Yes, we know it’s only September, but Oktoberfest officially starts today with the Stueben Day parade on Fifth Avenue.  We are so lucky in NYC that we have groups that seed and feed the arts – like the MCC Theater which is showcasing the award winning “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.” And the American Songbook Association is helping keep cabaret alive and their upcoming gala honors Marilyn Maye. And we do hope you join us at our upcoming Film Premiere event and our annual wine trip.

Sept. 17. Fabulous Cabaret Gala

Cabaret keeps growing because there are enough people and organizations to keep supporting its effort, keeping it alive and growing. The latest on the horizon is ASA – The American Songbook Association presenting its first Annual Gala, in a magnificent celebration of the contributions of Black songwriters and singers. Marvelous Marilyn Maye will receive the first annual ASA Lifetime Achievement Award on Monday September 17 at 7:30 pm at The Pershing Square Signature Center. This looks like the joint will be more than jumpin’. . . it will surely blow the roof off the Irene Diamond theater with its roster of some of the best in the biz of cabaret and on Broadway.  Tickets are moving faster than lightening and if you can score one, here’s where you need to go: info@americansongbookassociation.org or call 347-387-4945

Starts Sept. 21. Oktoberfest Festival at South Street Seaport

Over 4 weekends, you can experience everything that makes Oktoberfest great – authentic German beer, brats and giant pretzels, Oktoberfest decorations and fun games for the entire family. Enjoy the festivities at Watermark, Pier 15 , a 3,500 square foot venue which features amazing views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges and Brooklyn skyline. Grab your free tickets today!!

Sept. 22. Free Museum Day

Museum Day is a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Participants are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket provides free general admission. Museum Day Live.

Sept. 26. VIP Premiere Screening Invite

Join us for the U.S. premiere of “Mother’s Imprint”. Filmmaker Kata Olah brings her mother’s story to the world – a story of being born a Jew in Budapest in 1940, of losing her identity which saved her life when the Nazis arrived, living under Communism, the revolution of 1956 and the regime change in 1989.  Join us foraremarkable evening that will include a wine reception, screening, and Q&A with director Kata Olah and her mother. Tickets are $25.

Sept. 30. Join the 3Ts In the Vineyards

Join us for 10th annual trip to the vineyards of the North Fork of Long Island. Every trip has been great, but this one will even more special. We’ll travel by a luxury coach bus with two pick up points –  NYC and Hicksville, and then head to the North Fork and visit three wonderful vineyards.  Wine tastings, picnic lunch, transportation, fabulous gift bags, bus prizes and a very fun group, all for $110.  Get details and tickets.

Oct. 10. Let’s Change the Future for Girls

Please join the head tomato and other members of the NYC Leadership Council as we celebrate International Day of the Girl in support of Plan International USA’s “Because I am a Girl” programs.  Too often, girls are prevented from realizing their rights like learning, leading, and deciding when and whether to marry and have children. They are silenced and excluded from the choices that shape their futures. But together we can change that. The evening includes a wine reception, food, a fab silent auction, and an inspiring program.  Get the details.

Encore Presentation:  SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY

MCC Theater, one of Off Broadway’s hottest theater companies known in the industry for producing edgy and innovative work will be doing an Encore presentation of its biggest hit last season and New York Times Critics’ Pick: SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY. It was awarded the prestigious Lortel Award for Best Play Off Broadway and received rave reviews. New York Magazine called it “funny and fierce” and the Hollywood Reporter called it “ferociously entertaining and as heartwarming as it is hilarious.” It explores the universal similarities and glaring differences facing teenage girls across the globe. Regular Tickets from $49 for a strictly limited engagement October 16-November 25. Don’t miss it Tomatoes.  Click here to buy tickets. Performance schedule and theater address included.

About the MCC Theater. This wonderful non-profit theater’s programming encompasses annual productions; development of new work; and renowned education and outreach programs that help more than 1,200 NYC high school students each year to find – and use – their own unique voice, increase literacy, improve grades, and develop important life skills through the creation and performance of their own original work. MCC empowers artists and students to take risks to create bold, daring work that investigates the issues and morality of our time and inspires active engagement of audiences.

Nov. 10. “A Galaxy of Stars to Benefit Our Veterans”

 Two of our Three Tomatoes partners, veterans advocate Anne Akers and Randie Levine Miller are presenting a fabulous afternoon of music at the Triad thanking our military, first responders, and veterans for their service.  Randie will host and perform along with Tony LoBianco, Lee Roy Reams, The Janes, Steve Maglio, James Valenti.  All proceeds to Operation Warrior Shield and VETWELL, “Healing the Hidden Wounds of War.”  The TRIAD, Nov. 10 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $55 + 2 drink minimum.