This week in NYC Life, the city is buzzing with creativity—from intimate music salons and women’s choral celebrations to the triumphant return of Shakespeare in the Park. Whether you’re settling into a Sunday performance, cheering on Tomatoes at the 92nd St Y, discovering a new salon series at the Triad, or planning a summer night under the stars with the Bard, inspiration is everywhere. We’re also spotlighting extraordinary Long Island women and taking a joyful wander through MoMA’s fifth floor. And we are still on a high from yesterday’s Renewal Summit—thanks to all who attended and stay tuned for videos and recaps.

Sunday, May 17.  In a Manner of Speaking

Head to the Dramatists Guild Foundation’s Music Hall for a fabulous line-up of music presented by our favorite mother and daughter duo, VANGARI.  The May lineup includes: Grammy-award winning musician (and terrific writer) Leah Coloff will be playing her cello (!), and and we have work by/performed by: Chris Carver (our Emcee), Gina Bonati’s original poetry, Nic Evans with a selection from his play Pre-Death Bear Stabs, Ariana Johns with a story from Portable Strangers, Greg Mullavey with the poem Under Milkwood, Charles Rix with his 10-minute play Wichita Lineman, and musical guests Debra Vogel (with Darryl Curry), and VANGARI!  As always, the show is FREE, just bring a beverage or snack to share or make a small donation. Dramatists Guild Foundation’s Music Hall! 4:45 arrival, show starts at 5:15, runs till 6:30, mingling till 7:30.  Reservations required: arianajohns77@gmail.com

May 29. SoHarmonium presents its 20^th Anniversary Concert

One of our favorite Tomatoes, Deborah Roth, has sung with this wonderful women’s chorus for 16 years. They’re now celebrating their 20th anniversary with a Gala Concert at the 92nd St Y. Ranging in age from 20-87, they’ll be presenting an eclectic repertoire of international works from classical and folk to contemporary music. Click HERE to get both in-person 0and live-streaming tickets.

And as a fun aside, they were asked by WQXR to record their new jingle – here it is if you want to listen!

June 17. Join Us for a Magical Musical Evening

Join us as Merrill Stone — the singing therapist — launches a lively new salon series blending songs, stories, and smart, soulful conversations. Each gathering spotlights fascinating people from both inside and outside the world of show business, celebrating the art of living, aging, and thriving with humor and heart. First up is acclaimed vocalist and 2026 MAC award winner, Marieann Meringolo known for her distinctive blend of jazz, cabaret, and contemporary music. Joining her is her brilliant musical director and pianist, Doyle Newmyer.

Wed. June 17 | Triad Theater, NYC | Tickets $35 + 2 Drink Min. GET TICKETS NOW.

Starting May 22. The Bard is Back

Shakespeare in the Park returns to New York City for Summer 2026, bringing its signature magic back to Central Park’s newly renovated Delacorte Theater. This year’s season, produced by The Public Theater, kicks off with Romeo and Julie (May 22-June 28) followed later in the summer with The Winter’s Tale.

The 2026 Mainstage Season

• Romeo and Juliet — Directed by Saheem Ali The star‑crossed lovers return to the Delacorte for the first time in nearly 20 years. Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens and Daniel Bravo Hernández lead a powerhouse cast including LaChanze, Deirdre O’Connell, Okieriete Onaodowan, and Francis Jue. Runs May 22 – June 28, 2026.
• The Winter’s Tale — Directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan Shakespeare’s sweeping story of jealousy, loss, and redemption takes the stage later in the summer. Dates forthcoming.

Free tickets are distributed daily on performance days, and full details—including distribution locations, rules, and accessibility information—are available at the Public Theater’s official site: publictheater.org/tickets/shakespeare-in-the-park/. With a season designed to welcome audiences of every age and background, Shakespeare in the Park 2026 remains one of New York’s most cherished cultural traditions: a celebration of storytelling, community, and the enduring power of live performance under the summer sky.

Spotlight on Long Island Women

Our Long Island reporter, Andrea Peponakis, introduces us to Dr. Heidi MacAlpine, who brings a rare blend of expertise, intuition, and heart to Long Island’s wellness landscape. As an occupational therapist, educator, coach, and founder of Align OT, she has spent more than 35 years helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and rediscover a sense of balance and possibility. READ MORE.

Roving the Fifth at MoMA

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:

Last week I visited the fifth floor at the Museum of Modern Art and encountered a number of old friends. The soul of MoMA beats from this collection of classic works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the finest examples of Impressionist, Post Impressionist, Cubist, Surrealist and Abstraction hang stacked salon style on the walls, waiting to be seen.

As a local, I often take for granted the immense number of historically significant and beautiful works of art available to us at all of our world renowned institutions. This open invitation to masterpiece theatre is one of the many “party favors” available to New Yorkers. I got up close and personal with a few of the celebrity paintings, and guess who I saw?

Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Gino Severini, Juan Gris, Alexander Archipenko, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro and Yves Tanguy.

R.S.V.P. and join the party!

~Nicole Frezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”