NYC LIFE: Women, Wonder, and the City’s Soul
From a soul-stirring celebration of women over 40 to Brandon Stanton’s monumental “Dear New York” installation at Grand Central, the city is alive with stories that matter. Join us for our next NYC Insider tours and luxe escapes. Support NYC’s non-profit theaters with a revival concert that blends British Music Hall with circus flair. Meet Glen Cove’s inspiring Mayor Pam, indulge in Gabrielle Carlson’s fashion at the Waldorf’s world-class spa, and discover rising stars at Lincoln Center’s Festival of Firsts. Whether roving through Mexico City or soaking in the magic of Manhattan, Tomatoes are on the move.
A Celebration of Women’s Wisdom and Wonder
Step into a night where every word and melody celebrates the unapologetic brilliance of women over 40. Join us for an unforgettable evening of live readings, stirring music, and evocative art. From powerhouse performers to acclaimed authors and artists, this showcase will uplift, entertain, and inspire. GET THE DETAILS.
“Dear New York” at Grand Central: A Monumental Tribute to the City’s Soul
The art installation is the largest to be staged in Grand Central Terminal. Ahmed Gaber for Dear New York
From October 6–19, Grand Central Terminal transforms into a breathtaking gallery of humanity, thanks to Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York installation, “Dear New York.” This immersive experience celebrates the stories, faces, and resilience of everyday New Yorkers through stunning visuals and heartfelt narratives.
- 🖼️ 50-foot portraits of New Yorkers projected across the Main Concourse walls
- 📱 150+ digital screens throughout the terminal and subway station displaying iconic HONY stories
- 🎶 Live music from Juilliard performers on a grand piano in the concourse
- 🎨 Community art showcase in Vanderbilt Hall featuring local artists and NYC public school students
- 🚇 Subway walls repurposed as gallery space—the largest art installation in subway history
Designed by Broadway visionary David Korins (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen), the exhibit is a meditative, emotional journey through the city’s heart. It coincides with Stanton’s new book, Dear New York, a nearly 500-page love letter to the people who make this city extraordinary. All advertising in Grand Central has been removed to make space for this tribute—the first time in living memory.
Proceeds from the book fund the installation, with additional profits supporting NYC charities. It’s not just art—it’s a moment of reflection, connection, and celebration. GET THE DETAILS.
Insider’s Tours & A Luxe Spa Escape

Word is out—the NYC Insider’s Club is on the rise, and you’re invited to join the magic. A few coveted spots remain for our exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of The Met, a dazzling visit to Printemps NYC where Paris meets Manhattan chic, and a pampering afternoon at the sumptuous spa inside the iconic Palace Hotel. These unforgettable experiences are just the beginning—more curated adventures that are coming in 2026. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the city’s most stylish circle. GET THE DETAILS.
Spotlight on Long Island: Meet Mayor Pam
Mayor Pam Panzenbeck of Glen Cove is a hometown hero whose grace, grit, and deep community pride shine through everything she does. A lifelong resident and retired educator, Pam blends warmth, wisdom, and hands-on leadership to uplift her city. Her story—from classroom to City Hall—is a powerful reminder that purpose, confidence, and connection don’t fade with age—they flourish. READ MORE.
A One Night Only Benefit Concert for Amas Musical Theater
Imagine a fractured fairy tale in the tradition of Gilbert & Sullivan and Mad Magazine. The return of Charlotte Sweet spotlights the stratospherically high soprano of British Music Hall, along with the freaky Circus of Voices. Don’t miss the revival concert of the acclaimed musical/mock melodrama that was a favorite of Leonard Cohen, Al Hirschfeld, and others.
Nov 17, 2025, 7:00 PM EST | A.R.T./NY Theatre, 502 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Cast & Crew
Book by Michael Colby and Music by Gerald Jay Markoe | Music supervisor Michael Lavine | Music direction Asher Denburg | Directed by Jeff Calhoun
Reception to follow the performance for Premium Ticket buyers. All proceeds to benefit Amas education and theatre programs.Get tickets.
The Waldorf, a World Spa, and Gab Clothes
Guerlain Wellness Spa at the Waldorf is hosting Gabrielle Carlson’s trunk show at the end of this month. This magnificent 20,000-square-foot destination spa is a perfect setting to showcase Gabrielle Carlson’s beautiful clothes, off the rack and to order. Don’t miss it!
Oct. 3-23. Lincoln Center’s Festival of Firsts
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This October, Lincoln Center’s Festival of Firsts invites you to witness the magic of artistic debuts—from punk-rock album drops to hypnotic jazz-folk fusion, drag-fueled cabaret, and immersive opera. Running October 3–23 at the David Rubenstein Atrium, every performance is free and bursting with fresh talent. Come early, stay curious, and discover the next big thing before everyone else.
What Makes It Special
- Debuts Galore: U.S. and NYC premieres, Lincoln Center first-timers, album launches, and fresh collaborations.
- Multidisciplinary Magic: Theater, music, drag, jazz, opera, visual art, and immersive experiences.
- Free & First-Come: No tickets required—just show up and be part of the moment.
Roving in Mexico City
Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:
Mexico City is a delightful destination for a girls’ trip. With 22 million people living in a space the size of Los Angeles, there is always a lot going on in one of the largest cities on earth.
It was a trip balanced with learning about ancient ruins, indigenous people, and how that manifests itself in a thriving modern metropolis today. The vast history offers experiences mixed with multiple museums, including Chapultepec Castle, the Teotihuacán Pyramids, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, and the Frieda Kahlo Museum. There is an abundance of markets to explore and shop for embroidered textiles, ceramics, and traditional crafts that have been made for centuries. The cuisine is a culture in and of itself, impressing from delicious haute to street food. My friend ate a fried grasshopper and could not believe that the rest of us did not!
The local people we encountered were warm, welcoming and proud of their heritage, and vibrant surroundings. This colorful city of contrasts indeed has something to make everyone fall in love with Mexico City.
~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of the “Long Pause and the Short Breath.”
The tomato behind The Three Tomatoes.
Cheryl Benton, aka the “head tomato” is founder and publisher of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids”. Having lived and worked for many years in New York City, the land of size zero twenty-somethings, she was truly starting to feel like an invisible woman. She created The Three Tomatoes just for the fun of it as the antidote for invisibility and sent it to 60 friends. Today she has thousands of friends and is chief cheerleader for smart, savvy women who want to live their lives fully at every age and every stage. She is the author of the novel, "Can You See Us Now?" and co-author of a humorous books of quips, "Martini Wisdom." Because she's lived a long time, her full bio won't fit here. If you want the "blah, blah, blah", read more. www.thethreetomatoes.com/about-the-head-tomato
