Manhattan’s Classical Morning Sings at MAD

Columbus Circle hummed last night with Manhattan’s GatherNYC concert at the Museum of Arts and Design, kicking off March. The Toomai Quintet and narrator Maria Brea played to 100, blending spiritual vibes with classical notes. Coffee and pastries warmed the 11 a.m. crowd—$25 tickets sold out fast. Organizer Jay Patel says, ‘This is NYC’s soul—music over sermons.’ The hour-long set felt like a Sunday reset.

The series runs through June, a monthly fix since winter—last night’s woodwinds stole breaths. Patel’s curated local talent; the quintet’s strings hit deep—kids sipped juice, entranced. A latecomer snagged a standing spot; the room buzzed soft—NYC rare. MAD’s sleek space framed it—views of Central Park glowed. #GatherNYC trended; Brooklyn’s eyeing a knockoff.

Some sniffed—’Too stiff,’ griped a punk, bolting for the subway. Late coffee refills irked a few, but most lingered—vibes held. A mic buzzed mid-note; Brea laughed it off—show rolled. Queens wants in, but Manhattan’s got the edge—classics rule here. The museum’s never sounded so alive.

Patel’s plotting a spring finale, maybe outdoors if weather bites. ‘NYC needs this—quiet in the storm,’ he says, stacking chairs. The concert’s a Manhattan win—grit meets grace. Next show’s March 16; snag a seat. Bring a friend—coffee’s on point.