DAVID LAMARR

Actor

David LaMarr is a member of Actor’s Equity Association & the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Artists.

A performer first and foremost, he misses the sage and performing.

I feel like the stage is a scared space that allows all artists to heal. It’s magical.

He’ll be performing in 2020’s 1st VIRTUAL Cabaret Convention usually held at Lincoln Center. He also performed at Carnegie Hall last year for the Mabel Mercer Foundation.

Pre-Covid, David was starring in Kinky Boots down in Ft Myer’s, Florida on a guest artist contract

Credits include: National Tour—Jersey Boys (2nd National). Regional—Prather Entertainment: Lola in Kinky Boots; Delaware Theatre Company: A Sign of the Times (regional premiere); Baltimore Center Stage: SOUL: The Stax Musical (world premiere); McCoy Rigby Entertainment: Dreamgirls (Ovation Award Nominee); Tuacahn Amphitheatre: Disney’s When You Wish (world premiere), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (US regional premiere), Disney’s Mulan (world premiere); Maltz Jupiter Theatre: The Wiz; Cape Fear Regional Theatre: Ain’t Misbehavin’; Sierra Rep: Hairspray. International—Universal Studios Japan; Carnival Cruise Lines; Princess Cruises; Disney Cruise Lines: Villains Tonight! (world premiere).

SOCIAL MEDIA

TWITTER

@davidlamarr

INSTAGRAM

@davidlamarr

YOUTUBE

DavidLaMarr

ADDITIONAL LINKS

BWW Feature: Running the Race – David LaMarr’s Fight for BIPOC Equality in Live Entertainment

Tomorrow / Here Comes the Sun

Land of Lola

All in Fun / Smoke Gets in your Eyes

KAT LIZ KRAMER

Singer & Songwriter

Hey, ya’ll! My name is Kat Liz Kramer and I’m a singer/songwriter currently living in NYC. My roots are in musical theatre and ballet and that informs my indie folk/rock music. I’ve been writing new songs for several years and performing them in and around the city. With live music venues shut down it became clear that now was the time to make my first full-length album! In these terrible times music is what can bring people together and lift their spirits. It can also help them heal. Music is my therapy!  I am currently working with my friend and fellow singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger on preparing to record the album. He has brought onboard several incredible (unemployed) Broadway musicians and I’m co-writing with composer Mark Oleszko on the project. I suffer from extreme anxiety and my music is a release and a way of working through it. I hope others will be able to relate. The album is a collection of my thoughts and my emotions swirled together in a tornado of glitter and passion. I hope to raise $8,000 to pay the musicians, the engineers, and production staff. This is very affordable for an album but much more than one person can afford on their own in the middle of a global pandemic where survival work is uncertain and bills don’t care about a virus. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to share my heART.

SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK

@kramersings

INSTAGRAM

@katlizkramer

ADDITIONAL LINKS

iTunes: My Wonderland Special Edition (releasing 11/13)

http://gf.me/u/yz5bqb/

Great Performances' Catering Grants for Artists in NY
Liz Neumark, Great Performances Founder, with the 2019 winners (left to right) Damir Catovic, Bridgette Williamson, Justin Rozanski, Almira Session

History

Great Performances was established in 1980 as a part-time staffing service allowing women in the arts to support themselves while pursuing their artistic dreams. What was a means to an end has evolved into a leading catering business; but Great Performances’ commitment to its staff and their pursuit of the arts remains unchanged.

In 1986, Great Performances launched its first Artist Fellowship Awards to recognize the talent and dedication of the women and men who brought their skills “to the table” year round. In its inaugural year, Great Performances awarded two $1000 prizes and as the company grew, so did the awards.

In 2019, four $5000 grants were awarded, directly funding the projects and creative works of four diverse and talented artists. Throughout the years, grants have been used to fund projects across a wide range of creative media, including film, magazine, music production and artistic workshops.

These awards, featured in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have been the catalyst for many wonderful accomplishments by our employees, and we look forward to continuing this tradition.

Now Open: 2020 Artist Fellowship Awards

We are pleased to announce Great Performances’ 2020 Artist Fellowship Awards. Once again, Great Performances will award four winners a $5000 grant to be used for their projects in the arts. Details for the Great Performances Artist Fellowship Awards 2020 can be found online, including guidelines, eligibility requirements, submission details and timelines.

PREVIOUS FELLOWSHIP WINNERS AND JUDGES

2019

Winners

  • Damir Catovic – To purchase equipment for a dark room to support his analog photography that chronicles various aspects of New York City.
  • Justin Rozanski – To realize a novel sonic design installation entitled “The Healing Powers of Cats, A Sonic Exploration” based on the purring of (his) cats that generate therapeutic sound waves.
  • Almira Session – To launch Motivating Eleemosynary Juvenescent (MEJ), which will create a safe environment for children living in New York City’s shelter system to learn how to express themselves through dance therapy, counseling and mentorships, while learning about healthy eating, food preparation and budgeting.
  • Brigitte Williamson – To write and direct “Sweetie Pie”, a comedic microfilm about one woman’s pursuit of the perfect pie.

Judges

  • Howard Axel, CEO of Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island
  • Christina Karahalios, Senior Director of Operations for international art gallery Hauser & Wirth
  • Cheryl Milstein, arts philanthropist whose foundation contributed to the likes of The Public Theater, New York Philharmonic and the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
  • Cyndi Stivers, Director of the TED Residency
The 2016 Great Performances Fellowship Winners
Great Performances Fellowship 2016 Winners with Liz Neumark

2016

Winners

  • Evan Edwards – To produce a CD to promote his new musical to the backers, developers and festivals whose creative and financial support were necessary for him to realize its full-scale production.
  • Lucy Gram – To produce a three-day workshop of “In the Belly,” a new play about family, legacy and how we shape ourselves into independent adults despite our parents’ mistakes.
  • Adam Miller – To produce a documentary called “BUCKETS” about Larry Wright, the creator of bucket drumming.
  • Kristin Yancy – To orchestrate a workshop of “The Hunt,” an original approach to the quickly growing subset of the dramatic arts – immersive theater.

Judges

  • Diana Roesch DiMenna, philanthropist
  • Jean Hanff Korelitz, author
  • Jeffrey Haydon, CEO, Caramoor Center for Performing Arts
  • Heather Hitchens, Executive Director, American Wing Theatre

2015

Winners

  • John Jacob Lee – To publish a mission-driven zine exploring themes of gender, race, and class through a variety of artistic mediums
  • Hayet Moufti – To produce “My Empire of Solitude,” a 25-minute dance piece that will be a community-oriented work of art.
  • Chris Corporandy – To complete certification by the Knight-Thompson Speech Work organization as an accent, dialect, and speech teacher for actors

Judges

  • Scott Berrie, Emmy Award-winning Producer and CEO/Founder of Impulse Creative Productions
  • Tangie Murray, Executive Director at Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation
  • Richard Zinman, Managing Director at Credit Suisse
  • Kerry Steib, Director of Social Impact at Spotify
  • Susan Henshaw Jones, Director of the Museum of the City of New York

2013

Winners

  • Daniel Perez Gomez – To work with animal shelters to take high-quality photographs of dogs in order to increase their chances of adoption.
  • Kathryn Anible – To publish “The Leafy Greens Cookbook” containing 100 recipes that featured a variety of greens.
  • Anthony Wills – To write a screenplay “Pride from the Door,” which deals with race, addiction and loss.

Judges

  • Lisa Dennison, Sotheby’s, Chairman, North and South America
  • Hughlyn Fierce, Retired Jazz at Lincoln Center CEO and active not-for-profits board member
  • Susan Freedman, President, Public Art Fund
  • Brian Munn, Actor, starred in Wicked, and a former GP staff member
  • Bronson van Wyck, Founder & Event Producer, Van Wyck & Van Wyck

2011

Winners

  • Tim Marback – To produce his play “Mend” under the direction of Olympia Dukakis.
  • Michael Menger – To produce his own work, “The Really Big Pirate Show”.
  • Charles Wulster – To complete production on his film, “The Defenders of Belfast”.

Judges

  • Gail Beltrone, Vice President, Frederick P Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center
  • Marsha Firestone, President and Founder, Women Presidents’ Organization
  • Timur Galen, Global Head of Corporate Services and Real Estate, Goldman Sachs
  • Brian Halweil, Editor/Publisher, Edible Magazines
  • Jonelle Procope, President and CEO, Apollo Theater Foundation

2006

Winner

  • Garry Novikoff – To complete the final mixing, mastering, and production of his self-produced CD “Dog on the Moon.”

2000

Winners

  • Trayce Gardner – To found the Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center, which promotes “literacy, leadership, social skills, intergenerational exchange, and job training” to under-privileged NYC youth through film studies and film-making.
  • Joe Clancy – To start The Drilling CompaNY, which develops and produces new dramatic works by emerging American playwrights.

SURPRISE, WE ARE THE SINATROS!

Planning a Wedding at the Plaza Hotel

By Emily Reifel

Photo: ©Shawn Connell
Photo: ©Shawn Connell

It’s not every year that the wedding season kicks off in January, but in 2020 it did just that with an intimate and unique affair – the Sinatro wedding.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Beth, the mother of the groom. A mother of two boys Darren and Alec, and a wife to her amazing husband Tim, she told me how she never in her life expected to plan a wedding, but here she was calling The Plaza to plan one. Her son Darren and fiancée Selin reside in London and really put their trust in Beth to make their celebration memorable.

We met in person because at that point she wanted to see the The Plaza so she could get a feel for what she wanted to do with the space. We started our conversation discussing the big day, but we ended up talking more about life and common acquaintances than the actual wedding.

I was enamored by the international feel of the wedding that Beth envisioned, with the bride originally from Turkey, and the couple now living abroad. Their guest list comprised friends and family from all around the world. We locked down a date and went straight to planning.

Beth and I curated the perfect team to create what Beth had in mind: a classic, formal dinner party. David Beahm’s team was up for the challenge of creating the perfect vibe in The Terrace Room. That’s right – we didn’t use The Grand Ballroom!

Throughout the process, I met with Beth and her husband multiple times. We had an ongoing joke that the wedding would be a complete surprise for Darren and Selin. Soon it was time for our tasting, and I was so excited to finally meet this mysterious couple.

As life has it, though, unexpected life challenges wouldn’t allow the couple to travel to NYC that day, so Beth, Tim, Tiffany and I toasted in their honor and selected a fabulous menu! Darren and Selin were about to be surprised with so many wonderful details! Soon thereafter, I was finally able to meet Darren and his brother Alec. Beth was unable to attend, but I was delighted to reveal some of her thoughtful menu selections.

Photo: ©Shawn Connell
Photo: ©Shawn Connell

During the week of the wedding, I got to meet the gorgeous, elegant Selin. I had a great conversation with the couple and we made sure they were thoroughly represented in all aspects of the celebration. They were gracious, appreciative and very much in love. It was apparent that their long-distance relationship and now living abroad together had created such a strong foundation.

The big day finally arrived; it was a long workday, but I enjoyed working on every detail of their wedding day vision. Shawn Connell and his skilled photography team were able to get beautiful shots of the couple, family and guests. These included a beautiful family photo on The Grand Staircase, a Sinatro family tradition. Guests arrived and enjoyed champagne, hors d’oeuvres and our custom Turkish Station, an homage to Selin’s roots.

Then to the guests’ surprise we moved them all to face the iconic Grand Staircase where the ceremony began right then and there on the landing. David Beahm’s team created this stunning arching tree which was the perfect backdrop to say “I do!” Guests loved it as the couple walked down the aisle onto the stairs. Soon it was time for everyone to see the Terrace Room that was adorned with magnolia trees, white flowers and endless glimmering candlelight.

Photo: ©Shawn Connell
Photo: ©Shawn Connell

Alex from Style Events and a few musicians played the perfect music to entertain this worldly crowd. We seated everyone to a three-course dinner for toasts and special wedding dances, then the party really started. The exuberant crowd didn’t stop dancing for three hours.

Darren and Selin loved how Alex perfectly mixed music from the United States along with Turkish music and other international artists; it was the perfect mix. We passed Shake Shack burgers, fries and milk shakes at the end of the night as on ode to NYC and the crowd loved it all.

Beth, Tim, Darren, Selin, Tiffany and I had multiple group hugs at the end of the night. They really got to enjoy their special day and all of its surprises! The couple was officially the Sinatros and they couldn’t have been happier…and that’s what it’s all about.

Thinking about having your wedding at the Plaza Hotel? Great Performances is the official caterer for the Plaza. Learn more about the Plaza here, and if you are ready to plan your Plaza wedding, just fill out the form below. We will get in touch shortly.

MAPLE CRÈME CARAMEL VALENTINE'S DESSERT

By Chef Geoff Rudaw

Nothing says “I love you” like taking a risk, dabbling in the unknown, and trying something new. Crème Caramel is a dish that can be made with easily available items, and once mastered, it can be simple to make while coming across as a skilled and difficult dish to produce. For a little color, add some pomegranate seeds (optional).

Serves 10-12 portions

INGREDIENTS

PROCEDURE

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ½ cup water

  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice

  • 3 cups cream

  • 1¼ cups milk

  • 1 cup maple syrup

  • 7 egg yolks

  • 2 whole eggs

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • Heat sugar, water and lemon juice in a pot until a dark amber color. Pour into 4 ounce aluminum cups or ramekins that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

  • Heat cream and milk until hot.

  • Combine maple syrup, egg yolks and whole eggs and whisk well.

  • Temper the egg mixture by adding a few ounces of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking.

  • Continue to add a few more ounces of the hot milk mixture, constantly whisking, until the egg mixture warms up. Then add the warmed egg mixture to the hot milk mixture and whisk. Strain to ensure a silky texture, then cool in an ice bath.

  • Divide the cooled custard mixture into the cups or ramekins (about halfway up the side).

  • Gently put the cups into a deep baking dish (at least 2” deep) and pour cool water around the cups. Cover with aluminum foil.

  • Bake at 300˚F for 50-55 minutes until the custard jiggles slightly.

  • Cool, remove from pan and chill overnight.

  • Once chilled, loosen edges by gently inserting a pairing knife and carefully sliding it around aluminum cup. Invert onto plate.

  • Pomegranate seeds can be sprinkled on top and around plate, if desired.

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Our Favorite Wedding Venues, Inside and Out

By Great Performances

Engagement season is at it’s peak and it’s almost time to start planning for the big day! After setting your budget, possible dates and starting your guest list, the next step is finding your dream wedding venue in New York. With so many options in the Greater New York area, it can definitely be overwhelming to search for the best wedding venues in New York, but we’ve got you covered with a list of some our team’s favorite venues for your special day.

620 LOFT & GARDEN

A New York Wedding Venue With Amazing Views

If you want to get married in the heart of Manhattan, this secret garden awaits you! Right off of 5th Ave, 620 Loft and Garden overlooks St Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Plaza for some of the best views in New York City. The crisp interior allows for you to bring your vision to life, which is only matched by the elegance of the pristine gardens.

Image: ©Roey Yohai
Image: ©Roey Yohai
Image: ©Roey Yohai

BROOKLYN MUSEUM

An Iconic Wedding Venue In Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum in one of NYC’s most unique venue. Couples have the option to be married and have their reception in the modern, glass pavilion with Brooklyn as their backdrop, or in the timeless Beaux Artes Court, surrounded by historic art and under an extraordinary brass chandelier. Guests get VIP access to art, culture and an experience they will never forget.

Image: ©Christian Oth
Image: ©Christian Oth Studio
Image: ©Daniel Silbert

CARAMOOR

One Of The Prettiest Wedding Venues In NY State

Located in northern Westchester County, Caramoor’s flower gardens, picturesque cedar trails and historic home makes this unique space perfect for a wedding. Caramoor can host parties from 50-800 guests allowing guests to experience all 90 archers throughout the course of the evening. Don’t forget to visit throughout the season for one of their amazing summer concerts!

Image: ©Gulnara Studio
Image: ©Gabe Palacio
Image: ©Gulnara Studio
Sunken Garden at Caramoor in Katonah New York on July 18, 2021. (photo by Gabe Palacio)

THE FOUNDRY

A Truly Unique Wedding Venue In Queens

For the rustic chic wedding couple, The Foundry offers great outdoor space, lots of exposed brick, and a fun industrial vibe. With views of the Queensboro Bridge, the ivy covered oasis is a dream for every couple!

MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

A Mansion Wedding Overlooking Central Park

Located in the Upper East Side, The Museum of the City of New York’s beautifully renovated landmark building on Fifth Avenue’s iconic Museum Mile is the perfect space for your special day. With floor-to-ceiling french doors, a stunning marble staircase, a private outdoor space and views of Central Park, an MNCY wedding is nothing short of breathtaking.
art, black, book, carolina, central, city, conservatory, east, fine, herrera, manhattan, me, museum, new, nyc, of, park, photographer, photography, photojournalism, photojournalistic, pretty, side, style, stylemepretty, the, thekatharris, upper, vendor, wedding, weddings, york
Museum of the City of New York Weddings

THE PLAZA HOTEL

A Classic New York Wedding Venue

The legendary Plaza Hotel is the perfect location for a one-of-a-kind celebration that is modern, timeless and elegant. With 4 enchanting rooms to chose from, there’s no doubt that your wedding will feel like a real-life fairytale.
Image: ©Virginie Carolina
Image: ©Fred Marcus

WAVE HILL

A Nature Lover’s Dream New York Wedding Venue

Wave Hill is known for its natural beauty. The florals, greenery, landscape and architecture speak for itself. There are so many places on the property to host the various parts of the evening, you are constantly surprising your guests each step of the night. You can have your first look in the Aquatic Garden by the coy pond, the ceremony on the upper lawn with the stunning pergola behind you and cocktail hour on the lower lawn overlooking the Hudson and the palisades just as the sun begins to set. It truly is a hidden gem, and as a public garden a place you can come back to whenever you like for years to come after your wedding.

Image: ©Judith Rae
Image: ©Judith Rae
Image: ©Weddings By Two
Image: ©LOVE + WOLVES CO

AND BEYOND…

The Hamptons. The Hudson Valley. The Berkshires. Connecticut. Beyond the city limits, Great Performances can bring the sophistication and elegance of a city wedding to any location. Whether it’s escaping “Out East” to the Parrish Museum, your favorite summer camp in the Berkshires, an estate in Connecticut, or a scenic lawn in the Hudson Valley, your options are limitless.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Search for your dream wedding venue on Great Performances’ Wedding Venue Searcher 

Search here

LET US CREATE YOUR DREAM WEDDING

Great Performances catering has been around since 1979 when it was founded as a waitress staffing agency to help those women who were working towards a career in the arts. We have now evolved to become New York’s premier events caterer as well as a company that believes in giving back to the community.

Our culinary team works with seasonal, sustainably sourced local ingredients to interpret your dreams into dishes for your wedding celebration.

Throughout the years we have cultivated relationships with some of the best wedding venues in New York. Contact us to learn more about how we work and how we can make your dream wedding come to life.

If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:

Online Form - Contact a Planner

GOINGS ON AT THE BEST WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK

Roasted Pear Bellini

 

Ingredients

  • Pear nectar

  • Champagne (or prosecco)

  • Roasted pear purée

Procedure

Put 1 tablespoon of the roasted pear purée into a champagne flute and add pear nectar ¼ of the way up the glass. Top off with champagne.

 

GRILLED CARROTS AND CITRUS WITH HERBED YOGURT, CRISPY QUINOA AND FENNEL

 

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 15-o1 lb. multicolored carrots, grilled and split

  • Olive oil

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

  • 2 tbsp raisins

  • 1 tbsp toasted almonds

  • Pinch of ras el hanout

  • 3 tbsp crispy quinoa

  • 4 orange segments

  • 4 blood orange segments

  • 4 grapefruit segments

  • 12 slices crispy fennel

  • 1 bunch carrot tops (for garnish)

For Yogurt

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1 tsp dill

  • 1 tsp parsley

  • 1 tsp tarragon

  • 1 tsp green curry leaves

Procedure

  1. Blanch and shock carrots in boiling water until tender, but not soft.

  2. Dry the carrots, then toss in olive oil, and place on a hot grill until you see decent burn marks. Set aside.

  3. Place water and quinoa in a pot and cook on high until the water reaches a boil. Reduce temperature to low and cover for 15 -20 minutes until done. Then uncover pot and fluff quinoa with a fork, leave uncovered and mix with a pinch of ras el hanout.

  4. Mix raisins and toasted almonds into the cooked quinoa.

  5. Mix Greek yogurt with fresh herbs (dill, parsley, tarragon, curry leaves, etc.). Plate on the dish in a sweeping fashion.

  6. Place grilled carrots, orange segments and grapefruit segments onto each plate.

  7. Garnish with crispy fennel, carrot tops and crispy quinoa.

 

Lemon Pudding Cake with Fresh Mixed Berries

 

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2/3 cup sugar

  • 2 eggs, separated

  • 2/3 cup reduced fat buttermilk

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For Garnish

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

  • 1 cup fresh blackberries

  • 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar

Procedure

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and lightly sugar 4 ramekins (about 1-cup size).

  2. In a mixer, add egg yolks, buttermilk, lemon juice and lemon zest and beat until well combined. Reduce the speed to low and sift in flour, sugar and salt. Continue to mix until combined. In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Slowly fold in the egg whites into the buttermilk mixture, adding a little at a time. Divide evenly amongst ramekins and bake in a water bath (fill a roasting tray with water halfway up the sides of the ramekins).

  3. Bake for 60 minutes until the top springs back when gently pressed and the cakes have a nice golden brown color. Allow to cool slightly, then carefully invert onto a plate. Serve with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar.