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!
We often think of BAM as a center for culture, film, and theater, but it is home to so much more from dance, opera, and poetry to community events, galas, and talks. It’s the home for curious people and adventurous ideas, where people connect to learn, share, explore, and experiment.
Last month, BAM hosted MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 and we were delighted to participate as the catering partner for BAM. Notable hosts and experts from MSNBC including Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, and many more were gathered in one place, live on stage, leading thought-provoking, in-depth discussions about topics that matter most in the final weeks of this historic election cycle.
The highlight of the event was the “This is Who We Are Dinner and Reception”, a sold-out program held on September 7 at The Adam Space in the Peter Jay Sharp Building. Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Great Performances’ talented chefs as they heard directly from the MSNBC hosts, learning their personal insights and perspectives.
Gary Bedigan, Senior Event Producer at Great Performances, planned this event working closely with the teams from MSNBC and BAM, to ensure a flawlessly executed event. We worked with Party Rental Ltd on the equipment and rental furniture, and Botanica provided the floral arrangements for the table, creating a dynamic space for the lively conversations that followed the presentations and discussions. The high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows provided an uplifting space to discuss the future of democracy in the world. The lively conversations were filled with hope and optimism, echoed by the twinkling lights that spanned the arches and along the windows of The Adam Space.
The seated dinner included a full bar and a selection of beer and wine, attended by a full complement of staff.
MSNBC Live: This is Who We Are Dinner and Reception Menu
First Course
GP Fall Wedge Salad – romaine, blue cheese mousse, sundried tomato, mushroom, chive, affilla cress
Entrée
Glazed Short Rib and Charred Tomato – roasted baby heirloom carrots, charred tomato, end of summer carrot puree
Plated Dessert
Banana Chocolate Sea Salt Tart – chocolate mousseline, chocolate croustillant
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.
As global awareness of climate change reaches critical levels, Climate Week has emerged as a vital platform for dialogue, innovation, and action. At GP, we’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re actively contributing by embedding environmentally friendly practices into every aspect of our event services.
For Climate Week 2024, we’re proud to showcase our ongoing efforts in support of a healthier planet. Here’s how GP is making a difference:
1) Crafting Sustainable Menus: Vegan, Plant-Forward, and Local Ingredients
At the heart of our sustainability mission is the food we serve. We design event menus that reflect our commitment to the environment by emphasizing:
- Vegan and Plant-Forward Dishes: Reducing reliance on animal products lowers our carbon footprint while offering diverse, delicious options for guests.
- Locally-Sourced Ingredients: Whenever possible, we incorporate seasonal and regional ingredients, cutting down on food miles and supporting local farmers.
- Sustainable Selections: Our focus extends to sustainable seafood, organic produce, and responsibly farmed items to ensure the entire menu aligns with our values.
2) Reducing Waste Through Food Rescue Programs
We believe that food should nourish, not go to waste. After our events, we partner with local organizations to coordinate the pickup and redistribution of leftover food, ensuring it reaches food pantries and shelters in need. By actively participating in food rescue efforts, we’re helping combat both food insecurity and food waste—a win for the planet and our communities.
3) Farm-to-Table: Sourcing from Our Organic Farm in Upstate NY
GP proudly operates an organic farm in upstate New York, where we grow many of the fresh ingredients featured in our event menus. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal herbs, we are dedicated to providing the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients that our guests can feel good about enjoying.
4) Sustainable Disposables: Eco-Friendly Choices
When it comes to disposable items, our standards are simple: they must meet strict sustainability criteria. Whether it’s biodegradable cutlery or compostable packaging, we ensure that every item we use minimizes environmental impact. These choices might seem small, but they make a big difference in reducing waste at large-scale events.
5) Catering for Change: Climate Week Events We’re Supporting
This year, GP is thrilled to be catering some of the most impactful Climate Week events, including:
- Food Tank at Climate Week NYC: Join Food Tank in New York City September 23 – 28 for an exciting New York Climate Week Event Series. On September 23rd, Food Tank will host a NYC Climate Week Kick-Off Summit with The James Beard Foundation at Platform by JBF titled “Restaurants and Farms are Key Solutions to the Climate Crisis.” Liz Neumark, Founder and CEO of Great Performances will sit on a panel conversation, “Restaurants Tackling the Climate Crisis One Bite at a Time” with JJ Johnson, Chef, FIELDTRIP; and Briawn Flower, Chef, BLACKBARN; moderated by Anne McBride, Vice President of Programs, The James Beard Foundation.
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Goalkeepers: This year, Goalkeepers invites you to learn about solutions to keep people healthy and nourished in a rapidly warming world. Together, the world must work to ensure better nutrition for all so everyone can reach their full potential.
- World Climate Summit: World Climate Summit 2024 Takes place during Climate Week NYC and in Baku, as the leading side-event at COP29, facilitating public-private partnerships to drive policy, innovation, and investments towards 2030 climate transition targets.
As we cater these important events, we’re not only providing delicious food but also showcasing how sustainable practices can be integrated into every aspect of event planning.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
At GP, we understand that sustainability is a journey. As we continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact, we remain dedicated to working with clients and partners who share our vision of a more sustainable future.
During Climate Week and beyond, we invite everyone to join us in taking meaningful steps—whether through menu choices, waste reduction, or sourcing decisions—that collectively lead to a healthier planet.
As SailGP‘s catering provider for the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, Great Performances was an integral part of the experience, providing their signature genuine hospitality to the most exciting racing on water. Speareheaded by Gary Bedigan, Senior Event Director, and Kevin Jaeger, Event Producer, Great Performances catered each bespoke hospitality experience on Governors Island for SailGP’s VIP and VVIP guests, which included team owners, partners, and high-profile individuals. Great Performances also provided crew catering for SailGP’s athletes and crew at Liberty Landing Marina in New Jersey, serving the team 2-3 hot meals almost every day for two weeks as SailGP’s tent team constructed the tech site, creating the “pit row” equivalent for the league. In addition to crew catering, Great Performances provided the on-water meals for SailGP’s athletes during Race Days, lunch for media members, and service for a few one-off events in New Jersey.
Menu Highlights
Butlered and Stationary Small Plates
Smoked Eggplant
Beluga Lentils, Sunflower Tahini, Red Pepper Chutney, Summer Herbs, Dried Flowers
Summer Herb Pesto Cavatelli
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Ricotta Salata
Thyme Grilled Chicken
Mustard Glazed Peaches, Caramelized Onions, White Polenta Cake, Flower Confetti
Vegetable Poke
Roasted Eggplant, Sweet Potato & Red Onion in Poke Marinade of GF Tamari, Ginger & Furikake. Offered with Seasoned White Rice, Green Onion, Cucumber & Avocado, Pickled Ginger
Spring Orecchiette
Peas, Melted Leeks, Shiitake, Truffle & Pea Tendrils
Grilled Flank Steak
Grilled Fennel, Burnt Strawberries, Mint, Wild Rice
Tea Sandwiches
Roasted Vegetables & Fresh Mozzarella
Pesto & Focaccia
Smoked Salmon
Dill Creme Fraiche & Black Bread
Tumble Weed Cheddar
Red Cabbage Slaw, Quince Jam, Basil, Pretzel Roll
Brie & Green Apple
Raisin Walnut Bread
Cucumber & Watercress
Sourdough
Fava Bean
Fines Herbes Hummus, Daikon Radish, Seven Grain Pullman
Momofuku
Bing Bread
Housemade Flatbread
Cultured Butter & Caviar
Maldon Salt
Cultured Butter & Honey
Shaved Truffle
Charred Eggplant Dip
Pine Nut Gremolata
Tingly Lamb
Szechuan Peppercorn, Mint
Chilled Spicy Noodles
Pork Sausage, Candied Peanuts, Thai Basil
Ginger Scallion Noodles
Pickled Shiitake, Wakame Nori Salad, Cured Cucumber, Scallions
Wagyu Ragu Rice Cakes
Sweet Soy, Jalapeno
Cacio e Pepe Rice Cakes
Black Pepper Breadcrumbs, Truffle Oil, Chives
Korean Fried Chicken Bao
White Sauce, Iceberg Lettuce
Shiitake Bao
Cured Cucumber, Hoisin, Scallions
Chef Curated Tasting Plates
Smoked Eggplant
Beluga Lentils, Sunflower Tahini, Red Pepper Chutney, Summer Herbs, Dried
Flowers
Summer Herb Pesto Cavatelli
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Ricotta Salata
Salmon Poke
Basmati Rice, Pickled Vegetables, Avocado, Cucumber Noodles, Carrot Noodles, Togarashi
Beef Short Rib
Shiitake, Black Trumpet, Hon Shimeji, Barley, Shallot, Black Garlic, Chive
Thyme Grilled Chicken
Mustard Glazed Peaches, Caramelized Onions, White Polenta Cake, Flower Confetti
Summer isn’t over yet! And it’s not too late to plan the perfect rooftop event. We’re inching into that time of the year when hints of fall touch the air, making for an ideal breeze while sitting atop a sunny rooftop with drink in hand. Whether you’re thinking a Seated Dinner, Cocktail Party, or Corporate Gathering, we’ve gathered our Top Rooftop Venues to help you plan an incredible event.
Glasshouse Chelsea
Glasshouse Chelsea is a unique, multi-functional venue on the 14th and 21st floors of the architecturally-acclaimed Chelsea Arts Tower in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. The event space has floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace space that provide guests with spectacular views of the Hudson River, Downtown, and Midtown Manhattan.
Midtown Loft & Terrace
Midtown Loft & Terrace is an upscale venue in the heart of New York City in Midtown Manhattan. With views of Midtown and beyond, it is a perfect venue for a Cocktail Party, Corporate Gathering, or late Summer Wedding.
620 Loft & Garden at Rockefeller Center
The 620 Loft & Garden, the penthouse of 620 Fifth Avenue, offers the exciting combination of a city garden and downtown-style loft space for your special day. This unique combination invites the opportunity for a memorable event such as a Seated Dinner, Cocktail Party, or Wedding.
Dobbin St
Dobbin St is a tailored event space centrally located in Williamsburg, steps away from picturesque McCarren Park. Their 3,00 square foot Terrace is lush with greenery and natural wood, making it the ideal rooftop for your end of Summer Soirée.
Penthouse 45
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Penthouse 45 is a unique event space with awe inspiring panoramic views of New York City and the Hudson River. With 4,250 square feet of event space, it is most ideal for Seated Dinners, Engagements, and Birthday Celebrations.