Former Broadway flutist Jessica Kelly finds sweet success with Riverdale bakeshop

Local musician Jessica Kelly’s bake shop has become a consistent presence at the Riverdale Y Farmer’s Market, where many have grown fond of the baked goods crafted freshly hours ago.

ALASKA ST. CLAIR

I’ve always really liked baking because it makes people happy in a very simple sort of way.”

Jessica Kelly

Jessica Kelly has long been devoted to the art of creation.

After performing for years as a freelance flutist in Broadway hits like Camelot and Sweeney Todd, she now channels that same expressive spirit into her baking venture, Sweet Note Bakeshop. Both pursuits, Kelly noted, require a deep level of commitment, patience and artistic precision. 

While attending the Manhattan College of Music, Kelly frequently brought dessert to gatherings with friends, who recognized her talent and encouraged her to take it to the next level.

It was also at the college where she met her husband, Damien, a classical guitarist from Ireland. Together, they formed the Redbrick Duo, performing at weddings and events while balancing family life with their 3-year-old daughter, who has become an enthusiastic helper in the kitchen — though her primary interest so far lies in pouring water.

Despite Kelly’s shift in focus to baking, she still cherishes the occasional musical performance. 

At Sweet Note, Kelly offers a range of homemade baked goods, including crowd favorites like brownies and lemon bars. Every Saturday, she spends hours preparing batches for the Sunday Y Market, a central venue for her business.

Kelly, who lives nearby, mentioned this has allowed her to meet neighbors and form valuable connections with local baked good enthusiasts. 

Kelly’s culinary journey is rooted in family tradition; her coffee cake is an improvisation on her grandmother’s recipe. In a way, many of her recipes are an unintentional collaboration — traditional standbys with a creative twist. She recalls her mother being an avid baker and teaching her the relevance of baking to community building at a very young age. 

“I’ve always really liked baking,” Kelly said, “because it makes people happy in a very simple sort of way.”

Originally from Los Angeles, later moving to the Upper West Side, Kelly said she has found Riverdale a charming and hospitable place to grow both a business and family. Residents have mentioned to Kelly that, since the 2016 closure of beloved neighborhood staple Mother’s Bake Shop, which was formerly next to Liebman’s Deli, there has been a noticeable void in local home-baked goods.

Kelly said hopes her business will be a worthy successor. 

So far many seem to think so. Shira Silverman, manager of the Riverdale Y Market, voiced her praise. Of the business, Silverman said she has bought some baked goods and can testify to how fresh they taste.

Of Kelly, Silverman said, “a successful vendor in the market is someone who has a lovely vibe and she has that vibe. I hope she stays.”

Sarah Rolle, a local teacher, also offered her endorsement.

“I have had the brownies and raspberry crumble bars and they were both delicious,” she said.

While Kelly hopes to one day expand into a commercial kitchen, allowing her to provide a wider range of baked goods, this vision will require community support. As it is a home business, regulations restrict Kelly from selling non-perishable items but she envisions this changing in the future. 

So far, she has been promoting Sweet Note through her various social media channels, website and farmers market, even taking orders by phone at times. This multifaceted approach has helped her build a loyal customer base. Recently, she began receiving requests for larger items, like birthday cakes and event catering, beyond her standard menu items. 

At the Riverdale Y farmers market Sept. 1, Kelly and her husband will be performing a small classical guitar and flute concert at 11 a.m.