MR. JOE JACKSON PRESENTS: JOE JACKSON SOLO & THE MUSIC OF MAX CHAMPION
Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th at 8:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: $82.95
Joe Jackson will perform an unprecedented two part performance at The Apollo on Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th at 8:00pm.First, listen to the music of Joe Jackson solo, as he performs songs from his catalog. Then, Mr. Joe Jackson presents the music of Max Champion featuring a nine-piece band.
YUNG N LIT MUSIC FEST
Thursday, June 13th at 8:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $172.55
Yung N Lit Music Fest presented by Empowerment Music Group (EMG) featuring Cash Cobain & Bay Swag, Rubi Rose, Bobby Shmurda, Asian Doll, 5ive Mics, Girll Codee, Connie Diiamond, DJ Self, DJ Smooth and Diamond The Artist.
Film Screening:
The Making of America's First Guru
Monday, June 17th from 6:30pm t0 8:00pm
Tickets: $8 Members, $15 Nonmembers
Join us for a screening of excerpts from America’s First Guru, a PBS special documentary telling the story of legendary Indian monk Swami Vivekananda’s experiences and impact in America. The screening will be followed by a conversation with filmmaker Raja Choudhury, Dr. Mukesh Prasad of the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard University, and Swami Sarvapriyananda, Minister of the Vedanta Society of New York.
Leo Bar Happy Hour:
Celebrate Pride Month
Join Asia Society and the Human Rights Campaign to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month!
Thursday, June 20th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $25 includes a free drink
Asia Society is partnering with Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for a special Leo Bar to celebrate Pride on Thursday, June 20!
Enjoy a fabulous evening of networking with the LGBTQ+ community, and make new professional and personal connections. There will be a special exclusive performance by Broadway’s Jaygee Macapugay!
5:00 p.m. Doors open
5:30-6 p.m. Program
5:30-8 p.m. Music by DJ Kai Song, cocktails, & snacks
Cheryl Pepsii Riley’s Black Velvet Mondays Experience
Monday, June 3rd at 8:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space / BAM Café
Tickets: FREE
Chart-topping R&B vocalist Cheryl Pepsii Riley created a sensation with Black Velvet Mondays, the warm, welcoming weeknight concerts and jam sessions she initially launched in Greenwich Village. Now, she’s bringing it all back home to Brooklyn, the borough where she was born and raised, with a new series serving up free live music.
More than just an open-mic session, the Black Velvet Mondays Experience promotes artistry, music education, and community, and supports personal and creative expression, building confidence and growth among its artists. The showcase is known as a safe, encouraging space for singers, instrumentalists, dancers, and other performers of all kinds to hone their craft and Trust Their Gifts (the night’s mantra) before making the leap to the big time. You never know what well known or future superstar you might catch.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Tuesday, June 4th through Sunday, June 9th
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: start at $35
The company that changed American dance forever returns to Brooklyn with two robust programs, featuring stunning works by Jamar Roberts, Hans van Manen, and Alonzo King, as well as iconic Ailey classics Memoria, A Song for You, Cry, and the transcendent masterpiece Revelations. Experience the agility and soul of “America’s most popular dance company” (The New Yorker) on the BAM stage, where Alvin Ailey first performed in 1956. Over 65 years later, the company continues to champion African American artistry and forge a bold new path for Ailey’s legacy—and modern dance itself.
First Saturday: Fruitful
Saturday, June 1st from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Celebrate Pride with a glittering lineup of queer and trans artists, collectives, writers, and musicians who are creating opportunities for community and joy throughout Brooklyn. From erotic literary readings of the new anthology SLUTS to musical sets from freshly released records, the evening spotlights recent art that’s shaping queer culture.
Funky Reggae House Party Presents a Brooklyn Pride Carnival
Saturday, June 8th from 7:00pm t0 12:00am
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion and Lobby and Great Hall, 1st Floor
Tickets: start at $15 ($25 after the first 100 tickets are sold) and include after-hours access to Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
Celebrate Brooklyn Pride with Funky Reggae House Party, a Brooklyn-based collective that amplifies queer and trans West Indian community. Lime and vibe with a dynamic lineup of DJs and other live performances, featuring founders Visuallocs and Captain Dymond and special guests Boston Chery, A.Sauce, Cakey Koutour, Krys X, and Alex Mali.
Influenced by the colorful traditions of their homeland, Trinidad, Funky Reggae House Party enhances the range of Caribbean creative contributions to Brooklyn nightlife and beyond. When they’re not palancing at events, they are working hard behind the scenes to open a queer West Indian bar and community space called The Village BK.
Celebrating Juneteenth
Charles Turner & Uptown Swing
Sunday, June 16th at 4:00pm
Tickets: FREE
Join Caramoor as we celebrate African American freedom and achievement! Known as our country’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honors their families, heritage, and resilience. Millions celebrate this nationally and globally significant American holiday. Channeling the spirit of Harlem with vibrant swing and vital blues, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing perform music from the 1920s to the present day. Family-friendly activities complete this annual June jubilee steeped in tradition and joy. All are welcome! This event is FREE.
Summer Gala
Honoring Wynton Marsalis
Saturday, June 22nd at 5:00pm
Welcome summer with an extraordinary evening at Caramoor! Celebrate our 10-year collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center and help us honor virtuoso jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and longtime Caramoor friend Wynton Marsalis. Gather with your Caramoor community to sip cocktails before you settle into your premium concert seating in the Venetian Theater, where the joyful sound of big band jazz — performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — will envelop you. After the concert, finish your memorable evening with an elegant dinner and dessert under a canopy of twinkling stars.
JAZZTOPAD FESTIVAL: KRIS DAVIS & LUTOSLAWSKI QUARTET
World Premiere of ‘The Solastalgia Suite’
Thursday, June 13th at 7:00pm & 9:00pm
Tickets: start at $20
Part of Poland’s 8th Jazztopad Festival, Dizzy’s Club proudly presents Kris Davis and the Lutoslawski Quartet premiering The Solastalgia Suite. Drawing inspiration from Olivier Messiaen’s haunting Quartet for the End of Time composed amid the turmoil of World War II, The Solastalgia Suite explores the impact of environmental change. Davis bonds influential elements from Messiaen, Beyoncé, and Cecil Taylor, creating a living work that dissolves clear boundaries between what’s scripted and what’s spontaneous.
For the past twenty years, Jazztopad Festival has commissioned music from major American and European artists including Wayne Shorter, Charles Lloyd, Jason Moran, Joelle Leandre, Vincent Courtois, William Parker, Vijay Iyer and Terence Blanchard. Jazztopad’s international creative partnerships have included such prestigious organizations as the Monterey Jazz Festival, Kennedy Center, London Jazz Festival and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Live recordings from the festival have been released by ECM and Blue Note Records.
The American edition of Jazztopad is first and foremost an opportunity to get to know the most important artists of the Polish contemporary jazz scene, which is a strongly recognized brand in the world both in terms of the quality of the festivals and the artistry of the featured musicians.
The project is organized by the National Forum of Music in Wroclaw in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York.
JOE FARNSWORTH’S TIME TO SWING QUINTET
Thursday, June 20th through Sunday, June 23rd
Tickets: start at $20
A true mentor who leadsby example, drummer and composer Joe Farnsworth brings his intergenerational ensemble to Dizzy’s Club. Over four nights, the award-winning artist’s Time to Swing Quintet presents a high-octane program of blistering solos, dynamic ballads, and joyful spontaneity at its highest level. Don’tmiss this special performance that features three generations of master artists.
ARTEMIS
Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st
Location: The Appel Room
Tickets: start at $65.50
Experience the 2023 DownBeat Jazz Group of the Year in front of the breathtaking backdrop of the NYC skyline in The Appel Room. The all-star supergroup Artemis performs original music from its distinguished members comprised of modern jazz bandleaders and composers. Join us for an evening of unparalleled musical brilliance led by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, and featuring alto saxophonist and flautist Alexa Tarantino, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Allison Miller.
RHYTHMS OF INDIA: THE JLCO WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $40.50
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis presents Rhythms of India, continuing its proud tradition of international community building and cultural exchange. In collaboration with master Indian artists – flautist Jay Gandhi, tabla artist Anubrata Chatterjee, ghatam artist Ghatam Umashankar, and vocalists Malini Awasthi and Roopa Mahadevan – the JLCO bonds the melodies and rhythms of raga-based music and different folk styles with the tradition of jazz – a union poised to captivate audiences of all ages.
Drawing inspiration from iconic Indian compositions like “Kesariya Balam,” echoing the voices of Rajput princesses welcoming home their beloveds, and classic raga “Miyan Malhar,” evoking thundering clouds and pouring rain, this Rose Theater performance invites listeners on a journey through colorful soundscapes and moving stories. From the lively Punjabi folk song “Kothe Te Aa Mahiya” to the soul-stirring Thumri “Ka Karu Sajni,” each piece reflects a unique aspect of Indian culture and history.
Witness this vibrant exchange of ideas and celebration of diversity!
First Friday
Friday, June 7th 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.
1-7pm Drop-In Pride Poster-Making Workshop
1pm Zoolander Screening
3pm Wonder City of the World Curatorial Tour
5pm Genius on Display: Sohia Yeshi
6:30pm Miss Poster House NYC
Drink & Draw: Queer Artist Stories
Friday, June 21st from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Tickets: $40
Queer Artist Stories offers a unique twist on traditional figure drawing sessions. Instead of a passive model, a local queer artist will be posing and sharing their personal story while participants sketch them. The session aims to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ artists to share their compelling narratives.
This event fosters an intimate dialogue between the artists and the attendees. The session will kick off with short warm-up poses before progressing to four 10-minute poses, during which the artist will cover topics such as technique, style, community, and inspiration from a queer perspective.
Father’s Day
Sunday, June 16th from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Location: on the grounds
Tickets: Father’s Day is a premium day for admission at the front entrance; $2 surcharge per visitor.
Father’s Day comes just as summer is filling our hearts. Celebrate Dad with a memorable day in vibrant gardens. Spend the day together with a special Family Art Project, a guided walk in the gardens and a free session of community yoga.
Enjoy the very rare opportunity to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn. Bring your own feast or purchase a delicious picnic curated by our exclusive partner Great Performances. Limited, first come, first served seating will also be available in Armor Hall for picnic purchasers. If you would like to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn, you may bring your own blanket and outdoor folding chairs.
Carnegie Hall Citywide Concert: Jasmine Rice LaBeija
Thursday, June 27th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Great Lawn; Rain Site: Armor Hall
Tickets: Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
“Drag is a grand opera” according to renowned drag artist Jasmine Rice LaBeija—and she should know. A Juilliard-trained tenor with a commanding voice and razor-sharp wit, LaBeija has sold out performances at the Guggenheim Museum’s Works & Process series, Lincoln Center, and queer clubs around the world. In addition to being the International Godmother of the Royal House of LaBeija—recently shouted out in Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul (Queens Remix)”—she has also been a host of Dragged and was the face of New York City’s 2020 Pride celebrations. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of New York’s great entertainers in this free presentation in partnership with Carnegie Hall Citywide.
CITYPICKLE AT WOLLMAN RINK
Projected Opening May 1st
Open Daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm
Court rentals, clinics, open play, special events…we have you covered.
We welcome all levels, from beginners to elite players.
Come play on our 14 courts, the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast!
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
BRONX NIGHT MARKET
AT FORDHAM PLAZA
Saturday, June 1st 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.
FIRST FRIDAY JUNE 2024:
ART, MUSIC, & DANCING!
Friday, June 7th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Tickets: FREE with RSVP!
Get ready to get down to the irresistible beats of DJ Ultra Violet! Uptown Vinyl Supreme will also be in the house. The evening’s festivities pay tribute to the GOAT, Prince—on what would have been his 66th birthday—with funky old-school tunes.
Take a break from dancing to check out the Museum’s current exhibition: Bronx Calling: The Sixth AIM Biennial (Part Two), featuring work by 27 artists who completed our AIM Fellowship program in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The work on view powerfully engages with the complexities of the human condition: from our inseparability from nature to the dictates of our cultural identities and norms.
FAMILY TIME JUNE 2024: FREE ART-MAKING FOR ALL AGES
Saturday, June 15th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Tickets: FREE! no RSVP needed.
All are welcome to participate in free art activities led by Bronx Museum Education Staff Members! The activities are geared toward families with young children, but fun for everyone.
GARDENING TUESDAY AT THE FOODWAY
Tuesday, June 11th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Concrete Plant Park
Join the Bronx River Alliance select Tuesdays from 10a-12pm for stewardship activities such as litter removal, weeding, mulching, watering & planting at different rain gardens & newly planted tree sites along the Bronx River!
On Tuesday, June 11th, we will be stewarding the Foodway at Concrete Plant Park. We will meet volunteers at Concrete Plant Park (1370 Westchester Ave) Bronx, NY. Please wear clothing appropriate for outdoor weather and gardening/cleaning activities. We also recommend bringing snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. All gloves and tools needed will be provided by the Alliance.
STARLIGHT PARK WETLAND PLANTING
Friday, June 14th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Westchester Avenue Park Entrance in Concrete Plant Park
Join the Stewardship Team to restore the saltwater marsh in Starlight Park with a volunteer plug planting! Urban wetlands provide important benefits including improving water quality, retaining stormwater, and serving as critical habitats for native wildlife! Please note, that volunteers should dress in clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes. We also encourage volunteers to bring their own water bottles. Space is limited and registration is required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
CONNECTING WITH NATURE THROUGH YOGA
Sunday, June 9th from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Join Urban Park Rangers for an hour of nature themed yoga and meditation. Learn some poses inspired by animals and the natural world. Then restore balance to your body with a chakra meditation. Please bring a mat.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN BY JAMES BALDWIN
Thursdays, 7-8:30p: June 6, 13, 20, 27, & Wednesday, July 3
– Bronx Collab, 3866 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY
Saturdays, 12-1:30p: Jun 8, 15, 22, 29, & July 6
– Bronx River Community Garden, 180th St. & Devoe Ave
Tuesdays, 7-8:30p: Jun 11, 18, 25, & July 2
– on Zoom
In an exploration of FAITH in America, we’ve paired Temple Folk with Go Tell It On The Mountain.
First published in 1953, Baldwin chronicles a fourteen-year-old boy’s discovery of the terms of his identity as the stepson of the minister of a storefront Pentecostal church in Harlem.
Juneteenth + Pride Month Poetry House Open Mic: Reflect, Empower, and Unite
Monday, June 17th from 6:00pm t0 9:00pm
Location: ID Studio Theater (311 East 140th Street, Bronx)
Tickets: FREE and open to all.
Join us for an evening celebrating Pride Month and its themes: Reflect, Empower, and Unite. Don’t miss the launch of Poetry House’s first zine! And, as part of the Literary Freedom Project’s James Baldwin centenary celebration, we’ll honor Baldwin’s legacy with blackout poetry, and more.
5 PM: Collaging, screening and discussion on Baldwin’s work
6-9 PM: Blackout poetry, open mic performances and zine launch
WONDERLAND NIGHTS
June 1, 8, 14*, & 15 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Special Ticket Required: $29 for Member and $39 for Non-Member
Enter Wonderland at dusk—a madly beautiful world! Join us to experience Wonderland: Curious Nature in a new light with a full cast of characters on the scene and specialty themed cocktails that make for the perfect evening out. In a spectacular show of rhythm and delight, Thistle Dance invites you to let loose during the Mad Hatter’s dance party.
PRIDE NIGHT
Friday, June 14th from 7:00pm t0 10:00pm
Tickets: $39 for Non-Members; $29 for Members
Celebrate Pride at NYBG with a twilight viewing of Wonderland: Curious Nature, and get into your element with a ballroom class led by Legendary NYC Father Malik Miyake-Mugler accompanied by his amazing house members. Will you serve face? Strut across the runway? We invite you to vogue the house down.
THE SOUNDVIEW GARDENER'S CLUB
every Tuesday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Soundview Field House – 1550 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx
The Soundview Gardener’s Club is a space where After-School students from local schools and community volunteers come together to clear invasive plants, plant trees/native plants, and spread mulch as part of our forest restoration efforts in Soundview Park in The Bronx.
NYC Parks Presents: Schools Out Celebration
Thursday, June 20th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Metcalf Playground in Soundview Park
Join NYC Parks for a School’s Out Celebration. Activities will include games, activities and much more. This event is free and open to the public.
National Trails Day: Van Cortlandt Super Hike
Saturday, June 1st from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Van Cortlandt Park on an 8 mile journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems. Registration is required. Registration opens on Wednesday May 22.
Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 19th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble invite you to an evening celebration of Juneteenth at the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
The program will begin on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum with performances, including music and spoken word. Then join us for a procession with drums to the Enslaved African Burial Ground for a libation ceremony, honoring the memory of the enslaved people.
Guest artists include renowned drummer Baba Don Babatunde, actress Ashley Hart Adams, violist Judith Insell, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford and the NYC All City High School Chorus, poet David Mills and West African drummer Yahaya Kamate.
Special thank you to our venue partners at the Van Cortlandt House Museum and the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
Juneteenth Celebration
Thursday, June 13th from 4:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Location: Great Lawn, Rain moves indoors
Celebrate Juneteenth and honor Black history, achievement and resilience with an evening of performances, artmaking and more. Picnic on the Great Lawn and enjoy a tasty treat of specialty ice cream while supplies last, courtesy of Only Rare NYC. Decorate colorful plant pots inspired by stories of hope and liberation. The celebration culminates with engaging musical and dance performances that highlight the Black experience in the United States. This is a free community event; all ages are welcome.
5:00PM – 7:00PM: Complementary rolled ice cream by Only Rare NYC
6:00PM: Musical performance by Bahati Barton
7:00PM: Dance performance by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet
Family Tree for Father’s Day
Saturday, June 15th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: meet at Wave Hill House
Celebrate a father figure in your life. We’ll design a tree sculpture using our families as inspiration. Personalize this as a special gift to hold precious photographs or drawings.
At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater; all ages welcome. We will be celebrating the Juneteenth holiday with a reading of the book, Baby’s Asleep by JayNay Brown-Wood.
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital: Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Wednesday, June 26th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
An annual summer tradition, the Metropolitan Opera’s popular concert series in New York City parks continues with a free outdoor recital. Three of today’s most exciting young stars— soprano Brittany Olivia Logan, mezzo-soprano Hannah Jones, and tenor Matthew Cairns—come together for an effervescent evening of favorite arias, duets, and ensembles, accompanied by Deborah Robertson at the piano.
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.
On the surface, a wedding planner may not seem like an essential expense, especially when pitted against the more obvious needs of food, your dream venue, and a good DJ. But what most newly-weds-to-be don’t know is that hiring a wedding planner can actually save you money.
And that’s not all. Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio spoke on the ways in which hiring a wedding planner might just save your big day.
Save Time
“Let the planner do the hard work. Let them research and find out information about all the places you’re looking [and] at the vendors so you don’t have to do any of the stressful things. They can come in [and] they can say here are my top five recommendations and take you through it without you having to do the hours and hours of work it really takes to plan the perfect wedding.”
Save Money
“They can help negotiate. They can help recommend different vendors that might have different price points. They can get you exactly what you’re looking for and help you really craft your budget to make sure it works all within what you’re looking to spend.”
Save Energy
“Your planners have worked in weddings for normally a very long time and have a good list of vendors who they love partnering with. They’re suggesting them because they do a great job and they want your wedding to come out perfect. So trust their recommendations and really look into the vendors that they recommend.”
Each season has its perks and pitfalls when it comes to planning a wedding, but oftentimes the positives can outweigh the more unfavorable aspects.
Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio highlighted for us the top 3 reasons why you should consider getting married in the spring.
#1 All is in bloom
Flourishing in the influx of sunny days, gardens and greenery are bound to be blooming in abundance. Whether you decide to host your ceremony outside or indoors, pulling from the lush natural elements is sure to give your special day an extra dose of serenity. From bountiful bouquets to stunning organic backdrops, you can’t go wrong with incorporating the fruits of the season in your wedding design.
#2 Post-winter and ready to party
Shedding the dreary days of constant gray, woodland creatures aren’t the only ones emerging from hibernation. Though more of the metaphorical variety, it’s undeniable that the first signs of sunlight draw out even the most introverted individual’s desire to socialize. A spring wedding is an enticing break from the monotony of the colder months, sure to increase that RSVP rate and bring together all those you haven’t seen since before the first snowfall.
#3 Temperate temperatures
With warm afternoons and cool evenings, the moderate embrace of spring is sure to create a comfortable atmosphere for your many celebrations. The perfect porridge for a wide array of guests, you’re certain to settle somewhere “just right” when it comes to desired degrees. No sweating through suits or shivering in sleeveless dresses, there will be smiles all around, allowing for an enjoyable exchange of vows.
Main photo credit Gulnara Samoilova
You’ve dodged enough red flags to make it to the altar, but unfortunately there’s still a few you’ll have to look out for when searching for a vow-worthy venue.
Though the historical mansion is beautiful on the outside, perhaps the interior doesn’t match the exterior? Or the incredibly popular modern museum that’s miraculously available on the exact day you need happens to also be hosting a splatter painting workshop in the same room?
There can be causes for concern no matter the space, but that doesn’t mean some can’t be worked around. We asked Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio what she considers to be major red and green flags to watch out for when figuring out where to have your wedding.
The venue refuses to let you see the space before the event.
“Big red flag. Absolutely not. You should always walk through and see exactly what you’re getting before your wedding so you know what the layout’s going to be, how the day’s going to flow, and all of those important details.
The venue has bad reviews online.
“A big red flag. I think you should listen to all these other couples. I think take everything with a grain of salt, and I also recommend maybe reaching out to them if you see them on Instagram and asking them why they had a bad experience.”
They do have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
“Green…yes, absolutely! We love that. Especially if you’re outdoors! It does rain and we want to make sure that we are prepared for it. And if you plan for it, it normally doesn’t happen. So take the backup plan!”
They provide you limited time to set up.
“Is there a middle ground? I think that could be a beige flag. Having vendors that know the space and know how to work within the space is very important and what they can do is they’re going to showcase to you the things that you can do within that amount of time and…make sure that you’re guided the best way possible.”
You’re the only event at the venue that day.
“Green. I think that’s a must…it’s your special day. You’re paying a lot of money for this and we want to make sure that you are the shining star that day and all attention is on you. So definitely make sure that you are the only event happening that day.”
The venue is available for your desired date but has repairs scheduled for months prior.
“I think that’s ok…I’d get some more information on exactly what that is and what their schedule is…is it the end of their scheduled maintenance or is it the beginning of it?”
The venue has limited parking.
“Green. That’s okay! You run into that in a lot of venues, specifically more historical venues. There’s ways that you’ll work with valet companies to make it work for your event.”
They work with Great Performances.
“Biggest green flag out there. We’re so excited to partner with our exclusive venues and with our preferred venues. We’re honored to be part of your wedding!”
Main photo by Joseph Lin
This is a childhood dish I remember as one on regular rotation at home. It always signified changing seasons.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz onion
- 3 Tbsp Paprika
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 pt chicken broth
- 3 lbs Large Diced chicken breast
- 1 c sour cream
- 2 Tbsp Flour
- 1.5 lbs Egg Noodles
Procedure
- Marinate chicken with diced onion, paprika, salt overnight.
- Sear the Chicken until golden brown on the outside.
- Add chicken broth, heat to simmer, cover and let cook 30 min.
- Remove chicken from broth and set aside.
- In a Separate Bowl, take sour cream, flour , and mix in mixing bowl adding water until you reach a pancake batter like consistency.
- Add sour cream mixture to the broth and simmer until it reaches a gravy like consistency.
- Add Chicken Back in to broth.
- Serve over Egg noodles. Garnish with parsley.
This recipe is passed down from my mother. Of course, we measure with the heart, but everything you need to know to make the best Arroz con Pollo is below!
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use bone-in chicken breast for this recipe.
- Seasoning: Cumin, sazón with azafran, bay leaf, salt & pepper.
- Vegetables: Carrots, peas, green beans, onions, scallions, garlic, red and green bell peppers.
- Flavor: Tomato paste, chicken broth, and chicken bouillon.
- Oil: Olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil will work.
- Rice: Use long-grain white rice.
- Herbs: Cilantro
Procedure
- Put the chicken breast, 5 cups of water, and the remaining ingredients for the stock in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the pot covered for about 15 minutes. Let it cool, shred, and set aside. Strain the stock and measure 2 ½ cups, then set aside.
- In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, green peppers, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the rice, tomato paste, chicken bouillon, and sazon goya. Stir until the rice is well coated, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the peas, carrots, and green beans and cook for an additional 7 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and cilantro, mix well with a fork, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes.
At Great Performances, we believe that Life Happens Around Food®. We make that happen with delicious food, warm hospitality, and culinary creativity. At the heart of our creativity are our chefs. In this series, our chefs raise their voices in our Chefs’ Choir ™, sharing their delicious recipes, helpful tips, and inspiration for creating memorable events. We tap into their culinary genius as we plan your special events for business purposes and collaborate on your special event planning for social and entertainment purposes. Whether you need a corporate lunch, a wedding reception, a milestone celebration, or a nonprofit gala, our chefs bring their inspiration and creativity to ensure you have an exceptionally delicious event.
Our chefs come from myriad backgrounds and experiences, but they all share a passion for food and hospitality. We’ve asked them to lend their voices to share their Mother’s Day memories, stories, and recipes.
Chef Solanki Roy
Venue Chef, 550 Madison
My mother is a powerful Bengali woman, with modernistic views of the world, liberal at heart, intellectual, artistic and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. On Mother’s Day, I fondly remember her and reflect on everything she has done for the family and wish to reunite with her soon for my holidays. The biggest lesson she taught me was, no matter what happens in life always remain humble.
A sampling of Chef Solanki’s menu at 550 Madison.
The best culinary tip passed onto me is, cook from your heart and positive emotions, anything cooked with love compassion and good thoughts tastes good.
Anything cooked with anger, aggression or toxic work environment translates to food. So keep kitchen culture healthy, no yelling, no throwing pots and pans or glorifying abuses in kitchen. It’s not good for anyone, the cooks, the customers or the food.
My mom is a strong and beautiful woman, very talented in the kitchen, and shows us love through her cooking.
The best culinary tip I got from her was to cook with heart and make others happy.
My mom’s best dish is arroz con pollo.
Chicken Paprikash was one of the 15 or so rotating meals that we would eat growing up. I am particularly fond of this dish in the colder months as it always signified a changing in the seasons.
I am from Argentina and moved here a little over 9 years ago, my sister moved here back in 2012.
When we travel back, we always ask our Mom to make us her French Fries. There is “nothing special” about them in terms of technique, cutting, kind of potato used, etc. but at the same time, everything is special about them. It brings both my sister and myself together and brings us back beautiful memories. The fries may not be peeled perfectly, may be soggy and crispy at the same time, may have absorbed more oil than they should but all of that makes us come together.
My sister is 33, I’m 31 but when we ask Mom to make those fries, look at her cooking them and finally share those uneven spuds, we both go back to being kids again.
That is what Mom is all about to me.
The perfect food for me to celebrate Mothers / Fathers Day is Dal.
Ingredients
- Split red lentils (Masoor dal): 250 grams
- Water: 1 liter
- Onion, finely chopped: 150 grams
- Tomato, chopped: 150 grams
- Garlic cloves, minced: 15 grams
- Ginger, grated: 15 grams
- Turmeric powder: 5 grams
- Cumin seeds: 10 grams
- Coriander powder: 10 grams
- Garam masala: 5 grams
- Salt: 10 grams
- Vegetable oil or ghee: 50 grams
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped: 20 grams
Instructions
- Rinse the split red lentils under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the prepared tadka (tempering) to the lentils and mix well. Add salt to taste.
- Allow the dal to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves before serving.
It is ironic that Open House New York, whose mission it is to uncover and share the best of New York City’s built environment, systems, and institutions, is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Do you know about OHNY?
Founded post-9/11, when access to much of the city was closed off due to increased security, OHNY was conceived to advocate for openness as a defining principle of civic life; to open the doors to the people, places, projects, systems and ideas that make our city unique. I joined the Board of Directors in 2020 just as the city, once again, was shutting it doors to the vibrant institutions and civic engagement that characterizes New York.
But both NYC and OHNY have come roaring back!
The OHNY Spring Gala was held last month to honor the design-build team behind the Rooftop Pavilion and Farm at North Javits with the Open City Award. Javits’ CEO, Alan Steel, accepted the award on behalf of the impressive team.
I had multiple privileges this evening: support the event, host a table, and help plan the menu. Our culinary team and GP event planner Morgan Golumbuk took inspiration from OHNY’s directive to create an outdoor picnic feeling at an indoor evening gala! We did just that. As the sun set to the west, and the Rooftop Farm gleamed to the east, guests sat down to a family style meal.
An OHNY event is always unusual. Supporters are NY’ers of all ages and walks of life, though it draws deeply from the professions that contribute to the ‘built environment’ – the architects, designers, builders, engineers, and experts in urban and civic affairs. It is a love fest of city life and feeds our hunger to know more about how the city functions, whom it serves and how it evolves.
April 18th was a celebration on a rooftop farm, in midtown Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson River, on top of a convention center. Par for the course for an organization that continues to connect all of us to the beauty and wonder of our home. Learn more: New York is Open!
