Our Renewal Summit is around the corner, and you are going to want to meet our special guest, Mercedes Ellington (granddaughter of the “Duke.”) Speaking of the Duke, there’s an event celebrating his 125th birthday. Our roving photographer was at one of my favorite spots:  Arthur Avenue. Join me at Gabrielle Carlson’s boutique on May 2, and meet author, Andreea Parc and hear about her amazing story. Two of our Tomatoes Got Talent alums have fabulous cabaret shows coming up. And the Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

May 17. Meet Mercedes Ellington at The Renewal Summit

I am so excited that I will be interviewing our special guest at the Renewal Summit—the beautiful, “Sophisticated Lady” Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of Duke Ellington. I had the most delightful lunch with her this week, and she is a force of nature. She has led an amazing life as a dancer, starting with the June Taylor Dancers, actress, producer, choreographer, and keeper of her grandfather’s legacy.  And she has great stories to tell. (See below for a fabulous tribute event to the Duke.) What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!

May 6 @8PM. Celebrate Duke Ellington, 125 Years

Head to Symphony Space for an incredible celebration of the 125^th birthday of the one and only Duke Ellington. Guided by none other than granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington the evening features a line up of incredible performances led by The Duke Ellington Center Big Band,  along with eight-time Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill. Joining this stellar lineup are Grammy-nominated Bobby Sanabria, Broadway’s Nicolas King, Ty Stephens and many more! GET TICKETS HERE.

May 2. Meet Author Andreea Parc

The Three Tomatoes Publishing was honored to publish Andreea Parc’s extraordinary memoir, Alive, Again, which tells her journey from attorney to redemption…in prison. It is an amazing and inspiring story! Join us at Gabrielle Carlson’s beautiful boutique from 5 to 8 PM….wine and lite bites will be served. Pop in and say hi. No reservations required. Gabrielle Carlson Studio. 1034A Lexington Avenue, bet. 73/74 Streets.

May 5 @ 4PM.  Our Favorite Mother & Daughter Cabaret Duo

Head to Don’t Tell Mama for VANGARI, NYC’s favorite mother/daughter cabaret duo: Evangeline Johns (a Tomatoes Got Talent alum) and Ariana Johns, with Musical Director Darryl Curry for an ENCORE presentation of their hit show, to get you in the mood for Mother’s Day! MOON TUNES & MAD THINGS is filled with delightful lunacy – songs penned by Kander & Ebb, Langston Hughes, Tom Lehrer, Bob Dylan & an original from the award-winning songwriting team of Ariana & Darryl (and more). From Broadway to the Blues, tales of obsession and betrayal, both wistful and wild…now with home-baked treats! Direction by Christopher Carver, Choreography by Mark Mindek & Max McGuire.

“The beautiful harmony of both their unbreakable bond and their vocal duets…top notch arrangements by Curry”- Deb Miller, DC Theatre Arts

“A show full of passion, depth and fun…mother love shines through to daughter and daughter love shines right back” – Marilyn Lester, NiteLife Exchange

When: Sunday, May 5th, 4:00 pm

Where: Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

$20 Cover, $20 Minimum, Cash Only

Reservations: donttellmamanyc.com

Don’t Miss the Cherry Blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Cherry Walk and Cherry Esplanade are at peak bloom! If the weather is kind, the blooms will last into the first days of May. Visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden during cherry blossom season and witness an exuberant display that changes day by day! And there are flower events happening all spring and summer too. Check it out.

Roving on Arthur Avenue

Nicole Freezer Rubens is roving in one of my favorite places.  Here’s what she has to say:

It’s always a good time to visit Arthur Avenue, known as Little Italy of the Bronx. This iconic Italian neighborhood dates back to the early 1900s and is still home to an abundance of traditional mom and pop delis, restaurants and sweet smelling bakeries. You can purchase fresh pasta, cut right in front of you, homemade mozzarella and every classic Italian cookie you can imagine.

Charming Arthur Avenue has been featured in many well known television shows and movies including The Sopranos, A Bronx Tale and a Lady Gaga music video. It remains fairly unchanged and is well preserved while functioning as a resource for fresh ingredients.

I like going to the neighborhood because it remains visibly authentic. I love seeing the vintage signage, counters and original mosaic floors. The shop keepers are always welcoming and engaging, making me want to return again and again for the rainbow cookies that are hard to beat!

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”.  Follow her on Instagram.

June 10 @ 7PM.  Susan Mack at Birdland

We are so proud of Tomatoes Got Talent alum, Susan Mack who is setting the cabaret world on fire. She recently received the BroadwayWorld NYC Cabaret Award for Best Vocalist and was nominated for Best Female Vocalist in the 2024 MAC Awards. She’ll be performing at Birdland sharing the stage with a group of world class musicians: Musical Director Tedd Firth (piano), David Finck (bass) and Eric Halvorson (drums), with direction by Lina Koutrakos.
Tickets are on sale now