seasonal edible flowers, as well as Soil, a dish blending acorn squash and heirloom bean ragout with a “soil” crumble that evoked the grounding nature of artistry and craftsmanship. The dessert, Creativity / Beehive, featured seasonal fruits with honey meringue and edible flowers, capping the meal with a visually stunning and aromatic finish.
Supported by the Dutch Culture USA and FUTURE 400 initiatives of the Consulate General of the Netherlands, this event also spotlighted Powerhouse Arts’ fabrication capabilities and dedication to the artist community. Through events like this, PHA aims to create an environment where artistic expression is not only celebrated but recognized as essential to personal and civic development.
For those interested in future sponsorships or supporting PHA’s mission, Development Director Megan Skidmore is available for inquiries at development@powerhousearts.org.
The Menu
Menu for the Powerhouse Arts Artist Celebration Dinner
Strawberry Mint Chutney
Cucumber Cup, Alyssum, Sesame Seeds
Sourdough Boule with Butter “Rocks”
Dashi, Vadouvan Curry, Lovage, Fried Onions
Edible Ecosystem
Shaved Fennel “Tagliatelle,” Heirloom Tomato, Persian Cucumber, Nasturtium Leaf and Flower, Pickled Shishito Peppers, Seasonal Edible Flowers, Fines Herbes, Smoked Plum Vinaigrette
Soil
Acorn Squash, Heirloom Bean Ragout, “Soil” Crumble, Sunchoke Chips, Afilla Cress, Chervil
Creativity / Beehive
Seasonal Fruits, Tart Apple & Shiso Compote, Flower & Honey Meringue, Greek Yogurt Mousse, Edible Flowers, Cocoa Butter Spray Paint, Honey Perfume
Cranberry Bramble
Vodka, Cranberry Reduction, Fresh Lemon & Pineapple Juice, Lime, Cranberry Compote, Mint Garnish
A Celebration of Seasonality, Creativity, and Sustainability
As the cooler months approach, we’re excited to unveil our Fall Winter 2024 menu, featuring heartier, warming dishes that are perfect for winter yet balanced to leave you feeling light and energized. Each dish is beautifully crafted, with vibrant colors and elegant presentations, showcasing the best of the season through the creative collaboration of our R&D chefs.
Together, our team has developed a menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients and reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. The first course and entrée offerings bring a masterful touch to traditional flavors with inventive techniques, while our desserts round out the experience with indulgent yet balanced creations, each offering a delightful element of surprise.
First Courses
Our first courses embrace the abundance of the fall season, offering both vegan and vegetarian options that are as light as they are flavorful. The Vegetarian Wedge Salad combines the creaminess of blue cheese in a light mousse with the fresh bite of chives and the richness of sundried tomatoes and mushrooms, all crowned with delicate affilla cress. For a vegan twist, the Romaine Stack delivers a burst of flavor with our house-made Green Goddess dressing, complemented by the crunch of furikake and a refreshing hint of mint.
Fall’s sweet side shines through in the Kale & Persimmon Salad, which pairs the earthy sweetness of Bosc pear and candied pumpkin seeds with a vibrant maple Dijon dressing. The edible flowers add a bright visual accent, catching the eye and our appetites.
For a heartier start, the White Bean Hummus offers a protein-packed vegan option. The dish features a colorful array of seasonal vegetables like candy cane beets and romanesco broccoli, while a sprinkle of za’atar and a drizzle of green oil add balance, depth, and richness.
Entrées
Our entrées emphasize wholesome comfort, enhanced by global flavors and thoughtful techniques. The Citrus Brined Chicken, served with collard greens and crispy sage, is both hearty and bright, while the Su-Miso Arctic Char marries the richness of squash puree with the tartness of pickled plum and the bite of watercress.
Meat lovers will relish the Filet Mignon & Potato Pave, a dish elevated with caramelized onion and pickled cauliflower, bringing balance to the indulgence of tender beef. For plant-forward diners, the Citrus Brined Purple Cabbage and Parsnip Pave offer hearty yet refreshing options. Both are packed with flavor—whether it’s the dashi-infused “milk” and tangy miso of the cabbage dish or the creamy miso and earthy field greens paired with the parsnip pave.
Desserts
Chef Geoffrey Koo’s desserts bring the perfect ending to any meal. His Dark Chocolate Ganache is a chocolate lover’s dream, with layers of texture and richness from the light brownie sponge to crisp chocolate caramel tuile. For a more adventurous palate, the Black Sesame Matcha Cake balances the earthy notes of sesame and matcha with a pop of sweetness from Concord grape gel. Think of it as an elevated PB&J – the comforting classic elevated to fine dining.
Seasonal favorites take center stage with the Pumpkin Spiced Cotton Cheesecake, where airy yuzu diplomat cream and tart cranberry fruit glass provide a light contrast to the spiced richness of the cake. The Maple Choux offers a unique fall twist, pairing spiced wine-poached pears with the smooth maple pastry cream and a hint of hibiscus for an unexpected floral note.
Sustainability at the Heart
Throughout this menu, our dedication to sustainability shines. Whether it’s the plant-forward dishes that reduce our environmental footprint or the careful sourcing of seasonal, organic ingredients, we’re constantly seeking ways to balance flavor with responsibility. Our vegan and vegetarian dishes provide satisfying options that contribute to both personal wellness and the planet’s health.
This menu is a reflection of the season’s bounty, brought to life through the craftsmanship and creativity of our culinary team. We invite you to savor the flavors of fall and winter, knowing that every dish is as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Check Out Our Fall / Winter Menu
There’s more on our menus – click the link below to check out our full catering menu and start imagining how delicious your next event with Great Performances could be!
As we said adieu to summer, our teams weren’t wasting any time getting ready for the September madness that started the instant the kids got back to school.
Coordinating all the details and ensuring each event goes smoothly is no casual feat. The high energy and pressure to deliver an incredible and perfect event every time fuels us to deliver delicious food, authentic service, and joyful hospitality. This is the moment we are all waiting for – a cross between a marathon and a sprint; high octane performance day after day. It activates our team spirit as each part of the company supports one another.
Our non-profit clients kick off fundraising season with galas, donor appreciation events and board gatherings. Corporations are hosting team building and business development events. Social gatherings included 15 weddings along with lifecycle celebrations. News and Documentary Emmys and the Latin Grammy’s joined the mix.
In addition to all of that excitement, September is Fashion Week and Climate Week. The UN General Assembly takes place just to make sure the traffic jams are that much more challenging for our fabulous logistics team. A presidential motorcade thrown in for extra chaos. (Our fleet of truck rolls at 4 AM!).
This year, we added in a handful of political events in time for, and our calendars have been blissfully overflowing! This is what we live for!
True to our name – Great Performances – we have always recognized that authentic hospitality experiences are theater with multiple acts and a cast of characters.
While we are happy to be the star of the show, we ecstatically welcome the opportunity to be behind the scenes in support of others…and nothing draws a crowd like a celeb chef!
It’s been a great few weeks for collaboration. For the 2nd year with worked with the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund on their Chelsea Market Benefit event. Dozens of restaurateurs filled the hallways with incredible bites and GP was there to help. Being invisible and keeping up with the endless bussing is the job of unsung heroes.
We are gearing up for 2 legendary events in October: the New York City Wine & Food Festival and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. GP has partnered with NYCWFF for a dozen years as the official caterer, providing kitchen space in our commissary for guest chefs for events like Burger Bash and working with countless brands and sponsors to get their product out to the thousands of participants.
‘Cookies’ is a spectacular fundraiser in the fight against childhood cancer. Each table has a chef preparing a unique meal from a fully equipped pop-up kitchen on the gala floor. I’ll name drop….Dan Kluger, Missy Robbins, Christina Tosi, Jonathan Benno and dozens more. GP works on set up, service and clean up – nothing sexy but just essential!
Our daily work with the James Beard Foundation at Platform by JBF at Pier 57 as the hospitality partner assisting every guest chef in the kitchen and the dinner guests with service, is the thrill of a lifetime.
Ali Rea Baum, Senior Event Director, is our seasoned and expert event planner who is laboring over these off premise events. “I truthfully love how different each of these events are, and how each one has their own personality. These events have an added complexity since GP is not supplying a standard catered menu. In the end, it is about creating an amazing experience for everyone from the client, to the planner, to the venue, to the guests!”
We are the bassline. Establishing rhythm, creating harmony, and providing a solid foundation for the main instrument. And we do it with pride!
Great Performances is thrilled to introduce our newest partner, FELFEL, the full-solution smart fridge for the office that gives our guests a new way to enjoy their favorite meals at their offices. Liz Neumark, Founder and CEO of Great Performances, got to know FELFEL and was immediately captivated by their office dining solution that provides fresh, delicious meals with incredible convenience.
This summer I had the pleasure of visiting FELFEL in Zurich. We first crossed paths months earlier in NYC, as the founders were planning to launch their established business of smart fridges for corporate lunches in the US. We had been introduced as potential food partners.
We have all seen fridge dispensing machines slowly make their way into our world, from airports to offices, and I have not been impressed.
Until now!
Touring the FELFEL headquarters left me speechless. The level of excellence that defines every critical step in their process is impressive.
The ingredients that define FELFEL:
1. Let’s start with deliciousness. FELFEL menus are reflective of seasonality, customer preferences, and quality. The multiple points of quality control embed a level of consistency and excellence into the products.
2. Creativity! There is a team at FELFEL that actively looks at trends and demands – then goes into the marketplace to find the best producers (like Great Performances!!)
3. Good business sense! Items rotate! No boredom here – there is always something new and exciting to try.
4. Cutting edge technology so that they understand exactly what is selling where and when – and ensure that diners enjoy trending foods.5. Organization and operation efficiency. What can I say….this is why we buy Swiss watches!
6. Passion. For the FELFEL employee family; for the food partners; for the process of being leaders; for the clients.
FELFEL is now in NYC, and our delicious chef-crafted meals are in their fridges! Learn more about them at FELFEL.com and watch for an invitation to a FELFEL x Great Performances Open House we are planning together. I promise a fabulous experience and a few bites of Swiss Chocolate!
About FELFEL
FELFEL is revolutionizing office dining by combining smart fridge technology with a diverse, seasonal offering of meals, snacks, and beverages. It’s not your standard vending machine; every item comes from NYC’s favorite chefs, eateries, and caterers, like yours truly! Their selection includes everything from fresh salads and hearty sandwiches to global cuisines, all available within the comfort of your office.
As a leader in the culinary tech space, FELFEL has earned a reputation for innovation and quality. FELFEL recently partnered with Fast Company to support their 10th Annual Innovation Festival, highlighting their commitment to transforming how people eat at work. Their smart fridge has also been featured in amNY and Authority Magazine.
To celebrate our collaboration, FELFEL is offering an exclusive deal for GP clients and readers. Sign up today and receive a free snack or lunch box filled with FELFEL FAVES — their curated selection that showcases the variety and quality FELFEL is known for.
Level up your office lunch with FELFEL and Great Performances!
Aries Spears
Saturday, October 5th at 7:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $76.55
Comedian Aries Spears takes The Apollo stage.
Apollo Comedy Club
FT. MANTRISE, FOSTER L. NICHOLSON & FLO HERNANDEZ
HOSTED BY FREDDIE RICKS
Thursday, October 10th at 10:00pm
Location:The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: $39.85
Presented in partnership with Bob Sumner (producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club celebrates these rich comedic roots with an evening of comedy on the Apollo’s Stages at the Victoria to serve as a late-night hotspot featuring the best emerging talent in comedy today.
The Apollo has a long history of launching the careers of countless legendary artists and performers in a variety of genres, including comedy. Comedic legends Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Monique, Jamie Foxx and Jackie Mabley (a.k.a. Moms) have all delighted audiences from the Apollo stage.
Leo Bar Happy Hour
Featuring Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala, Asia Society’s new exhibition
Friday, October 4th from 5:30pm t0 8:00pm
Tickets: $25 includes one drink
Kick off your weekend with a night of fun and culture! Join us at Leo Bar for Asia Society Museum’s new exhibition, Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala. Our signature monthly happy hour features free museum admission and guided tours of the exhibition, drink specials, DJ, and opportunities to make new connections.
A ticket includes one drink, followed by a cash bar. Kindly note this event is only open to guests 21 years old and over.
Music by DJ Kai Song
Diwali Lights Up Asia Society 2024
Saturday, October 26th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets: $12 adults, $7 members, $5 children over 2
Diwali, often known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in South Asia, by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Diwali returns to Asia Society with colorful, fun-filled, and multi-sensorial afternoon, presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree.
On October 26th, 2024, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., join us to celebrate good fortune, family, and friendships. Enjoy music and dance performances, storytelling, and hands-on arts and crafts inspired by the holiday.
Make sure to check out our special Diwali menu at Asia Society’s Leo Cafe for the occasion.
Safety Not Guaranteed
Tuesday, September 17th through Sunday, October 20th
Location: BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
Tickets: Start at $35
Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions
If you could go back in time, what would you change?
That’s the question at the heart of Safety Not Guaranteed, a new indie-rock musical featuring original songs by Ryan Miller of Guster and a book by Broadway mainstay Nick Blaemire. A young journalist sets out to make her name by digging into an outrageous classified ad seeking someone willing to travel back in time—but does she have a more personal motive? Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (Tina—The Tina Turner Musical) and Taylor Trensch (Dear Evan Hansen) top a pitch-perfect cast, directed by Lee Sunday Evans (Dance Nation, HOME, Farmhouse/Whorehouse).
Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside)
Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th
Location: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space
Tickets: Start at $20
Part of Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions
On the stage is a two-story house. From one angle, it’s mucked out after a flood. From another, it’s a new development wrapped in Tyvek. And from another, it’s “Tara” from Gone with the Wind being transformed into an Airbnb. Sometimes it looks like it’s on fire. Someone is quilting in the corner. Come in.
Helmed by a writing collective of 21 artists ranging in age from 28 through 98, Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside) is a new work from Brooklyn-based theater collective the TEAM. Exploring intimacy between Black-, POC-, and white-identifying Americans, this singular meta-theater experiment wrestles with the question of how, in the aftermath of slavery, we might move through history together.
Birthday Bash
Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th
Location: throughout the Museum
Tickets: This program is free; registration is required and includes Museum general admission.
Kick off the Brooklyn Museum’s 200th anniversary celebration with Birthday Bash. This full weekend of programming highlights the best of the borough and marks two centuries of championing Brooklyn’s artistic communities. Bring the family for music and karaoke, dance and poetry, gallery tours and art-making, piñatas, and so much more.
Brooklyn Reads: Chronicles of DOOM
Thursday, October 31st from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Tickets: Tickets are $35 and include a copy of The Chronicles of DOOM. Member tickets are $30.
Honor the legacy of reclusive and revered hip-hop artist MF Doom during the release of his definitive biography, The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast. Journalist S.H. Fernando Jr. (also known as SKIZ) follows the life of Daniel Dumile Jr. from his upbringing in Long Beach, New York, to his and his brother’s hip-hop group KMD, to his first masked show. Centering the music, SKIZ provides a history of East Coast rap alongside DOOM’s compelling life story and various personas, projects, and lyrics.
The program begins with a set by DJ Rob Swift. Afterward, poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib moderates a conversation between SKIZ, illustrator LAmour Supreme, and MF Doom’s former assistant Courtney Franco about the artist’s indelible impact on musical culture. A book signing follows.
Chuck Leavell
A Benefit for Mianus River Gorge and Caramoor
Saturday October 19th at 7:30pm
Tickets: $500, $250
Join Caramoor for an evening of music and conversation with Chuck Leavell to benefit the Mianus River Gorge and Caramoor. Chuck Leavell is widely regarded as one of the greatest piano players in rock and roll history. He is known for his longtime work as a member and musical director of The Rolling Stones, as well as for his time with the Allman Brothers Band. In addition to his work on stage, he has a long-standing interest in land and tree conservation and is a respected advocate for environmental preservation.
The performance features Chuck on a Steinway piano in a moderated conversation, during which he’ll play songs and share stories about his musical career and conservationist passions.
Julie Benko
Cabaret in the Music Room | A Benefit Concert Honoring Adela and Lawrence Elow
Friday October 25th at 7:30pm
Tickets: start at $100
Step into the enchanting world of cabaret with Broadway’s Julie Benko as your guide! Join us for a fabulous evening filled with spellbinding melodies and unique arrangements of songs from Broadway musicals and the Great American Songbook, along with a dash of old-world glamour. Benko’s captivating voice and magnetic stage presence will whisk you away on a journey through the timeless allure of cabaret. Hailed as the 2022 New York Times Breakout Star for Theater for her standby role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl (she later held the starring role), she joins forces with jazz pianist and husband Jason Yeager.
At this 25th annual event, Caramoor proudly honors Adela and Lawrence Elow for their dedication to preserving and sustaining the Great American Songbook canon. Over the years, the Elows have been steadfast Caramoor supporters, providing funding for upgraded lighting in the historic Music Room and creating the Adela and Lawrence Elow Fund for the Great American Songbook: 1900–1960. Since 1999, their visionary contributions have helped bring today’s best interpreters of these timeless songs to Caramoor’s Music Room through this annual Cabaret Benefit. To make a contribution in their honor, please do so here and mention their name in the dedication.
Amina Figarova Sextet and the Matisko World Orphan Choir
Friday, October 4th through Sunday, October 6th
Tickets: start at $25
Experience the transformative power of music with internationally acclaimed pianist Amina Figarova as she joins forces with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir from Liberia for an unforgettable evening. Performing her new album, “Suite for Africa,” this project celebrates African traditions with a contemporary twist. Prepare for an evening of vibrant energy, exceptional chemistry, and rhythms that bridge cultures and inspire awe.
Turkish Republic Day: New York Gypsy All-Stars and Bilge Gunaydin Trio
Tuesday, October 29th at 9:00pm
Tickets: start at $20
Celebrate the 101st anniversary of the Turkish Republic with a split set that highlights Türkiye’s rich musical heritage.
The evening opens with acclaimed Turkish jazz pianist Bilge Günaydin, presenting a unique repertoire crafted in celebration of Türkiye, blending jazz with her deep cultural roots.
Following her, the NY Gypsy All-Stars will captivate with a dynamic performance featuring the Turkish clarinet and kanun, merging Balkan rhythms, traditional Turkish modes, and modern harmonies.
This must-see event offers an extraordinary musical journey that honors the vibrant spirit of Türkiye, a country bridging two continents and shaped by the influences of countless empires and cultures.
Bryan Carter: Celebrating Bayard Rustin
Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th
Location: The Appel Room
Tickets: start at $67
Join us in The Appel Room for an unforgettable evening with 2024 Grammy and Tony Award winner Bryan Carter in Celebrating Bayard Rustin. The talented drummer, composer, and vocalist presents the world premiere of his new jazz oratorio “Rustin in Renaissance,” a tribute to the influential Civil Rights activist and musician.
Leading the Jazz at Pride Orchestra, Carter takes us on a musical journey featuring powerhouse vocalists Vuyo Sotashe, J. Hoard, Shenel Johns, and Georgia Heers as they perform songs ranging from Billy Strayhorn to Shania Twain, blending various eras and styles in a performance that culminates in the world premiere of “Rustin in Renaissance.” Enjoy a night of vibrant music as we pay homage to an underappreciated figure in American history and celebrate Rustin’s remarkable legacy!
“JUMP IN THE LINE” Celebrating Harry Belafonte with René Marie
Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th
Location: The Appel Room
Tickets: start at $67
Honor legendary artist and activist, the late Harry Belafonte, with a calypso-inspired evening. Grammy-nominated vocalist and songwriter René Marie brings her artful storytelling to the Appel Room, leading an award-winning ensemble that features trumpet master Etienne Charles.
Experience her acclaimed ensemble interpret surprise selections and classic protest tunes like “Jump in the Line,” “Man Smart (Woman Smarter),” “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jamaica Farewell,” and more.
First Friday
Friday, October 4th from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! 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–check back soon for a complete list of activities.
1-7pm: Woodblock Printing Demonstration – $10
2:30–4pm: Inclusive HIIT Workout Class with Haven Boxing Gym – $10
3:30–5:30pm: Attica 2021 Documentary Screening – Free
6–7pm: Pattern-Making Workshop with Zipeng Zhu – $15
7–8pm: A Study in Why We Move
Indigenous Peoples' Weekend
October 12th through October 14th
Location: on the Grounds
Tickets: Fees vary; check program descriptions
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend, as we honor Indigenous communities and recognize their cultures and contributions. Through family-friendly programs, learn about the important role of nature and plants in Indigenous cultures.
The activities continue Monday, October 14 with Beyond the Oak Tree Treaty: A Social Gathering with the Ramapough-Munsee Nation, featuring artmaking, presentations, drumming, dancing, an Indigenous Trade Market and food samples. Specialty themed items are available each day at the Café.
Wave Hill-O-Ween
Thursday, October 31st from 3:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: on the Grounds
Tickets: Free with registration
Calling all ghosts and goblins, pirates and princesses! For the first time ever—it’s Halloween at Wave Hill! Venture through our iron gates (if you dare!) for an evening adventure with treats, tricks and good old spooky fun. Grab a map to guide you on an eerie treasure trail through the gardens with “gourdgeous” photo ops along the way. Personalize a treat bag and decorate a mini-gourd favor, then dance away the eve with family-friendly tunes in our spooktacular Armor Hall.
WE BELONG HERE: CENTRAL PARK
Friday, October 4th through Sunday, October 6th
Location: Wollman Rink NYC
Tickets: Fees vary; check Pass Options
New York City’s dance music festival combines global tunes with local vibes, offering a top-tier experience for world travelers and city locals alike.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
GRAND OPENING WEEKEND
Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th
Tickets: $12.51
WHEDco is proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Bronx Music Hall, our newly constructed state-of-the-art performance venue and community arts center dedicated to honoring, celebrating, and cultivating the rich artistic heritage of the Bronx. Join us for a three-day celebration from October 18th to 20th, 2024, as we unveil the permanent home of our Bronx Music Heritage Center.
Mott Haven Film Festival - October 2024
Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th
Location: Bronxlandia
Tickets: $12.51
ALL AGES
Get ready for a cinematic celebration in Mott Haven this October! Join us for a weekend of film screenings, Q&A sessions, and networking opp.
Screenings (Saturday, October 5th):
1:00pm – Bronx River directed by Richard Troche
4:00pm – Pep Talk directed by Nero Dawn, A Love Letter to The Bronx directed by Devin Bienvenido, Endless directed by Lucy Bent, and Papi directed by Ashley L. Canfield
Sunday, October 6th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm:
Award Ceremony and Fundraiser
Open House New York Weekend
Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th
Location: Bronxlandia
250+ sites. Three days. One citywide festival.
Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that opens 200+ places across the five boroughs for behind-the-scenes tours and special access at skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between.
Join us on October 18-20, 2024, for the 22nd annual OHNY Weekend festival and get a behind-the-scenes look at new buildings reshaping the skyline, public works facilities keeping the city running, parks offering respite, state-of-the-art performance spaces, manufacturing workshops, private collections, and much more.
BRONX NIGHT MARKET
AT FORDHAM PLAZA
CLOSING NIGHT!
Saturday, October 5th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Tickets: FREE with RSVP!
As the longest-running event series in the northmost borough, the Bronx Night Market stands as a transformative force, revolutionizing the foodie scene and cultivating a deep connection to the identity of the Bronx. With a remarkable lineup of 50 local vendors, this iconic market draws over 4,000 guests each time, making it a thriving hub for community engagement and culinary exploration. Beyond its diverse array of cuisines and unique vendors, the Night Market serves as a dynamic platform for local businesses, providing a stage for the wealth of talents within the Bronx. The event embodies the spirit of the borough, celebrating its unique identity through a fusion of flavors, cultures, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Bronx Night Market is not merely a culinary gathering; it is a powerful reflection of the community’s resilience, creativity, and collective pride, contributing to the borough’s cultural richness and economic vibrancy.
RENOVATION IS UNDERWAY
now until 2026!
A transformative $33 million renovation of The Bronx Museum is currently underway!
Designed by award-winning architectural practice, Marvel, this renovation will create a world-class arts facility the people of The Bronx deserve and that the Museum needs to further elevate and expand access to its vital free arts programming.
The renovation will seamlessly unite the Museum’s buildings into one recognizable campus; create a continuous and fully accessible gallery loop; reorient the main entrance to the highly visible corner of 165th St and Grand Concourse; and add a new triple-height lobby space with an adjoining cafe.
During construction, the Museum’s North Wing remains open at regular hours—Wednesday through Sunday from 11AM to 6PM—with free admission for everyone to all exhibitions, events, and activities. The south galleries are closed until the renovation is complete.
First Friday October 2024: Art, Music, & Dancing!
Friday, October 4th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
You’re invited to The Bronx Museum for an evening of art, music, and dancing!
Our galleries will be open late, with the exhibition FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT on view for you to enjoy.
Plus be sure to check out a dance performance and free workshop with Sun Kim Dance Theatre, a dance company that specializes in popping. You’ll hear music from talented violinist Chiara Fasi and can take a turn on the tables with Ayo Nish! on the 1’s and 2’s. Plus artist JRose and others will share spoken word poetry, then open the mic to anyone who’d like to contribute.
Nature's Workshop: DIY Fall Nature Field Guides
Sunday, October 6th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exploration of the autumn foliage. Learn to identify trees, flowers, and herbs while creating your own nature field guide/journal to take home!
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY: INDIGENOUS ROOTS
Monday, October 14th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike to discuss the deep connection between humans and plants that transcends time with a particular focus on the practices of the Lenape.
One Book One Bronx Heads of the Colored People: Stories by Nafissa Thompson-Spires
Saturdays, 12-1:30pm, Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, & 12
– James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center, 100 W Mosholu Pkwy S
Saturdays, 12-1:30pm, Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, & 12
– BronxArtSpace, 700 Manida St. (Entrance on Spofford Ave.)
Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm, Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, & 8
– on Zoom
In Heads of the Colored People: Stories, Nafissa Thompson-Spires grapples with race, identity politics, and the contemporary middle class in this “vivid, fast, funny, way-smart, and verbally inventive” collection. Free books are available at in-person locations.
Fall-O-Ween
September 28th through October 27th, various times
NYBG is NYC’s pumpkin headquarters this fall! The tricks and treats of the season come to life with plentiful pumpkins, gourds, and fall flowers—and all sorts of fun-filled activities to celebrate this season of frights and foliage. Day or night, there’s something for everyone as we offer special weekends and pumpkin carving face-offs, as well as the return of our popular beer sampling event, Bales & Ales. Enjoy an evening light trail on select nights for kids (and adults!) to show off their Halloween costumes in New York City’s most beautiful landscape, and savor the season as autumn in the Bronx brings vibrant color to your backyard.
While you’re here, don’t miss your opportunity to capture picture-perfect fall photos here at the City’s pumpkin headquarters, where you’ll find hundreds of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes, and colors!
Black Food Futurism and Taste Memory: Interactive Talk and Tasting
Saturday, October 12th at 1:00pm
Location: Mertz Library
This event is free and open to the public.
In Black Food Futurism and Taste Memory, we hack our taste buds and expand our palates to explore new ways of utilizing our senses to imagine a new future. By shifting our perception and interrogating our taste memory, we shift our understanding of what’s possible in this world. Inspired by the work of Toni Morrison and Vertamae Smart Grosvenor, this event seeks to reframe scents, tastes, flavors, and textures as powerful agents for understanding our individual and collective unfolding.
Taste memory serves as a gateway to our past, present, and future, holding the keys to ancestral knowledge, personal identity, and the collective experience of Black culinary traditions. Through guided meditations and interactive tastings, we will explore how these memories can unlock new ways of imagining food sovereignty and liberation.
Participants will take part in a unique sensory experience that challenges and transforms their perceptions of taste, opening up possibilities for seeing the world and its potential differently. And by the end of this experience, participants will leave with a renewed understanding of the power of food and taste as tools for crafting more just and imaginative futures.
NYRR Open Run Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Celebration Soundview Park
Saturday, October 5th from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
Celebrate Hispanic/Latinx culture by wearing your home country’s colors.
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!
NYC Parks Presents: Fall Festival
Saturday, October 19th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
Join NYC Parks and Majority Leader Amanda Farias, for a fall festival event at Soundview Park. Join us for an afternoon of family games, sports, fall crafts, and more! This event is free and open to the public.
Caribeando: Caribbean Folk and Traditional Music and Dance Performance
Tuesday, October 8th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
This interactive performance with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe will feature Bomba, Plena, Nengón, and Changuí. Participants will learn stories, songs, dance steps, rhythmic movements, improvisations, and drum rhythm patterns.
Caribeando is part of the Caribbean Folk Songs for Kids of All Ages (CFSKAA) Project, a multidisciplinary performance series, workshop series, and exhibition featuring dance, music, and storytelling.
Performance will be held on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Hike-toberfest
Saturday, October 19th from 1:30pm to 6:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum
Support the Park!
Hike-then-sip at VCPA’s Annual Hike-toberfest!
Hike in the park followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration, complete with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games, and more.
- German food by Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten
- Local beer, including Captain Lawrence Brewing, served in VCPA souvenir mug by our good friends from the Bronx Beer Hall
- Lloyd’s Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Yard games on the Van Cortlandt House Museum lawn - Live music with BB and the Polkahaus
- Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for the chance to win terrific prizes!
how fragile, we bloom: Self-Guided Woodland Soundwalk
September 24th through November 30th
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Herbert & Hyonja Abrons Woodland
how fragile, we bloom, is an immersive soundwalk, created for Wave Hill in by musicians-composers Dorothy Chan and Lucy Yao of Chromic Duo using Augmented Reality (AR). This self-guided walk through our woodlands is available through Dec 1 using a smartphone and headphones. The artists worked in collaboration with Wave Hill’s Art, Community, Education and Science (ACES) youth interns to create this unique, site-specific experience.
Alongside Chromic Duo’s sound design, narration and composition, stories from the ACES have been incorporated into a meditative soundwalk that invites audiences to reflect upon this current moment in history. The ACES’ stories speak to individual and collective experiences, creating a storytelling capsule. Through communal creation and connection, Chromic Duo provides a platform for Wave Hill visitors to contemplate the ways that seasons bring change, their own relationships to nature and the larger community, and ultimately, how to support one another through times of uncertainty.
Family Art Project: Corn Husk Dolls
Saturday, October 12th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Meet at Wave Hill House
Join us in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Explore corn’s role in indigenous cultures and learn about its versatility as a food and art material. Tie, weave and shape dried husks to make your own figurine.
At 11:30AM families can enjoy a special storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. We will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a reading of the book When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messinger.
Registration not required.
Haunted House
Friday, October 25th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Families and children are invited to Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center for a haunted house event where creaking stairs and dusty cobwebs lead you into our spooky haunted house. Join us and walk amongst the living dead if you dare. This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for children ages 10 and older.
Williamsbridge Oval Pumpkin Party
Saturday, October 26th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Families and children are invited to join Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center for a pumpkin party event. Activities will include music, carnival games, arts & crafts, family photos, and more! This event is free and open to the public.
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.
About 10 years ago, thanks to Adam Kaye, I learned how to can…you know…what countless number of home cooks have been doing for decades – “putting food up”. The genie was out of the bottle and I became obsessed with preserving the delicious produce of the growing season.
More than the art of preservation, it was the joy of giving a jar of something that I made in my home kitchen to someone I loved – or to a new friend – that unleashed the urge to gather the best seasonal fruits and veggies and then invent and embrace creative recipes. It all sounds very romantic…and it is but for the reality of what it takes to make 1,000 jars in your home every year!
Buying the right sized jars is one task and they are often either out of stock or overpriced by greedy merchants. I have my outlets and I won’t share where they are, but I am a good customer. I have to haul them home to the dismay of everyone involved in my travels and schlepping.
Getting the fruits is another task – knowing when the apricots are in (or going out of season), buying locally, getting great seconds (because they are half the price and just as good if not better for my purposes). Egers, in Columbia County is the source of 95% of my fruit. Veggies come from my home garden or Katchkie Farm. Sometimes, another local farmer has something I just cannot resist. Hauling, storing, chopping, dicing produce is a full time job! Did I mention I already have a full time job?
Other details: Canning equipment; the right pots for cooking and sterilizing; pectin…and the right pectin; extra lids. The list isn’t endless, it is just detailed. This is a process that requires strict attention to detail. Yup. Sounds like fun…and it is….but you really need to pay attention.
Then there is the fun part of blending flavors. For example, I had some amazing melon that just called to be added to a blueberry jam last summer. Who would have thought that would be a match? There are the traditional blends of rhubarb with strawberry, ginger with apricot, etc. But then the other night, while roasting Italian plums for jam, I added some sweet tiny grapes, pears and peaches to the mix – and voila –,deliciousness!
I could go on forever about the magic of the stove top, things simmering away or roasting in the oven while the cauldrons of boiling water await; the flavors and accents that make their way to the stage; the beautiful produce that will have an extended life and travel to new homes. My husband calls it my Laboratory. It is my happy place.
