Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
First Friday February 2025 Art, Music, Dancing, & Poetry!
Friday, March 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
FREE!
Experience The Bronx Museum after hours!
We stay open late on the first Friday of the month so you can get your weekend started right. Enjoy the FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT exhibition currently on view in our galleries. Plus we will have music, dancing, and poetry activations throughout the evening (more details to come).
The Museum also provides complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to help keep everyone refreshed and energized.
Family Day March 2025:
Free Art-Making For All Ages!
Saturday, March 15th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
FREE!
Spend an afternoon enjoying free art activities inspired by The Bronx Museum’s current exhibition, FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT!
Activities led by Bronx Museum Educators are fun for all ages and accessible to families with young children.
Drop-ins are welcome, but we appreciate your optional registration, especially if you plan to come with a larger group.
Urban Park Ranger Volunteer Litter Clean-Up
Saturday, March 15th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park
There’s no better way to contribute to a cleaner and healthier community than by volunteering. Join the Urban Park Rangers and fellow community members to clean and beautify Crotona Park.
Early Spring Tree ID Hike
Sunday, March 30th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park
Trees have a special place in our environment. Join us for a hike of Crotona Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism
February 15th through April 27th
Our annual celebration of all things orchid carries you to the vibrant setting of Mexico for The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism. Set off on a journey where the fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry takes center stage amid awe-inspiring displays of orchids, and wander through lush landscapes brought into vivid relief with thousands of flowers that showcase diverse ecosystems and rich cultures. Among bright arrangements of orchids in settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, come visit a paradise of tropical beauty—without ever leaving the Bronx.
Crazy for Composting 2025: Soil for the Soul
Saturday, March 15th from 9:30am to 4:00pm
Inspiring Youth to Learn and Lead Through Composting
Get Crazy for Composting with NYBG’s Bronx Green-Up and friends! Join us for this mini-compost conference to celebrate community composting in New York City. Enjoy presentations, a panel discussion, compost workshops, and network with other compost enthusiasts. Connect with environmental organizations offering educational, technical, and grant resources. Learn from and elevate the voices of community composters in NYC who are diverting organic waste from landfills, revitalizing our soils to grow food, building resilient communities, and promoting environmental justice.
Pelham Bay Park Forest Restoration
Saturday, March 15th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: North East Corner of Orchard Beach Parking Lot in Pelham Bay Park
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect the forested areas in Pelham Bay Park! Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health.
Birding: American Woodcocks
Saturday, March 29th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Pelham Bay Nature Center in Pelham Bay Park
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an evening nature walk at Pelham Bay Park to learn all about the wacky world of woodcocks Also known as the Timberdoodle; Woodcocks take the skies at night with dazzling corkscrew flight patterns and charming vocalizations.
Through Their Hands: Three Centuries of Women’s Work and Daily Life in New York
Saturday, March 22nd from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park
Join VCHM Director Margaret Holmes for a special guided tour exploring the lives of women in New York from the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries. Using objects from the museum’s collection and the historic domestic spaces of the house, this tour examines how women shaped both home life and the broader social fabric of their time.
Tour Highlights:
- Gain insight into the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped women’s roles in New York from the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries.
- Uncover the stories of women who lived, worked, or had connections to the house.
- Explore objects and household items that reveal the realities of their daily lives.
- Examine how gender, race, and class influenced women’s experiences and opportunities.
Registration is required as space is limited.
Nature's Workshop: Botany and Botanical Art
Sunday, March 23rd from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Learn about Ireland’s first female botanist Ellen Hutchins and live her legacy with a botanical walk followed by a botanical art workshop!
Family Art Project: Garden Designs for Women’s History Month
Sunday, March 16th from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Meet at Wave Hill House
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re learning about women who have designed and cared for the gardens we love. With their work in mind, let’s make our own miniature creations inspired by places like community gardens and Wave Hill.
At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. We will be honoring Women’s History Month with a reading of the book In Our Garden by Pat Zietlow Miller.
Registration not required.
Kids on the Move! Signs of Spring
Saturday, March 22nd from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Tickets: Free with admission to the grounds
Location: Meet at Perkins Visitor Center
March can feel like winter’s last gasp, but look closely and you’ll see that nature is waking up all around you! Wander around Wave Hill with guest educator Corinne Flax to find early signs of spring throughout the grounds. Connect with nature and feel the world waking up around you, then wake up your own body with yoga-based poses and games. Recommended for ages three to eight. Severe weather cancels.
WBO's Culture Clash Silent Disco
Friday, March 28th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Join NYC Parks for Silent Disco event at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Come out and boogie on the dance floor while you listen to your favorite music using headphones. 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.
At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
Chef Mary Ellen Muzio’s Gluten-Free Chickpea Crepes
This is a great gluten-free recipe. It goes well with soups and every time I’ve made it, I tweak it a bit. I use a cast iron pan, which takes a longer to heat up, but then stays hot longer. I also let the batter sit for 20-30 minutes, which improves its hydration and consistency.
Adding more water makes a thinner, more delicate crepe that bakes faster. Less water makes a crepe that’s a bit more cake-y. A thicker batter will also work better if you want smaller, individual crepes. Depending on the thickness, you may have to turn over the crepe and brown the other side.
Try adding chives, chopped garlic, sliced cherry tomatoes, chili sauce, parmesan cheese, or other ingredients for extra deliciousness. Additions require a careful eye so they don’t burn because the pan is so hot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpea flour
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- A bit more extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Combine the chickpea flour and water in a large bowl. Stir to blend, then stir in the oil and sea salt.
- Brush a 12-inch paella or pizza pan with oil and place in the oven until the oil sizzles, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour about one-fourth of the batter into the hot pan, tipping and swirling to coat the pan evenly; it should be about an eighth of an inch thick.
- Place the pan into the center of the oven and bake until the crepe is firm and just beginning to brown around the edges, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle with additional EVOO if desired, and season generously with fresh ground black pepper. Gently remove the crepe from the pan.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Cut the crepes into wedges and serve immediately.
This past February, we celebrated Gluten-Free February, exploring delicious ways to enjoy meals without gluten—without sacrificing flavor or creativity. As part of our Chefs’ Choir™ series, where our talented culinary team shares their favorite recipes and inspirations, one of our chefs put together a simple yet satisfying guide to Chaffles—a crispy, cheesy, waffle-inspired treat that’s naturally gluten-free.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle or just looking for a fun twist on breakfast, Chaffles are endlessly versatile. Read more from Chef Mike Deuel below!
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying gluten-free option for breakfast or a snack, look no further than chaffles! A clever combination of cheese and eggs, chaffles are naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them a great alternative to traditional waffles.
Chaffles are incredibly versatile—you can keep them simple with just two ingredients (cheese and eggs) or customize them with almond or coconut flour for a more bread-like texture. They can be made sweet with vanilla and cinnamon or savory with herbs and spices. The best part? They cook in just minutes in a waffle maker, giving you a crispy, golden bite without the hassle.
Enjoy them as a stand-alone treat, use them as a bread substitute for sandwiches, or top them with avocado, berries, or sugar-free syrup. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just want a quick and delicious meal, chaffles are a game-changer in the kitchen!
Try them today and discover your new favorite gluten-free delight!
Gluten-Free Two-Ingredient Chaffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese*
*You can use any cheese that melts well, like mozarella, fontina, cheddar, or gruyere or a combination of cheeses
Procedure
- Heat your waffle iron.
- Beat eggs and mix in shredded cheese.
- Spray waffle iron with cooking spray, then add cheese mixture
- Cook according to waffle maker instructions or until golden
Networking events are an essential part of any high-level summit, offering valuable opportunities for industry leaders to connect and share insights. This reception, held at one of New York City’s iconic venues, combined the perfect setting with thoughtfully curated culinary experiences to foster meaningful connections among guests. From interactive food stations to a refined cocktail menu, every detail was designed to encourage engagement and celebrate the vibrant energy of New York.
Event Snapshot
- GP Team: Amanda DiUglio, Senior Event Director
- Client Industry: Professional Services
- Event Type: Networking Reception
- Guest Count: 250 people
- Venue: 3 World Trade Center
- Date: February 2025
- Event Style & Ambiance: Sophisticated, High-Energy, Networking-Focused
- Food & Beverage Service Style: Cocktail Station Buffet
The Challenge
As part of an exclusive industry leadership summit, this evening reception was designed to foster meaningful connections after a full day of high-level discussions. With attendees immersed in forward-thinking conversations on innovation and industry trends, the event needed to provide a seamless setting for networking while delivering an exceptional culinary experience.
A leading event planning firm, renowned for crafting impeccable experiences, engaged Great Performances to manage the reception’s catering, staffing, and execution. The goal was to create an event that reflected the energy of the summit while celebrating the vibrancy of New York City.
Our Approach
To complement the dynamic discussions from the summit, Great Performances curated an NYC-inspired culinary experience, showcasing the city’s diverse flavors through interactive food stations. Our approach included:
- Thematic Menu Design: Guests enjoyed an array of regionally inspired stations highlighting New York’s culinary heritage, from the flavors of Arthur Avenue to the bold offerings of a Brooklyn steakhouse.
- Seamless Service for Networking: A cocktail station buffet format allowed guests to move freely, engaging in discussions while enjoying beautifully plated bites.
- Collaborative Planning: Partnering closely with the event planning team, we ensured a sophisticated and memorable experience that exceeded client expectations.
The Venue: 3 World Trade Center, A Premier Manhattan Skyscraper
Held at a high-rise venue with panoramic city views, this reception showcased New York’s energy and innovation. The space seamlessly blended hospitality with a tribute to the city’s landmarks, offering an experience that was both aspirational and grounded in local culture. From culinary nods to iconic boroughs to design elements reminiscent of classic NYC moments, the event immersed guests in a distinctly metropolitan atmosphere.
As attendees reflected on the day’s thought-provoking sessions, they embarked on a culinary journey through the city’s most beloved flavors. Interactive stations encouraged movement and conversation, facilitating organic networking while guests enjoyed dishes that captured the essence of New York. A well-curated bar menu, featuring classic New York-inspired cocktails and mocktails, added a refined touch to the evening.
Menu Highlights:
- Hudson Valley Delicacies: Boneless Lamb Chop, Red Pepper Puffed Tortilla, Miso-Glazed Black Bass Bite, South Street Seaport Lobster Roll
- Ditmars Boulevard Station: Classic Chicken Gyro Bowl, Roasted Vegetable Gyro Bowl
- Arthur Avenue Station: Chicken Parm Slider, Panzanella-Style Chopped Salad, Penne Cacio e Pepe
- Brooklyn Steakhouse Station: Chef Carved Strip Steak, Cedar Plank Salmon, Chimichurri Cauliflower Steaks, Creamed Spinach Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Signature Cocktails & Desserts:
- Drinks: The Staten Island Ferry Mocktail (Apple Cider, Orange Wheel, Cranberries), Manhattan (Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters)
- Desserts: Black and White Cookies, Junior’s Cheesecake
The Experience
With the stunning city skyline as a backdrop, the evening struck the perfect balance between relaxation and engagement. The interactive stations encouraged fluid conversation, allowing guests to connect naturally while savoring curated bites inspired by New York’s iconic neighborhoods.
The event planning team, in collaboration with our expert catering staff, ensured a flawless execution where service was polished yet unobtrusive. The sophisticated bar menu, featuring thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails, enhanced the refined yet approachable ambiance.
The Results
- Elevated Networking Experience: The station-style format encouraged organic conversation and seamless movement.
- Culinary Success: Guests raved about the NYC-themed menu, with the Brooklyn Steakhouse and Arthur Avenue stations being particular standouts.
- Seamless Execution: Thanks to meticulous planning and expert service, the event flowed effortlessly, allowing attendees to stay engaged without interruption.
This reception exemplified how Great Performances brings high-touch hospitality and culinary creativity to professional gatherings, transforming post-conference networking into an unforgettable experience.
At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
This month we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, and Daniel Dougherty has cooked up some love potions to enhance any celebration.
Pucker-Up Cherry Limeade (Zero Proof)
Combine 1 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Elderflower Syrup, .5 oz Cherry Syrup in a tall glass (a highball, collins glass, or pint glass will work). Fill with Club Soda and garnish with a Cherry.
Special Someone Spritz
Shake together 1.5 oz Aperol, .5 oz Strawberry Puree, .5 oz Basil Agave Syrup and pour into a Coupe. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a sprig of Basil.
Strawberry Fields Forever
Combine 1.5 oz Tequila, 1 oz Creme de Cacao, 1 oz Strawberry Puree, 1 oz Lime Juice, .5 oz Agave Syrup in a shaker. Shake well and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with two sliced Strawberries to form a heart.
At Great Performances, we believe in nurturing creativity—not just through the incredible events we produce but also by supporting the artistic passions of our team members. That’s why we were thrilled to celebrate the winners of our 2024 Artist Fellowship Awards at a special ceremony at Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop!
This year, we awarded $20,000 in grants to four talented GP team members, each receiving $5,000 to further their artistic careers. The projects they’re working on are as diverse and inspiring as the city we call home.
A Celebration of Creativity and Inspiration
On Monday, February 3rd, we gathered at our Mott Haven campus to recognize the incredible work of our 2024 fellows. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches, shared stories, and an overwhelming sense of support from the GP community. It was a joy to witness the excitement and passion of our awardees as they spoke about their projects.
Check out some highlights from the event below!
Meet the 2024 Artist Fellows
From music to animation, this year’s recipients represent a beautiful cross-section of New York’s creative energy:
Trifon Dimitrov
Trifon Dimitrov’s A View From Today (Ancestors) is a tribute album honoring legendary jazz bassists such as Jimmy Blanton, Sam Jones, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Ray Brown, and Ron Carter. The project celebrates their contributions to jazz by featuring their compositions with a contemporary interpretation, performed in duo and trio settings with renowned musicians like Kenny Barron, George Cables, and Lewis Nash. The album aims to highlight the bass as a lead instrument while preserving and expanding the jazz tradition. With over 25 years of performance experience, Dimitrov sees this project as a pivotal step in establishing himself as a bandleader, with plans for recording, release, international promotion, and touring. The album will serve as both a tribute and a launching pad for future collaborations and artistic growth.
Trifon is a Bulgarian-born musician and sound artist specializing in experimental composition and live electronic performance. With a background in both classical and avant-garde music, his work bridges genres, creating deeply atmospheric and textured sound experiences. He is dedicated to exploring the intersection of sound, memory, and cultural identity.
Tira Adams
Tira is a poet, lyricist, and performer whose work navigates themes of exile, resistance, and personal transformation. With a sharp, evocative style, she collaborates with musicians and artists to bring socially charged poetry into new sonic landscapes. Her writing serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on censorship, displacement, and resilience.
Natasia Filiaeva
klonklona is an electronic music project by Natasia, an exiled artist using sound as a form of resilience, protest, and reconnection for the displaced Russian-speaking community. Born from personal upheaval after fleeing Russia due to political repression, klonklona blends environmental sound sampling, haunting vocals, and satire to create a “bedroom rave universe”—a safe space for self-expression and defiance. Through viral tracks like Vo Slavu Satane, which exposed Russian corruption, and How Do You Do, which captured the absurdity of exile, klonklona has built a global community of listeners seeking solidarity. With the GP Artist Fellowship, Natasia plans to elevate klonklona from single releases to full EPs and live performances, requiring essential equipment to continue producing music. Looking ahead, she envisions klonklona as a platform for censored and displaced Russian artists, fostering connection through performances, collaborations, and bilingual songwriting to amplify these urgent stories worldwide.
Natasia is an exiled Russian musician and producer who founded klonklona, an electronic music project exploring resilience, protest, and reconnection through sound. Forced to flee Russia due to political repression, she channels personal and collective trauma into haunting, satirical tracks that resonate with the displaced Russian-speaking community. Her work has gone viral, offering a space for defiance and healing through music.
David Quang Pham
David Quang Pham’s Turnover: A New Leaf is an award-winning plant-based musical that explores themes of immigration, queer identity, and environmental awareness through the story of a mother-son pair of Cilantros navigating life in Dirty City. With a dynamic mix of pop, rock, and Vietnamese folk music, the show has earned accolades at the Philadelphia New Musicals Festival and has been performed at various venues, including The Tank’s PrideFest. David’s proposal for the Great Performances Artist Fellowship focuses on producing a professional studio concept album of Turnover, aiming for a Fall 2025 release. This album would enhance the musical’s reach, support future theatrical productions, and lay the groundwork for an eventual cast recording and a potential animated series. Featuring a talented team of musicians, directors, and producers, the project seeks to bring Turnover’s vibrant world and educational themes to a broader audience through streaming and physical releases.
David is a multidisciplinary artist and composer whose work blends experimental sound design, electronic music, and visual storytelling. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, he explores themes of identity, displacement, and social change. His compositions weave together diverse sonic textures, inviting listeners into immersive and thought-provoking soundscapes.
We can’t wait to see these projects come to life!
A Tradition of Supporting the Arts
The Artist Fellowship Awards have been a cornerstone of GP’s mission, rooted in our company’s origins. When Liz Neumark founded GP, she was an aspiring photographer, and many of our earliest employees were artists looking for flexible work to support their creative pursuits. That commitment hasn’t changed.
“What started as two $1,000 grants has grown to four $5,000 grants and is a source of company-wide pride,” says Neumark. “We’re delighted to celebrate these artists and our commitment to arts and culture in New York City.”
A Panel of Esteemed Judges
A big thank you to our panel of judges—leaders from NYC’s arts and culture world—who helped select this year’s fellows:
- Ed Lewis – President and CEO, Caramoor
- Kamilah Forbes – Executive Producer, Apollo Theater
- Ryan Hill – Founder and CEO, Apotheosis
- Dr. Meisha Porter – Visiting Senior at the Center for Educational Innovation
- Adam Gwon – Composer and Lyricist
“We were all impressed that the applicants are working outside of their art and yet have created the time to pursue this work that means so much to them,” noted Dr. Porter.
February might be the shortest month of the year, but we’re making it one of the most flavorful. At Great Performances, we’re embracing a fun and thoughtful challenge: Gluten-Free February! It’s our way of raising awareness about the realities of living gluten-free—whether for health reasons, dietary preferences, or just as a way to shake things up in the kitchen.
For many, “gluten-free” is more than a trendy label—it’s a necessity. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger serious health issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. And while the idea of going gluten-free might conjure up visions of saying goodbye to bread, pasta, and pastries, there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored.
Navigating the Gluten-Free World
One of the most eye-opening parts of this challenge is realizing just how many everyday foods contain gluten—sometimes in unexpected places. Soy sauce? Most brands contain wheat. Many soups and sauces? Thickened with flour. Even some brands of oats, though naturally gluten-free, can be cross-contaminated during processing.
That’s why we’re making it easy. Throughout February, we’ll be offering gluten-free family meals, and our restaurants and cafés at our venues will be highlighting special gluten-free dishes. Whether you’re an expert in gluten-free living or just testing the waters, we invite you to join us in discovering new flavors, sharing your experiences, and celebrating the joys (and occasional frustrations!) of this journey.
Simple Gluten-Free Swaps
Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite meals—it just takes a little creativity. Here are some easy swaps to try:
- Pasta: Swap traditional wheat pasta for rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta.
- Flour: Try almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for baking and cooking.
- Bread: Look for gluten-free bread options made with ingredients like millet, sorghum, or brown rice flour—or try lettuce wraps instead!
- Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes, almond meal, or gluten-free panko make great alternatives.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute that delivers the same umami punch.
Gluten-Free Snacks to Love
Need a quick, gluten-free bite? These snacks will keep you satisfied:
- Rice cakes with almond butter and honey
- Hummus with fresh veggies
- Popcorn with sea salt and nutritional yeast
- Greek yogurt with berries and granola (just make sure the granola is gluten-free!)
- Roasted chickpeas or nuts for a crunchy, protein-packed option
- Dark chocolate and dried fruit for a sweet treat
Going gluten-free—even temporarily—offers a new way to think about food, try new flavors, and gain a deeper appreciation for what goes into every meal. Whether you’re joining in for the full month or just dipping a toe in, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your favorite gluten-free recipes, your go-to snacks, or the unexpected challenges (and wins!) you’ve encountered along the way.
Here’s to a delicious, gluten-free February!
This year, Chef Andrew Smith, Culinary Director, curated our Food Festivals and prepared some delicious recipes to help celebrate the ingredient!
While technically a berry because they contain seeds, chilis are better know for their spicy flavor. Originally from South and Central America, chilis are now grown in warm climates around the world and have become a staple in many cultural diets.
Chilis are often added to dishes to provide a boost of flavor and varying level of spice. Did you also know that chilis help boost your immune system? Chilis have a significant amount of Vitamin C – even more than oranges! Spicy foods are also shown to reduce inflammation and decrease your chances of getting heart disease.
Below is a Dried Chili Salsa recipe that is perfect for multiple uses – enjoy as a dip or use as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Dried Chili Salsa
Ingredients
- 18 each dried chipotle
- 4 each dried ancho
- 5 cloves whole garlic
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup lime juice
- 3/4 cup grape seed oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 TB salt
Method
- Over an open flame, charr the chilies till black and allow to cool. Once chiles have cooled wear gloves deseed and stem all chilies taking care not to rub your eyes or skin.
- Place cleaned chilies into blender with all remaining ingredients. Blend till all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and completely smooth. Season to taste.
- Store under refrigeration for up to two weeks using as a condiment on your favorite taco
Call me old fashioned, but in this era of electronic greetings, I prefer to wish a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary with a hand-written snail-mail note card. I have taken this pleasure to a new level by actually creating them myself. With a stack of plain paper and a resource box brimming with clippings from catalogues, magazines & re-purposed cards (along with a sharp scissor and trusty glue-stick), I craft my own unique special-occasion greeting. And with pilot pen in hand, I dash off the message in my catholic-girls-school cursive handwriting….another lost art in itself. Voila – from me to you!
At Great Performances, we love celebrating the incredible stories of our team members. Today, we turn the spotlight on Blythe Lockwood, one of our talented team members and a resident of The Rehearsal Club (TRC) in New York City.
A Conversation with Blythe Lockwood
How long have you lived in New York City, and where are you from originally?
I’ve been in New York for just 10 months! I moved here from colorful Colorado, where I grew up dreaming of Broadway and the stage.
What inspired your move to New York City?
The city’s Broadway and theatre history is unmatched. If there’s a place to pursue a dream in musical theatre, it’s NYC. I’ve wanted to perform on Broadway since I was four years old, so it was a no-brainer for me. Originally, I planned to move in September 2023, but I stayed an extra six months in Colorado to co-direct a musical and take some advanced dance classes. It was worth the wait—I felt so much more prepared when I finally arrived!
How did you first hear about The Rehearsal Club, and what drew you to it?
I learned about TRC in September 2023, and it instantly caught my attention. The idea of a sanctuary for women in the arts, with subsidized rent and a network of connections, felt like it was tailor-made for people like me. I just knew it was the right fit.
Was there an audition process to join the Club?
Oh, absolutely! It was quite a process. I submitted video reels of myself singing and acting, along with a headshot, cover letter, and resume. Then came the interview with the board and past residents—it was nerve-wracking but so rewarding. Finally, I had to submit my qualifications for renting a unit. It took about a month and a half to finalize everything. Even though I was accepted, there wasn’t a room available at the time, so I had to wait. I officially became a resident in September 2024, almost a year after I first applied.
When did you start working with Great Performances?
I joined GP in June 2024, and it’s been such an amazing experience. The people I’ve met here are incredible. There’s such a sense of camaraderie—everyone’s in it together, even during those long 12-hour shifts. It’s been such a supportive environment.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On audition days, I’m up early to get to the audition house by 7 a.m. to sign my name on the non-union list. Then I grab coffee and breakfast before waiting for the auditions to start. If I get seen, it completely makes my day! When I’m not auditioning, I spend my time cleaning, hanging out with friends, working my real estate job, and picking up shifts with GP. I like staying busy—it keeps me energized and happy.
What would you like others to know about you?
I’ve been dreaming about performing on Broadway since I was a little girl, and being in this city feels like I’m one step closer to that goal. Sure, New York can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also the place where dreams come true. My biggest advice is to always follow your passion. It’s never too late to go after what makes you happiest—shoot for the stars!
Great Performances: A Legacy of Supporting Artists
When Great Performances was founded, it began as a staffing agency with a clear mission: to create opportunities for women in the arts, whether they were between gigs or seeking new paths. Our founder and CEO, Liz Neumark, envisioned a platform that would empower women to advance their careers while providing meaningful work. Over the years, Liz has continued to innovate, finding creative ways to help artists thrive.
This mission resonates deeply with the work of The Rehearsal Club, which has been a safe haven for young women in the performing arts since 1913. After partnering with Webster Apartments in 2018, TRC relaunched its residency program to provide safe, affordable housing and a nurturing community for artists. Today, aspiring residents can apply online through rehearsalclubnyc.com, and men and women alike are welcome to join as non-residency General Members. In October 2023, TRC celebrated its 110th anniversary, marking over a century of dedication to fostering talent in the arts.
A Bright Future Ahead
As a part of the Great Performances family and a resident of The Rehearsal Club, Blythe Lockwood continues to inspire us with her determination and passion. Her journey reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities for artists to shine. Here’s to supporting dreamers like Blythe, one audition and one event at a time.