We often think of BAM as a center for culture, film, and theater, but it is home to so much more from dance, opera, and poetry to community events, galas, and talks. It’s the home for curious people and adventurous ideas, where people connect to learn, share, explore, and experiment.
Last month, BAM hosted MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 and we were delighted to participate as the catering partner for BAM. Notable hosts and experts from MSNBC including Rachel Maddow, Steve Kornacki, Jen Psaki, and many more were gathered in one place, live on stage, leading thought-provoking, in-depth discussions about topics that matter most in the final weeks of this historic election cycle.
The highlight of the event was the “This is Who We Are Dinner and Reception”, a sold-out program held on September 7 at The Adam Space in the Peter Jay Sharp Building. Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Great Performances’ talented chefs as they heard directly from the MSNBC hosts, learning their personal insights and perspectives.
Gary Bedigan, Senior Event Producer at Great Performances, planned this event working closely with the teams from MSNBC and BAM, to ensure a flawlessly executed event. We worked with Party Rental Ltd on the equipment and rental furniture, and Botanica provided the floral arrangements for the table, creating a dynamic space for the lively conversations that followed the presentations and discussions. The high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows provided an uplifting space to discuss the future of democracy in the world. The lively conversations were filled with hope and optimism, echoed by the twinkling lights that spanned the arches and along the windows of The Adam Space.
The seated dinner included a full bar and a selection of beer and wine, attended by a full complement of staff.
MSNBC Live: This is Who We Are Dinner and Reception Menu
First Course
GP Fall Wedge Salad – romaine, blue cheese mousse, sundried tomato, mushroom, chive, affilla cress
Entrée
Glazed Short Rib and Charred Tomato – roasted baby heirloom carrots, charred tomato, end of summer carrot puree
Plated Dessert
Banana Chocolate Sea Salt Tart – chocolate mousseline, chocolate croustillant
Watermelon Cucumber Tonic
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Taste your watermelon. A pinch of salt can help bring out the flavors and, if it’s not sweet enough, feel free to add a pinch of sugar, especially if you’re going to combine it with soda water.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC
Although this Watermelon Cucumber Tonic is a bit more complicated than some other cocktails, we think it’s worth it to prepare the juice from scratch. As a shortcut, you can purchase watermelon juice and use Hendricks Gin to get some of the cucumber flavors. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the cocktail together nicely.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)
2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled
1 1/4 cups of gin
Garnish
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Watermelon wedges
Procedure
- Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
- Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water and gin, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.
ZERO PROOF WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC
If you’ve already prepared the watermelon cucumber juice for the above version, you can use any remaining here. Alternatively, you could purchase watermelon juice from the grocery store. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the drink together nicely.
Ingredients
6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)
2 1/2 cups tonic water or soda water, chilled
Garnish
- Mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Watermelon wedges
Procedure
- Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
- Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water or soda water, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.
Rosemary Salty Dog
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Rosemary can be a potent herb and we enjoy it’s distinctive woodsy/piney scent which compliments the grapefruit in this cocktail. We don’t want to overpower the cocktail, which is why we’re not muddling it as we typically do with other herbs in cocktails.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
ROSEMARY SALTY DOG
Ingredients
1 ½ oz gin
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz red grapefruit juice
- ½ inch rosemary sprig
Garnish
- Sprig of rosemary
- Salt
Procedure
Rim a martini glass with salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and rosemary sprig. Shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary
ZERO PROOF ROSEMARY SALTY DOG
Ingredients
½ inch sprig rosemary
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz red grapefruit juice
- Club soda
Garnish
- Sprig of rosemary
- Salt
Procedure
Rim a highball glass with salt and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine rosemary, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice and shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Strawberry Mint Caipirinha
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
When you’re muddling ingredients, make sure you press down and twist to extract maximum essential oils and juices. Adding granulated sugar can also help break down the ingredients.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
- 4 Fresh strawberries
- 5 Mint leaves – torn
- 2 dashes simple syrup
Garnish
- Sprig of mint
Procedure
Place the strawberries and mint leaves in a shaker and muddle well. Add Leblon Cachaça, simple syrup and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a highball glass.
ZERO PROOF STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA
Ingredients
- 4 fresh strawberries
- 5 mint leaves – torn
- 2 dashes simple syrup
- Strawberry Perrier
Garnish
- Sprig of mint
Procedure
Place the strawberries, mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a high ball glass and muddle well. Top with Strawberry Perrier, stir gently to combine, and garnis with a sprig of mint.
Green Tea Mojito
Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM
Pro Tip:
Before you add your sprig of mint as a garnish, place it in one hand, cup both hands, and clap your hands together to gently bruise the mint to release some of the essential oils. This will give you a whiff of mint each time you take a sip.
Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.
Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!
GREEN TEA MOJITO
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon of lime juice
4 large mint leaves
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/3 cup of brewed organic green tea
2 Tablespoons of White Rum
Garnish
Lime wheel
Sprig of mint
Procedure
Pour lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar into a glass. Muddle mixture. Fill glass with ice and add organic green tea and white rum. Stir well and serve.
ZERO PROOF GREEN TEA MOJITO
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon of lime juice
4 large mint leaves
1 tsp sugar
1/3 cup of brewed organic green tea
2 Tablespoons of white grape juice
Garnish
Lime wheel
Sprig of mint
Procedure
Pour lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar into a glass. Muddle mixture. Fill glass with ice and add organic green tea and white grape juice. Stir well and serve.
We love this mocktail because it is the perfect way to make everyone (those who are pregnant, avoiding alcohol, on medication, or just don’t feel like having a drink) feel welcome at your special event.
THE TOP WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
From classical to jazz, find the PERFECT place for your special day
Whether you love jazz, classical, showtunes, or anything in between, you’ll love getting married to one of these venues in NY. We have put together a list of the top wedding venues for music lovers to make your musical dream a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top wedding venues for music lovers in New York.
Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theater has been delighting music lovers since 1934.
The Apollo can host 350 members of your friends and family as you celebrate your union in this unique and soulful space that has been graced by music’s greatest including Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and the legendary Aretha Franklin.
This modern venue offers windows facing North, South and West, and has four skylights which gives dramatic lighting for your intimate wedding. It can seat up to 150 people. The Penthouse is 4,500 square feet, has 24 windows on 3 sides, 4 large skylights, an easily accessible rooftop with a great view of the Empire State Building.
The Hammerstein is an incredible venue for special events such as wedding. The 12,000 square feet ballroom, it can accommodate large groups for weddings and receptions.
Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, is the world’s first performing arts facility designed for jazz. It is an ideal wedding venue for the most ardent music lover.
The main hall features a glass curtain backdrop with the view of the city.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Caramoor is a 90 acre historic estate with wide gardens for your dream wedding.
The Sunken Garden, a three-tiered formal garden surrounded by woodlands is the most popular venue for a wedding ceremony.
The BRIC House Ballroom, main performance space has retractable seating that provides room for a seated even such as weddings. This modern venue also boasts state-of-the art AV technology.
The Pershing Square Signature Center is a modern venue with spaces such as theaters that is great for intimate weddings with small to medium sized number of guests.
The theaters and lobbies are the picture-perfect settings for a wide array of events including modern weddings.
This legendary New York events venue is ideal for all types of events including weddings. It’s perfect for music and theater lovers who are tying the knot as this is the home of the annual TONY Awards.
TheTimesCenter is a versatile, visually stunning, state-of-the-art event venue that can host your dream modern wedding in NY.
TheTimesCenter is comprised of The Stage and The Hall, each with its own unique lobby.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular New York wedding venues for music lovers, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly: