When the shimmering glitter of engagement bliss finally settles, newly-weds-to-be are often left facing the formidable undertaking that is planning a wedding. With guest lists and garments being but a few items on the intimidating agenda which precedes the big day, couples arrive wearily at the inevitable and overwhelming question of “Where do I start?”
We asked Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio her thoughts on what these fresh fiancés should focus on in the first weeks of the planning process.
#1 Enjoy the time
Between cake tastings, venue tours, and figuring out how to tell your Texan uncle that you’ve asked the DJ not to play any line dances, you’ll find yourself at the altar before you can say “I do”. Amanda insists that taking things slow and trying to enjoy the planning process is imperative, stating, “Don’t rush into everything! The time will go super fast and we want you to live in the moment and celebrate with all the people that you love.”
#2 Hire a planner
Beyond an average get-together, even individuals most inclined to organization might find themselves unprepared to take on such a vast task. “A planner is invaluable in the planning process,” says Amanda. “They’ll help you with all the details. They’re really your rock as you go through all of the contracts and negotiations, and can really be a good person to help lead that charge.”
#3 Start with a venue
You can’t begin a painting without first picking out your canvas, and so too does this apply to planning the perfect wedding. Understanding what’s possible within a space can help you make informed decisions on all other aspects, from where you’ll get dressed to how big the dance floor is. Amanda assures, “Once you find the best wedding venue for you, all the other pieces will fall into place.” She also points out that venues are often, “…associated with caterers and florists, and have a great preferred list,” which can help to jumpstart those next steps.
Check out our wedding gallery below to get some more inspiration for your upcoming nuptials!
STRENGTH OF A WOMAN PRESENTS: TIFFANY HADDISH
Friday, May 10th at 8:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: $72.70
Live Nation and Mary J. Blige are bringing the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to New York City for weekend full of activities dedicated to empowering, educating, and elevating, women. One of the annual staples of the festival is the comedy show. This year’s show will feature a headlining set from Tiffany Haddish with support from Don’t Call me White Girl and Paris Sashay.
DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM FAMILY MATINEE: HARLEM MOUSE/COUNTRY MOUSE
Saturday, May 18th at 3:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $25
The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a family matinee of Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse – an exciting retelling of Aesop’s Fable, City Mouse and Country Mouse.
Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse references the rich traditions of the Black South, modern-day life in Harlem, and the unique expressions of dance, music and poetry that arise when cultures collide. It unites the dynamic artists of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company together with students from the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Conceived as a celebration of the Harlem community, this full-length story ballet is an uplifting event for the whole family!
“Dance Theatre of Harlem…a premier ballet company and global ambassador for excellence and diversity.” -Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post.
Directed and conceived by Robert Garland and Tai Jimenez
LEO BAR HAPPY HOUR
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!
Thursday, May 9th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $25 includes a free drink
Visit Asia Society’s new exhibition, COAL + ICE with an evening of cocktails, music, and catching up on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 to 8 PM.
Enjoy the gorgeous Garden Court as you look at art, mingle with friends, and make new connections at Asia Society!
A ticket includes one drink, followed by a cash bar. Kindly note this event is only open to guests 21 years old and over.
Music by DJ Kai Song.
DANCING THE GODS
In Partnership with World Music Institute
Asia Society is pleased to collaborate with World Music Institute for Dancing the Gods, an annual festival of Indian Dance celebrating its 13th year, featuring some of the leading performers of Indian dance. Each night begins with a slide presentation by Rajika Puri, festival curator, and acclaimed dance storyteller.
Night One – Kasi Aysola and Archana Raja (Kuchipudi)
Friday, May 10th from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
Kasi Aysola is a performer, choreographer, and nattuvangam artist based in the United States. Apart from his solo performances, as Artistic Director of the Prakriti Dance Company, he also collaborates with and trains artists across America. Moreover, he is renowned for his original rhythmic compositions and the musical insight with which he has accompanied dance artists like Rama Vaidyanathan, Mythili Prakash, and Janaki Rangarajan, all of whom have appeared in Dancing the Gods over the years. WMI last presented Kasi as part of our virtual Dancing the Gods festival in 2022, where he performed the world premiere of a series of Kuchipudi works. For this year’s festival, he will be joined by Archana Raja, a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi practitioner, teacher, and choreographer based in the Bay Area who is currently a student of Kasi in the Vempati style of Kuchipudi.
Night Two – Rama Vaidyanathan (solo Bharatanatyam)
Sunday, May 12th from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
Rama Vaidyanathan is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers of her generation and is also the recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar awarded by the central government of India. Her technique is grounded in tradition, yet she brings a fresh approach to her choreography that is evident in the innumerable dance compositions she has added to the Bharatanatyam repertoire. As Director of Ganesa Natyalaya New Delhi, she is actively engaged in teaching and nurturing young dancers, inspiring a whole new generation. Rama opened the very first Dancing the Gods festival in 2011.
IRONWEED: An Evening of Art & Humanity
Friday, May 17th at 7:30pm
Location: BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
Tickets: start at $35
Four-time Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo and two-time Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht star in an innovative mix of live performance and recorded sound directed by Jodie Markell and produced by Brad Gilbert, based on a new play adapted from William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. IRONWEED: An Evening of Art & Humanity offers a heartbreaking look at a man’s end-of-life reckoning during the Great Depression. Set on All Hallows’ Eve in 1938 on the streets of Albany, the play follows one man’s journey through purgatory and his struggle for redemption, bringing to life the poetry, humor, and heartbreak of Kennedy’s prose. The evening includes select readings of scenes from a new stage version of the novel, adapted by Kennedy and Markell. Following the performance, Ruffalo and Hecht discuss the timeliness of IRONWEED and the current crisis of the unhoused with local advocates, moderated by The New Yorker writer and author Vinson Cunningham. This exclusive one-night event offers a memorable, moving experience of the power of creative expression to illuminate the human condition.
DanceAfrica 2024
Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: start at $25
This year, the festival’s anchor performance, under the artistic vision of Abdel R. Salaam, welcomes the illustrious Cameroonian dance company Cie La Calebasse, founded by acclaimed choreographer and dancer Merlin Nyakam. Renowned for captivating performances that blend traditional African dance with contemporary flair, Cie La Calebasse presents an array of traditional Cameroonian dances and music. The program, titled Cameroon: The Origin of Communities/A Calabash of Cultures, also fosters a unique collaboration with the DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers and The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, joined by Women Of The Calabash, an ensemble known for its mesmerizing polyphonic sound. The artistic vision is brought to life with costume designs by Wunmi Olaiya, lighting design by Al Crawford, set design by Jasiri Kafele, and music and sound design by David Margolin Lawson, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the depth of Cameroonian culture.
First Saturday: In Bloom
Saturday, May 4th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Celebrate spring, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and our exhibitions Artland and Hiroshige’s 100 Famous Views of Edo (feat. Takashi Murakami). May’s First Saturday features a lineup of artists, poets, and musicians from the Asian diaspora in Brooklyn and beyond.
This program is free; registration is required and includes Museum general admission. Tickets are released on a rolling basis. Sign up for the Brooklyn Museum newsletter to be notified of the next release.
Brooklyn Pop-Up Market
every Sunday from 10:30am to 5:30pm
Location: Iris Cantor Plaza, 1st Floor
Stop by our market to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans. This weekly event features more than 20 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, fashion, home and apothecary goods, and more.
This event is free and takes place outdoors (rain location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor).
Jake Blount
Presented in Collaboration with City Winery
Saturday, May 11th at 8:00pm
Tickets: start at $40
When Jake Blount stumbled upon a banjo performance in an Ethiopian restaurant around a decade ago, he instantly fell in love with the instrument. Now you’ll instantly fall in love with him — banjoist, fiddler, singer, scholar, and entertainer — as he explores the folk traditions of Black and indigenous Americans. A recipient of the prestigious Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Blount will blend his “charismatic and limber” voice (The Guardian) with blues, bluegrass, and spirituals for a deeply fulfilling musical experience.
An Evening Of Wine
A Benefit for Caramoor’s Education Programs
Saturday, May 18th at 6:00pm
Tickets: $2,500
By joining us this evening, you are contributing to the vibrant experiences that Caramoor offers, fostering a sense of discovery and inspiration among all who visit. We believe these educational programs will ignite a lasting passion for the arts within our community, nurturing creativity and curiosity for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us.
Schedule
6:00pm / Cocktails
7:00pm / Musical Performance by Stella Cole
8:00pm / Dinner by Chef Jesse Schenker & Silent Auction of Rare Wines
10:00pm / Cigar Lounge and Nightcaps
VICTOR GOINES QUARTET
Friday, May 17th through Sunday, May 19th
Tickets: start at $25
Join tenor master, clarinetist, and longtime JLCO member and music director Victor Goines as he leads his 4-piece ensemble at Dizzy’s Club. An artist of compelling versatility, Goines has collaborated with a diverse roster of leaders, including Ahmad Jamal, Ruth Brown, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, Lenny Kravitz, Branford Marsalis, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder.
SUN RA AT 110 WITH SULLIVAN FORTNER'S GALACTIC FRIENDS
Wednesday, May 22nd and Thursday, May 23rd
Tickets: start at $25
Celebrating what would have been composer/keyboardist Sun Ra’s 110th birthday on May 22, Grammy-winning, Earth-born, New Orleans pianist/keyboardist Sullivan Fortner has summoned his most galactic-minded of friends to delve into Sun Ra’s inventive and adventurous music. From swing to free to earthy and spacey, Fortner and his fellow explorers – including Sun Ra Arkestra veterans and Grammy-winners – will embrace the eclecticism that marked Sun Ra’s atmospheric musical forays.
In the immortal words of Sun Ra:
In the half-between world,
Dwell they: The Tone Scientists
In notes and tone
They speak of many things…
The tone scientists:
Architects of planes of discipline
Mathematically precise are they:
The tone-scientists
–Sun Ra
ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND COMPETITION & FESTIVAL
Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $25.50
The annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival is one of the most innovative jazz education events in the world. Each year, high school musicians from across North America travel to New York City to spend three days immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances at the “House of Swing,” Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
BATTLE OF THE BIG BANDS: NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA AND CAPTAIN BLACK BIG BAND
Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $40.50
When The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra with Adonis Rose, a 20-piece ensemble of intergenerational voices representing the birthplace of jazz, faces off against the Captain Black Big Band with Orrin Evans, a bold, swinging assemblage of artists from Philadelphia and the mid-Atlantic, expect a high-energy, roof-shaking rumble, as they duke it out to the music of Count Basie, Sun Ra, Stevie Wonder, and more, in one of jazz’s most beloved traditions, in The House of Swing.
First Friday
Friday, May 3rd 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, or activity throughout the day. This month, the museum is thrilled to partner with Welcome to Chinatown for a series of programs that celebrate the culture, community, and resilience of Chinatown. Stop by and learn more about Welcome to Chinatown and how you can support the organization’s recovery efforts.
Sleepless in Seattle Movie Screening
Friday, May 17th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
The Anatomy of a Movie Poster: The Work of Dawn Baillie includes some of the most iconic and beloved posters in modern cinematic history. Throughout the exhibition, Poster House will screen a selection of films from the movie-focused exhibition. On Friday, May 17, there will be a free screening of the romantic classic, Sleepless in Seattle. The year before this poster was created, Dawn became one of the first female cofounders of a Hollywood design studio. This poster was one of the first she created with the use of Photoshop—at the time, a new digital tool many studios were not yet using. Be sure to stop by Café des Affiches for exclusive, themed drinks and snacks to accompany the screening!
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 12th from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Location: on the grounds
Tickets: Mother’s Day is a premium day for admission at the front entrance; $2 surcharge per visitor. Free admission for children 5 & under.
Wonderfully timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops. Plan to spend the day in the gardens, with a special Family Art Project, a guided walk in the gardens, a session of spring birding, and free sessions of community and family yoga. Links below.
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.
Night Out at Wave Hill: The Birders Lounge
Saturday, May 18th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House
Tickets: $25; including admission to the grounds. Members save 10%
Don’t let the fun end! Grab your friends or a date and spend a leisurely spring evening at Wave Hill with fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Enjoy drinks and a lively round of Birders Trivia with local bird guide Gabriel Willow as your host, and hang out on our tented café terrace with gorgeous views of the open lawns and woodlands. Wrap up your evening with a guided nature walk as the birds are heading home to roost or enjoy a quiet sunset from the café terrace or the Great Lawn. No birding experience necessary! Cash bar with a variety of local beers and themed cocktails. Ages 21 and older.
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, May 4th 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: ART, MUSIC, DANCING! WITH AIM FELLOW CARLA MALDONADO
Friday, May 3rd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Schedule:
6PM – Choreographing The End Of The World: A Dance Workshop with AIM Fellow Carla Maldonado
7PM – Salsa dance tutorial with Instructor Talia Castro-Pozo
7:30PM – Live salsa music by Johnny Mambo & Friends and dancing!
All are invited to The Bronx Museum for this fun evening of art, music, and dancing that is part of our ongoing series of events that take place after-hours on the first Friday of a month. You are welcome to drop-in, but you can let us know if you plan to stop by with an RSVP.
This First Friday features a dance workshop with AIM Fellow Carla Maldonado, as part of our exhibition Bronx Calling: The Sixth AIM Biennial (Part Two).
In addition, we are thrilled to welcome back salsa dance instructor Talia Castro-Pozo—who will be offering an open-level free salsa tutorial. And the band Johnny Mambo & Friends will be playing live salsa music throughout the evening!
THE FIRST AIM CONVENING: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ARTISTS
Saturday, May 11th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
All are invited to The Bronx Museum for the First AIM Convening! This free event is designed to impart vital advice to artists that can help them succeed in a competitive and difficult-to-navigate industry.
The Convening is programmed and led by artists who completed The Bronx Museum’s flagship AIM Fellowship program in 2023.
SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK
Thursday, May 2nd from 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Westchester Avenue and Edgewater Road in Concrete Plant Park
Explore which plants are in bloom in our parks! Learn how to identify different species of flowers and pick up some botany basics on this engaging and educational hike with the Urban Park Rangers!
GARDENING TUESDAY AT THE FOODWAY
Thursday, May 28th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Concrete Plant Park
Join the Bronx River Alliance on 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, May 28th, we will be stewarding the Foodway at Concrete Plant Park. We will meet volunteers at Concrete Plant Park (1370 Westchester Ave) Bronx, NY.
NATURE STORY TIME
Saturday, May 18th from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we take our time in nature! We will begin our meet-up with a storytime circle under the trees, followed by arts and craft activity inspired by the story.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Ginkgo Tree Celebration
Sunday, May 19th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with NYC Parks! Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about Ginkgo trees and their significance in Asian culture and folklore. Then end with creating your own Ginkgo-inspired craft!
ONE BOOK ONE BRONX
Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal
Thursdays, 7-8:30p: May 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Bronx Collab, 3866 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY
Saturdays, 12-1:30p: May 4, 11, 18, 25 & June 1
Bronx River Community Garden, 180th St. & Devoe Ave.
Tuesdays, 7-8:30p: May 7, 14, 21, & 28
on Zoom
In Temple Folk by Aliyah Bilal, Black Muslims contemplate the convictions of their race, religion, economics, politics, and sexuality in America. The ten stories in this collection contribute to the bounty of diverse narratives about Black life by intimately portraying the experiences of a community that resists the mainstream culture.
SPRING UNCORKED
Saturday, May 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Tickets: $50 Non-Members, $25 Members; includes a souvenir NYBG wine tumbler
Enjoy the Perfect Pairing of Springtime Beauty & Local Wines
At Daffodil Hill, sip and savor spring during this wine lover’s weekend, featuring wineries from the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Enjoy samples, relax to live music, learn the science behind making great wines, and kick back with a variety of crafts and games. Enjoy delicious lunch options for sale from a line-up of the tri-state area’s finest local foods curated by Morning Glory Markets.
MOTHER’S DAY GARDEN CELEBRATION
Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Treat Mom to a One-of-a-Kind Garden Party
The most spectacular spring landscape New York City has to offer is the setting for music, games, picnicking, and more. Make Daffodil Hill your own backyard and bring the whole family together while playing your favorite garden party lawn games, making a collage or craft for Mom, and getting your face painted with whimsical designs.
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.
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: BARBIE
Saturday, May 18th from 8:00pm to 11:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in a neighborhood park or playground! This spring, NYC Parks will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs.
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Movies begin at dusk. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.
FAMILY CAMPING: BRONX
Saturday, May 18th from 6:00pm to 7:00am
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday May 8.
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
Sunday, May 25th from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Golf House in Van Cortlandt Park
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi. Participants will learn about the crucial role that mushrooms play in an ecosystem and how natural decomposition takes place.
NYC Parks Presents: Superhero Skate Party
Saturday, May 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Basketball Courts in Watson Gleason Playground
Join NYC Parks and Majority Leader Amanda Farias for a superhero skate party at Watson Gleason Playground. Kids, come out dressed as your favorite superhero and enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, and skating. Skates will be provided while supplies last or, feel free to bring your own. This event is free and open to the public.
Bring It On Talent Show
Friday, May 31st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Ready, Set, Work! All ages are invited to join the bring it on talent show at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Join us and showcase your unique talents from singing, dancing, acting, and beyond. If you have a passion for it, let’s see what you’ve got, bring it! 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.
This month we’re celebrating onions and garlic (a topic we’ve covered many times on GP Embrace Wellness, including sharing the health benefits of alliums. But most of all, we love them because they add an incredible amount of flavor to any dish.
This month, Chef Daniel Sokolov shares a recipe for an onion and garlic dip mix that you can prepare with your own dehydrated alliums or store bought ones and then easily whip up when you’ve got a craving. Why make your own? Because you can adjust it to your own dietary preferences and tastes like reducing the amount of sodium, adding extra seasonings. And it’s a great way to use up vegetables that might be on the brink of going bad – simply mince and dehydrate before adding to the mix.
French Onion Dry Mix
by Daniel Sokolov, R&D Chef
INGREDIENTS
- 160g dried minced onions
- 80g onion powder
- 40g garlic powder
- 40g dried chives
- 40g dried parsley
- 20g vegetable bouillon powder or granules
- 10g Worcestershire sauce powder
- 10g Kosher Salt
- 4g White peppercorn, Ground
PROCEDURE
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dried minced onions, onion powder, garlic powder, dried chives, dried parsley, vegetable bouillon powder, and Worcestershire sauce powder.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Taste the mix and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Transfer the dry mix into an airtight container and store in a dry place.
TO MAKE FRENCH ONION DIP
- For each batch of dip, use 30g (about 2 tablespoons) of the dry mix.
- Mix the dry mix with 200g (about 1 cup) of sour cream, mayonnaise, or a combination of both, according to your preference.
- Stir well until the dry mix is fully incorporated into the sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Refrigerate the prepared dip for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Last year, we shared our new mission, Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality. It’s at the heart of everything we do and encompasses the delicious food and impeccable service that we bring to every event we cater and every space we operate. At the core of this is our operations team, which I’ve been honored to lead for the past few years.
To kick off the spring season, we brought together the operational leaders at Great Performances to talk through the key aspects of our team dynamics. From Culinary to Pastry and Venues to Warehouse, we covered topics including collaboration guidelines, empowerment, questioning the status quo, and creating an inclusive and innovative environment.
One notable point of discussion centered around the concept of “unleashing human magic,” highlighting the importance of feeling valued and encouraged to be oneself at work.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of reframing challenges as opportunities and adopting a solution-driven mindset. Team members were encouraged to shift from a mindset of “I can’t” to “How can we?” to promote problem-solving and mutual support within the team.
With this team, leadership and moral authority are always key topics of discussion, with an emphasis on earning authority through actions and character rather than exerting power over others.
At the end of the event, we donned t-shirts spelling out Great Performances to represent that although we are all individual contributors, together, we become the whole of Great Performances.
Meet the team:
Culinary
Albert Bello – Executive Pastry Chef (2nd E)
Andrew Smith – Culinary Director (!)
Bridgid Randolph – Culinary Administrator (1st E)
Daniel Dougherty – Director of Beverage (3rd R)
Daniel Sokolov – Research & Development Chef (3rd E)
Geoff Koo – Research & Development Pastry Chef (O)
Javier Carrasquillo – Corporate Chef de Cuisine (2nd R)
Michael Steifman – Executive Sous of Catering Operations (M)
Mike Deuel – Executive Chef of Catering Operations (F)
Rachel Taffet – Food & Beverage Coordinator (1st R)
Stratos Georgedakis – Executive Production Chef (G)
Design
Micha Bentel – Creative Director (1st A)
Hospitality and Staffing
John Gargano – Director of Service (N)
Steven Moskos – Director of Staffing (S)
Logistics
Willie Carrasquillo – Director of Transportation (C)
Procurement
Vince Gubbins – Director of Purchasing (T)
Zach Mayer – Director of Fulfillment (P)
Venue Operations
Christina Macaluso – Executive Director of Venues (2nd A)
The Bronx River
Contributor: Alyssa Perez, Communications and Development Assistant At the Bronx River Alliance, great strides are being made to promote community advocacy and stewardship right here in the Bronx. A major testament to our work was the opening of Starlight Park Phase II in 2023 that created new pedestrian bridges, added to the existing Bronx River Greenway, and incorporated stormwater retention features into the development. This all-new connection brought communities together! In addition, our continued efforts in rain garden maintenance speaks to the prevalent flooding issues NYC experiences during wet weather events. For a unique experience, you can canoe the Bronx River during programming season, visit the ONLY edible food garden at Concrete Plant Park’s Foodway, and cycle continuously through on the Bronx River Greenway. You can also join us at major events like Open House on April 20th, Our Amazing Bronx River Flotilla on May 4th, and so many volunteer opportunities for an experience unlike any other in the Bronx! Find us at bronxriver.org or @bronx_river on Instagram!- Volunteer with us, as we gear up for spring, planting lots of new trees and shrubs. Upcoming volunteer events are listed on the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance calendar here.
- From April 26-29, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance will participate in the City Nature Challenge, a global contest or “bio blitz” between cities to find and document wildlife on iNaturalist. Any picture, video, or recorded sound of plants, animals, or evidence of life counts as a submission! Van Cortlandt Park had the most wildlife observations of any NYC park two years ago! Details on a public event for this challenge coming soon!
- Van Cortlandt Park is a great place to explore the history of NYC with sites like the Grand Central Stones and the Van Cortlandt House Museum
- Cultural events, like our annual Pinkster Festival on Saturday, May 4, connect visitors to the park’s history through live music, crafts, and food.
- On Tuesday, June 11, the New York Philharmonic plays its annual free concert on Van Cortlandt Park’s Parade Ground. With dazzling fireworks at the end of the evening, it’s our favorite way to kick off summer!
- Hike in Van Cortlandt Park – the best way to escape the sights and sounds of the city, accessible via subway! Full list of trails here
- Summertime is the best time to picnic in the park!
Contributor: Jess Brey, Senior Horticultural Interpreter at Wave Hill
My favorite view at Wave Hill is from the Secret Garden. An enclosed hillside surrounded by hedges and specimen trees and shrubs offers intimacy with a view. The plantscaping directs attention towards a “garden window”, a break in the plants, to enjoy the best view. Overlooking the nearby Conservatory and Flower Garden, the view spans out towards sweeping lawns and the distant Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades. Many times, there will be some Wave Hill chairs positioned in the Secret Garden offering a seated view from underneath the sweeping arms of an old blue Atlas cedar. Many miss this garden area on their visit as it is a “secret”, however I think it is one of the must stops at Wave Hill during late spring into early autumn. You can even watch Sunset Wednesday concerts from here!
Last month, we unleashed joy in the most epic way at our 40+4 Anniversary Celebration at our Bronx HQ. We invited our partners, collaborators, clients, vendors, and more to join us as we celebrated 40 (plus 4) years of being of service, delivering deliciousness, and helping others celebrate their milestones.
From the moment our guests arrived at our building – by car or by foot – they knew they’d arrived at the right place when they saw the large graffiti mural by Scratch decorating the front of the building and were greeted with the The Marching Cobras Drumline and Danceline who dazzled with energizing drums and electrifying dance.
Guests quickly checked their coats and stepped into Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop where they enjoyed live jazz music from Jazz at Lincoln Center and got their first bite and sip of the day – a Berry Beet Shot and some Carrot Tartare – before they embarked on a tour of our space.
We had so much to share with our guests! They started with the first floor commissary that starts on the south with the loading dock for incoming ingredients, goes through various walk in refrigerators, cold kitchens and hot kitchens, blast chillers, and pack out refrigerators to the out going loading dock. Inside the production kitchen which was still bustling with activity, they enjoyed some bites highlighting our production lines. The Sauce line presented Butternut Squash Soup with Truffled Croutons; the Starch Line presented Twice Baked Potato Gruyere Bites; and the Vegetable Line presented Eggplant Meatballs.
A fan favorite at our venues and at our 40th was a guest appearance from our friend and partner, Charles’ Pan Fried Chicken who served bite-sized portions of his Chicken Slider, Catfish Slider, and Cornbread.
Guests then headed up to the third floor, home to our administrative offices and pastry kitchen, where they had a photo moment in front of our mural painted by Crash, peeked in at the Sylvia Center and the Design/Marketing Offices before continuing through the main office to the Pastry Kitchen where they grabbed one of our incredibly delicious chocolate chip cookies.
A quick hop down to the second floor, they had the chance to see our Design Warehouse, a cave of wonders packed with all the essentials to turn an event into a party! Walking past our Subway Mural created by Scratch (complete with subway audio!), they stepped into our 2nd Floor Event Space! We transformed the open space into a swanky lounge with bars, food stations, a demo area, and a seated lounge.
Warm, friendly staff members greeted guests and offered a selection of our most popular hors d’oeuvres including House Made Kosher Pigs in a Blanket; Smoked Salmon Napoleon; Tuna in a Birds Nest; Mushroom Mole Tostada; Habanero Smoked Tofu Taco; Red Pepper Puffed Tortilla; Fluke Ceviche; Goat Cheese Bonbon; Beet Terrine; and Boneless Lamb Chop.
Guests wandered around the space, learning about our Exclusive Venue Partners and Nonprofit Partners (and how to support them); learning more about our history through our wall of Iconic Moments; adding their tags to a graffiti wall by Scratch; becoming experts in napkin folding with Kevin Horne, a long-time member of our event team; slinging cocktails with our mixologist Daniel Dougherty; and learning how to use vegetables in place of meat with Chef Andrew Smith.
We made sure everyone stayed hydrated throughout the event with our bar station and beverages from our partners at Dio. And of course we made sure that everyone left full of delicious treats from stations representing the breadth of our menus and partners.
At Katchkie Deli, named after our organic farm in upstate New York and featuring a vegan take on the classic NY Reuben with a Pastrami Cured Butternut Squash on Herbed Focaccia.
We shared our Momofuku Station, a collaboration with Momofuku to prepare and share their recipes at events, sharing Charred Eggplant Dip; Tingly Lamb; Chilled Spicy Noodles; Ginger Scallion Noodles; Spicy Pork Rice Cakes; Wagyu Ragu Rice Cakes; Shiitake Bao; Brisket Bao; Bing Bread.
Our friends at Russ & Daughters hosted a station featuring Bagel Chips; Latkes; Wild Alaskan Salmon Roe; Trout Roe; Smoked Salmon.
We worked with JJ Johnson to bring FIELDTRIP to the party with their fan favorite Short Rib & Carolina Rice Bowl and Quinoa Falafel & Wild Rice Bowl.
We rounded out the menu with our Pan African Station serving a variety of dishes that represent different regions across Africa: Chapati (East African Flatbread); Zaalouk (Moroccan Vegetable Dip); Burkina Faso Chicken Brochette; Senegalese Jollof Rice; Khudraat Mashwiyya (Moroccan Spiced Roasted Vegetables); Kelewele (Ghanian Sweet Plantain); and Tanzanian Tofu Curry.
We were thrilled to receive a number of citations and proclamations including a Citation of Merit from Vanessa L. Gibson, President of the Borough of The Bronx; and a proclamation from Mayor Eric Adams declaring March 11, 2024 Great Performances Day in New York City!
It was an incredibly joyous event, and we lived up to our Mission of Unleashing Joy through Genuine Hospitality. We love throwing parties with our clients; and we love even more having them over at our own home and throwing a party for them!
40+4 Video
Video credit: Hechler Photographers
Great Performances Through the Years
Gallery images credit Hechler Photographers
Dianne McIntyre Group: In the Same TonguE
April 12th through April 14th
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theater
Tickets: $20
“In modern dance, the names of its persevering practitioners are like cherished objects. Dianne McIntyre is one such [artist].”—Time Out NY
Don’t miss Dianne McIntyre’s triumphant return to Harlem with the New York premiere of In the Same Tongue (2023)– an engagement set to revive the spirit of McIntyre’s internationally celebrated company Sounds in Motion. In the Same Tongue explores a legacy like that of 1920s Harlem salons, and the Black Arts Movement of the 60’s & 70’s with dynamic dancers, writers, musicians, students, photographers, thinkers and the who’s who of Black culture gathering to take part.
In the Same Tongue unites a vigorous company of dancers and musicians to explore how dance and music “speak” to each other. With original music by celebrated composer Diedre Murray, and poetry by the late Obie award-winning playwright Ntozake Shange, McIntyre’s latest work incorporates live music and dynamic vignettes to reveal how language creates worlds of beauty, alienation, harmony, tension, or peace.
“…as a seasoned (and always discovering) dance-maker, my vision is to bring to the public what many have not experienced – the merging of dance and music in my own style” – Dianne McIntyre
Live Nation Presents: Luenell: Live at the Apollo
Friday, April 26th at 7:30pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: $39.50
Luenell is the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy.” She may be small in stature, but she more than makes up for it with her big personality, booming voice and infectious laughter. Luenell hits The Apollo stage on April 26, 2024. Presented by Live Nation.
LEO BAR HAPPY HOUR
Featuring COAL + ICE, Asia Society’s exhibition
Thursday, April 5th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $25
Visit Asia Society’s new exhibition, COAL + ICE with an evening of cocktails, music, and catching up on Thursday, March 14 from 5:30 to 8 PM.
Enjoy the gorgeous Garden Court as you look at art, mingle with friends, and make new connections at Asia Society!
A ticket includes one drink, followed by a cash bar. Kindly note this event is only open to guests 21 years old and over.
Music by DJ Kai Song.
Lahore Literary Festival in New York 2024
Saturday, April 27th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Tickets: $30 Members, $40 Non-Members. Senior/Students: Contact Box Office for Discount!
“Lahore literary festival – a safe place for dangerous ideas.” — The Guardian
“Rarely has an event framed around books and ideas felt so urgent.” — New York Review of Books
The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), one of South Asia’s premier cultural events, returns to Asia Society New York, exploring contemporary Pakistan through artists, writers, and other experts. The festival will present American audiences with a more nuanced view of Pakistan, with discussions on fiction and nonfiction writing, art, architecture, history and politics.
Caetano Veloso
Wednesday, April 3rd and Thursday, April 4th at 7:30pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: start at $35
BAM in association with World Music Institute
Presents
Caetano Veloso
Meu Coco / The US Farewell Tour
Part of Winter/Spring 2024
A towering figure in popular music around the globe—and national hero to many at home—Brazilian virtuoso Caetano Veloso returns to BAM with Meu Coco, his first album in nine years. Over an illustrious five-decade career, the father of Tropicália has proved himself as both a piercing social commentator and a romantic balladeer, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as The Beatles, concrete poetry, the French Dadaists, and Brazilian modernist poets. Playful, tender, and uncompromising, this new album finds Veloso as original as ever.
Word. Sound. Power. 2024: SOUND—Rhythm is Rhythm
Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th at 7:30pm
Location: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space
Tickets: start at $25
FEATURING
JSWISS
Kumbaya
Hetep BarBoy with Squala Orphan
DIRECTED AND HOSTED BY MC BABA ISRAEL
W/ DJ REBORN
Part of BAMkids Winter/Spring 2024
BAM honors the bond between beat and rhyme at our annual celebration of hip-hop and spoken word. Drawing on 50 years of hip-hop greatness, let’s pay homage to the masters of vocal instrumentation, whose sounds reverberate all the way to the stratosphere. Join us as we celebrate the aural soul of the genre and write a collective love letter to hip-hop’s sonic heart.
BAM’s annual showcase of hip-hop and spoken word includes performances by multi-talented verbal storyteller JSWISS, native New York rapper Kumbaya, prodigious nine-year-old emcee Hetep BarBoy, the inimitable DJ Reborn, and longtime host, co-curator, and director MC Baba Israel.
2024 Brooklyn Artists Ball
Tuesday, April 9th from 6:30pm to 12:00am
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion and Lobby, 1st Floor, and Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor
The Brooklyn Artists Ball is one of the art world’s most beloved, fun, and inspiring events of the year. From the cocktail reception to our legendary gala dinner and not-to-be-missed After Party, it’s sure to be a high-energy, celebratory night!
Honoring
Titus Kaphar
Brooklyn Museum Trustee, Cofounder and President of NXTHVN
Schedule:
• 6:30 pm Cocktails
• 7:30 pm Dinner and program
• 9:00 pm After Party, hosted by the Young Leadership Council
Brooklyn Poetry Slam
Thursday, April 25th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor
Tickets: Register in advance and pay as you wish (suggested admission: $10)
Celebrate Brooklyn Poetry Slam’s tenth year! Amplify the voices of Brooklyn at a series of pay-what-you-can slams, presented by poets and cofounders Mahogany L. Browne and DJ Jive Poetic. Come to listen to poets, or arrive early to sign up if you’d like to join the slam (limited availability).
Brooklyn Poetry Slam rules:
• Brooklyn Poetry Slam is a two-round performance poetry competition.
• Each poet is given three minutes to read their own original work (no props or accompaniments).
• The top five poets from the first round advance to the second round.
• Five random judges from the audience score each round on a scale of 0–10. The highest and lowest scores for each poet are dropped each round. The poet with the highest cumulative score is the winner.
Pacifica Quartet
Sunday, April 14th at 3:00pm
Tickets: start at $40
With their unrivaled virtuosity and infectious energy, the Pacifica Quartet owns a well-deserved reputation as one of the most esteemed chamber ensembles of our time. Caramoor’s 2001 –2002 Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-residence, the Pacifica has been together for almost three decades, a longevity not many other quartets can boast about. Along with one of the favorite late Beethoven quartets, Pacifica will showcase works by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Louis Gruenberg, two composers behind many classic Hollywood scores of the ’40s and ’50s.
Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix
Presented in Collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
Friday, April 19th at 8:00pm
Tickets: Sold Out – Join the Waitlist!
Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and her quartet are at the forefront of the convergence between jazz, hip-hop, and soul. Renowned as a staple artist at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Benjamin radiates an unstoppable energy that ignites the stage and captivates audiences. You’ll hear why this charismatic, dynamic artist was recently voted Rising Star Alto Saxophonist by Downbeat Critics Poll, and Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.
Luisito Quintero's 3rd Element
Thursday, April 18th at 7:00pm
Tickets: start at $25
Venezuelan Percussionist Luisito Quintero brings technical mastery and high vibrating musicality to each performance. The world-renowned timbalero constantly elevates and refines his personal expression, inviting a variety of percussion instruments to his sets. He has worked with such legendary figures as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, and Tito Puente. At Dizzy’s Club, he intercuts Afro-Venezuelan rhythms with New York sounds alongside a tight ensemble that includes Ricky Rodriguez, Felipe Fournier, Yusnier Sanchez, Alex Pastrana, and Chris Ferrari.
Mandla Mlangeni and Sausa Experience
Friday, April 26th at 7:00pm
Tickets: start at $25
Led by South African trumpet star Mandla Mlangeni and American drum virtuoso Ronnie Burrage, the SAUSA Experience reflects a vibrant musical exchange between South African and American musicians. Performing at Dizzy’s Club in celebration of the 30th anniversary of democratic elections in South Africa, the band bonds two worlds of music into an extraordinary sound.
Journey Through Jazz Part V: The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13th
Location: The Appel Room
Tickets: start at $20.50
Featuring Music Director Carlos Henriquez and co-hosted by trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, pianist Robert Rodriguez, and conguero Bobby Allende, part V of this fascinating Journey Through Jazz series will have you dancing in your seat. Including tunes like Dizzy Gillespie’s Manteca, Machito’s Tanga, and Paquito D’Rivera’s Mambo Influenciado, this installment of the popular series presents all the captivating musical elements that coalesce in the broad and influential category of Latin Jazz.
Don’t miss this dynamic performance, complete with congas and timbales and stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, at The Appel Room. Part of the Lynne and Richard Pasculano Jazz Series.
Gala 2024 Celebrating Tony Bennett
Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00pm
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $160.50
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual Spring Gala unites jazz lovers, world-class musicians, and emerging artists, and raises vital resources that fuel Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz.
Honoring the great Tony Bennett, Gala 2024 pays tribute to a musical icon and fierce advocate of the music. This concert event features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guests Rubén Blades, Bernadette Peters, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kristin Chenoweth, Bill Charlap, Jared Grimes, and Ekep Nkwelle.
First Friday
Friday, April 5th from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tickets: FREE!
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection. Check back soon for a complete list of activities.
• 1-7pm: Print Your Own Travel Poster with Mike King – $10
• 1pm: Dirty Dancing Movie Screening
• 3pm: Collaborative Stop-Motion Animation Workshop – $15
• 6pm: Travel Poster Collage Workshop – $15
• 7pm: Ajna Dance Performance
• 7:30pm: Its Showtime NYC Dance Performance
Posters & Cocktails LIVE!
Wednesday, April 24th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $45
After taking the hit online program Posters & Cocktails live during our Art Deco show, Poster House is thrilled to continue this new tradition with the first of two in-person events based on the exhibition Wonder City of the World: New York City Travel Posters.
Join Nicholas Lowry of Swann Auctions Galleries, Don Spiro of the Green Fairy Society, and our very own Chief Curator & Director of Content, Angelina Lippert, for a night of high-proof entertainment surrounded by the best of New York City historic advertising. The evening’s theme? Why it’s none other than old New York vs. the Jet Age!
The evening will switch between specialty NYC-themed cocktails and the witty reparté of Nicho and Angelina as they highlight some of the best posters from the early days of the Big Apple to the slick visuals of Mad Men-era Manhattan. Prepare for the wildest night at a museum you’ll ever have, with louche laughs and art historical amusements.
Ticket prices include three custom-made cocktails.
This series is generously supported by Don Lebowitz and Claudia Wagner.
Kokedama and Cocktails
Friday, Apr 19th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House
Tickets: $75, including admission to the grounds and reception. Wave Hill Members save 10%.
Join us for an exciting evening as we kickoff Earth Day Weekend at Wave Hill! Delve into the art of mixology and the beauty of botanical arrangements in this unique hands-on program.
First learn to craft the perfect whiskey sour using local jams. Top-rated mixologist Daniel Dougherty of Great Performances will guide you through the step-by-step process of crafting a delicious whiskey sour. Shake up your crafted creation in your very own take home Wave Hill mason jar shaker. Local jams are included to taste and mix and will also be available for purchase to recreate other flavors at home!
Then it’s Kokedama time! Learn about the Japanese art of Kokedama, where plants are grown in moss-covered soil balls, creating beautiful and eco-friendly displays. Our knowledgeable instructor Kathryn Felt, owner of Wild Muse Flowers, will help participants discover suitable plant varieties for their Kokedama and how to master the techniques of creating their own Kokedama to bring home.
Earth Day Weekend
April 19th through April 21st
Location: on the Grounds
Tickets: All activities free with admission unless noted in the description
Earth Day is Monday, April 22! This weekend, reflect on the beauty and resiliency of nature during a garden or wellness walk or an Earth-Day themed Family Art Project.
Arbor Weekend
April 26th through April 28th
Location: on the Grounds
Tickets: FREE!
Join us to celebrate the trees in our gardens and neighborhoods with walks, hands-on experiences, kid-friendly activities and more! By popular demand, arborists from Almstead Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care return this spring to host a family-favorite activity, the Junior Arborist Station.
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
BRONX RIVER ALLIANCE
Bronx River Slow Roll
Saturday, April 20th from 10:00am to 12:30pm
Location: Woodlawn Metro North Station, West Side
Join the Bronx River Greenway Team for a family-friendly ride down the Bronx River Greenway. This 5-mile slow roll will give us a chance to meet in person while talking about biking, our neighborhoods, and activism in the Bronx. We’ll stop at important sites along the Greenway like Shoelace Park, East Tremont/177th Street, The Cross Bronx Expressway, and Starlight Park. We’ll finish off the ride at Starlight Park where the Bronx River Open House will be taking place. Feel free to stick around (and take advantage of the free bike repair)!
Weeding & Reading
Saturday, April 27th from 9:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Bronx Park
Have kids? Let them enjoy some reading while you enjoy some weeding! Staff will support adults with weeding invasive species, provide books for kids to read, and someone will read to any kids they bring.
CROTONA PARK
Kids Week
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city for Kids Week during Spring Break. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way.
Upcycling Nature Crafts
Monday, April 22nd from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Upcycling can be fun and resourceful for nature and ecology. Bring your own clean recyclable food and beverage containers to make fun art projects, bird houses, planters, and bee boxes!
Nature Puppet Show
Wednesday, April 24th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature-themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks.
City Nature Challenge Bio Blitz
Saturday, April 27th from 11:00am to 12:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
NYC Parks is participating in the City Nature Challenge and is recruiting you to help. Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the 2024 City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 26-29 between cities around the world to see which is most biodiverse. This program will focus on identifying all living organisms. Participants are encouraged to download the iNaturalist app to collect data.
LITERARY FREEDOM PROJECT
One Book One Bronx
Punch Me Up to the Gods: A Memoir by Brian Broome
Saturdays: April 6th, 13th, & 20th
The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse
Tuesdays: April 2nd & 9th
on Zoom
A poetic and raw coming-of-age memoir in essays about blackness, masculinity, and addiction, Punch Me Up to the Gods: A Memoir introduces a powerful new talent in Brian Broome, whose early years growing up in Ohio as a dark-skinned Black boy harboring crushes on other boys propel forward this gorgeous, aching, and unforgettable debut.
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion
through April 21st
Strike a pose! The Orchid Show brings the catwalk to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory in a fashion-inspired celebration of all things orchids—and we want YOU at the center of the sartorial experience. Catch the bold new designs of New York’s rising stars of the stitch with work by Collina Strada by Hillary Taymour, Dauphinette by Olivia Cheng, and FLWR PSTL by Kristen Alpaugh, fashionistas sure to create dramatic, picture-perfect floral displays at the Garden that always capture the orchid’s good side. This is your chance to “walk the runway” and show off your own personal flare, your love for orchids, and your fashion-forward connections to the natural world. Because florals are always en vogue at NYBG.
Orchid Nights
April 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, & 20th from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Tickets: $39 Non-Members, $29 Garden Members
New York’s Favorite Orchid Night Out Returns!
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing array of orchids at New York City’s most fantastical night out. Visiting the exhibition in the evening with a cocktail in hand, underneath the twinkle of the Conservatory, provides a picture-perfect evening of beauty.
SOUNDVIEW PARK
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.
NYRR Open Run: Soundview Park
every Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Entrance – Lafayette Avenue and Morrison Avenue
NYRR Open Run brings free, 5K weekly community-led runs, to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Called the “Gateway to the Bronx River,” 205-acre Soundview Park is located where the Bronx River opens into the East River. This urban green space is filled with grassy baseball and soccer fields, a cricket pitch, basketball courts, a running track, walking/biking paths, picnic fields, and more! With its extensive views of the water, Soundview Park celebrates the beauty of both the Bronx and East Rivers. The back part of our Open Run course has beautiful views of the Bronx River waterfront for participants to enjoy!
STARLIGHT PARK
The Bronx River Open House
Saturday, April 20th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Join us at the Bronx River Open House to celebrate Earth Day!
This free event will include:
- canoeing
- walking tours
- kid friendly educational activities and workshops
- teas / hydration station from The Bronx River Foodway
- New York Restoration Project will be giving away native trees
- RAP4Bronx will be giving away fresh produce
- REI will be providing free pop-up bike repair service
- music and more!
All giveaways and activities are first come, first served.
VAN CORTLANDT PARK
Nature’s Workshop: Build Your Own Biodome
Saturday, April 13th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Each program in this series explores its topic in-depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. Biodomes can be considered “mini-ecosystems” due to their ability to grow and sustain plant life. Learn more about what makes a great terrarium. Bring your own glass or plastic container.
Kids Week
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city for Kids Week during Spring Break. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way.
Kids Week: Wilderness Skills for Kids
Tuesday, April 23rd from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Learn new skills to help you survive outdoors. Do you have what it takes?
Kids Week: Arbor Day Tree ID for Kids
Friday, April 26th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Celebrate Arbor Day with the Urban Park Rangers and explore the many species of trees that make the park wonderful.
WILLIAMSBRIDGE OVAL RECREATION CENTER
Creative Art Family Edition
Sunday, April 21st from 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Location: Multi-Use Room, Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
Participants are welcome to explore the arts through different mediums including collage, painting, and drawing. All family members are welcome.
We ask that participants see the front desk on arrival to fill out a free membership form.
Instructor: Ana Torres
GP in the Bronx
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.
By Steven Moskos, Director of Staffing & John Gargano, Director of Service.
Service is at the core of who we are at Great Performances, and an important component of what we look for when we hire anyone, from our back of house and administration teams to our front of house and service teams. At every level, we should have a service and hospitality mindset.
Alongside the event venue and décor, the service helps sets the tone for an event. When guests attend a Great Performances party, they should feel welcomed and taken care of by every member of our team. Steven Moskos, our director of staffing, and John Gargano, our director of service, work closely to ensure our service staff have the training they need to hone their hospitality instincts and deliver exemplary service.
“At Great Performances, everybody receives comprehensive training as part of our 360-degree approach to transformation,” comments Gargano.
Training begins at onboarding and continues throughout a staff member’s tenure at GP, whether they’re adding new skills, learning the ins and outs of an event venue, or changing positions. As we kick off each season, we’ll also host training sessions to reinforce the essential skills necessary to produce successful events and that help them progress in their careers. We also take the opportunity to train new Service Leads and Captains, who will be added to our roster of leadership throughout the upcoming season. New hires and captains will embark on training shifts at actual events, where they get to grow in their skills through practical experience.
“We pride ourselves on giving staff the keys to their own success,” Moskos shares. “Through these trainings, staff who want to grow with us are given the skills they need at every stage to excel.”
Off season training sessions are refresher courses and professional development courses including Buffet, Tasting, and Private Home Service Skills and venue-specific trainings.
Our training program comprises classroom-style instruction, hands-on practice sessions, and role-playing exercises that use real-world scenarios. Through repetition and employing a variety of techniques that appeal to different learning styles, we ensure that all team members acquire the skills and mindset to provide the highest levels of professional, friendly, and warm service.
Learning the basics of service and building muscle memory allows our staff to practice empathy, attentiveness, and adaptability as they interact with guests and encounter different situations. More than just training our team members on skills, we focus on the qualitative aspects that turn service into genuine hospitality. We encourage our staff to look for non-verbal cues that can help them anticipate client and guest needs and deliver an experience that exceeds their expectations.
Throughout the training, our service pillars of Presentation, Teamwork, Knowledge, Service, Leadership, and Personality are highlighted, all of which drive our mission at Great Performances: Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality.