By The Times-Ledger
Auditions/Rehearsals
Senior Theater Acting Repertory (STAR) always welcomes retired persons interested in acting. To arrange for an audition, call Stan Guttman at 224-2729.
The Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra continues biweekly Wednesday evening rehearsals at the Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd. Rehearsals begin at 7:45 p.m. 718-591-3456.
New Theatre Players will conduct auditions for its spring production of “Night Watch” at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Hyde Park, 300 Hillside Drive South, New Hyde Park, on Tues., Jan. 30 and Thurs., Feb. 1 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 718-229-6298.
Book signing
Bayside native Scott Stein reads from his new novel, “Lost” at Barnes & Noble, Bay Terrace Shopping Center in Bayside, at 1 p.m. Sat.,Jan. 27. 718-224-1083.
Celebrations
Chinese New Year Celebration, A day-long festival of music, dance and arts and crafts for the entire family, celebrating the Year of the Snake, will be Sat., Jan. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Flushing Branch Public Library, 41-17 Main St. 718-661-1200.
Classes
Art classes are offered at The Cultural Arts Department of the Central Queens YM&YMHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. 718-268-5011.
The Hollis Hills Jewish Center Youth Department presents a Defensive Driver Course on Tues., Feb. 6 and 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Hollis Hills Jewish Center, 210-10 Union Turnpike, Flushing. Admission: $45. Must attend both sessions. 718-776-3500.
Concerts
The Afrikan Poetry Theatre presents “A Tribute to Ms. Irene Reid,” who tells stories from the heart in her Blues singing.. Join her and her musicians, as well as special guest poet IBE, at 8 p.m. Sat. Jan. 27. 718-523-3312.
Michael Tilson Thomas conducts the San Francisco Symphony at 8 p.m., Fri., Feb. 23 at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at Long Island University. 516-299-3100.
The third Doo-Wop Golden Oldies Concert will take place on March 31 at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross High School, 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing. The event will be hosted by Don K Reed of WCBC FM 101.1 and will feature five Doo-Wop acts, The Classics, Passions, Mystics, Chantels, Emotions, and one Acapella Group. Tickets: $25. 718-224-1226.
A winter break performance, “Earth Beat Concert” will be Tues., Feb. 20 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 (Check in at 10:30) at Alley Pond Environemental Center, Inc., 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Admission: $6. $4, $2. 718-229-4000.
Irish Candelight Cafe Night with Morningstar, performing authentic Irish Ballads, folk songs and love song will be held on Sat., March 3 at 7 p.m. Poppenhusen Institute, 114-04 14th Rd., College Point. Fee: $15. 718-358-0067.
Library walls will be pounding when the Akyene Baako African Folk Music Ensemble presents “Drum Songs.” The ensemble will perform traditional folk music and folk-inspired songs and arrangements that get their inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Africa. Performances will take place on Thurs., Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Rochdale Village Branch, 169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica; 718-723-4440; on Fri., Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, 100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona, 718-651-1100.
R&B star Isaac Hayes and sitcom star D.L. Hughley come to Westbury Music Fair at 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 17. Tickets: 212-307-7171.
On Sat., Jan. 27 at 2 p.m., the Forest Hills Library Branch, 108-19 71 Ave., presents “A Tribute to America's Greatest Composers,” with Mike McClenan and the Jazz Elders, a performance of ballads, show tunes and instrumental classics of some of America's greatest composers and singers including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Frank Sinatra and others. 718-268-7934.
The Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra of the Queens Festival Orchestra Association will present the second concert of its 37th season on Sun., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd. Tickets: $5, $3. 516-785-2532.
Westbury Music Fair kicks off the 2001 Country Concert Series with Alan Jackson preforming Sat., Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $60.212-307-7171.
Dick Fox's Valentine's Doo-Wop extravaganza arrives at Westbury Music Fair at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 10. Selections include “The Locomotion,” “The Closer You Are,” and “Guardian Angel.” Tickets: 212-307-7171.
The Center For Culture, The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc. 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica presents “A Tribute to Ms Irene Reid” on Sat., Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. Join us as we toast and roast Irene Reid, a standard bearer in Blues signing, telling stories from the heart. Tickets: $15. $17. 718-523-3312
Lou Rawls, the Grammy Award-winning artist whose chart-busting recordings include You'll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine), Groovy People, Natural Man and Wind Beneath My Wings, appears on Fri., Feb. 3 in Tilles Center for the Performing Arts' Reckson Jazz at Tilles series. The 8 p.m. concert is sponsored by Reckson Associates. Tickets: $48, $35, $25, $42, $32, $22. 516- 299-3100.
One of the world's oldest orchestras and one that is rich in tradition, the Dresden Staatskapelle will be led by its chief conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Sat., Jan. 27. The all-Beethoven program for the 8 pm concert includes Symphony No. 7 and Symphony No. 8. 516-299-3100.
Broadway star and recording artist Linda Eder will appear at Westbury Music Fair on Fri., Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. 631-888-9000.
R&B greats The O'Jays and Gerald Levert will perform at Westbury Music Fair on Fri., Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $47.50. 631-888-9000.
The Queens Museum of Art highlights a range of compelling glass works in an exhibition titled “Heart of Glass,” on display from Feb. 22 through May 27. The seven international artists included in this survey take a conceptual and poetic approach to the medium while demonstrating its versatility. A kaleidoscope of shape, texture, color and size is employed by each artist to evoke visceral reactions to their themes of nature, science, folklore, myths, and history. Admission: $5, $2.50. 718-592-9700.
“Gospel in America” on Sat., Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Hollis Branch, 202-05 Hillside Avenue, is a celebration of gospel and spiritual music. Presented by Yaffa Productions II, Inc., the performance will span the history of spirituals and gospel music and its place in American culture. 718-465-7355.
Listen to the music of some of America's greatest entertainers when Mike McClenan and the Jazz Elders present a “Tribute to America's Greatest Composers” on Sat., Feb. 10, at 2:30 p.m. at the Flushing Library, 41-17 Main Street. The group will be performing a selection of ballads, show tunes and instrumental classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Frank Sinatra and other. 718-661-1200.
Cliff Lee Plus Three, led by lyrical trumpeter Cliff Lee, will present an afternoon concert of “African-American Classical Music” on Sat., Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. at the South Ozone Park Branch, 128-16 Rockaway Boulevard. Mr. Lee will mesmerize audiences with music from the masters – Miles Davis, Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and others. 718-529-1660.
On Sat., Feb. 17 at 3 p.m., the Bennett Harris Blues Duo will present the “Blues Tunes Of Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith” at the Rego Park Branch, 91-41 63 Drive, 718-459-5140. Celebrate the flavor and spirit of the old-time blues with Queens natives Bennett Harris on vocal, guitar, harmonica and even the circa-1941 steel guitar, and Gary Brooks on Fender bass. The Bennett Harris Blues Duo will also be performing the “Blues Tunes Of Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith” on Sat., Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. at the Ozone Park Branch, 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard. 718-845-3127.
“Brazilian Soul” featuring De'bora and John Watts, explores the rich, rhythmic power and sensuality of African music found in the contemporary musical styles of Brazil. Enjoy Samba, Bossa Nova, music from Bahia and Musica Popular de Brazil, including traditional music from Brazil, as well as engrossing stories about the songs, composers and performers who bring the music to life. The performance is on Wed., Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Court Square Branch, 25-01 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, 718-937-2790.
Contests
The Alliance of Queens Artists announces that Krispy Kreme is sponsoring the Doughnut Art Contest open to all New York area artists working in oils, acrylics, watercolor, pencil, markers, collage, etc. You must submit a slide or photo of your original art which includes a doughnut and Krispy Kreme logo. First prize is a purchase award of $2,500 from Krispy Kreme. Deadline: March 3. For the application and more information send a self-addressed stamped enevlope to: AQA Gallery Attn: Doughnut, 99-10 Metropolitian Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375. 718-520-9842.
Dancing
Ballroom Dancing is held Wednesdays at Charisma Ballroom, 71-46 Main St., Flushing from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. 718-268-2800.
Poppenhusen Institute, 114-04 14th Rd., College Point, presents Country Line Dancing on Mondays for beginners from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Intermediates learn from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Admission: $5, $6. 718-358-0067.
Irish dancing lessons with All-Ireland dancing champion Niall O'Leary are offered at Yeats' Tavern, 42-24 Bell Blvd. in Bayside from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday. 212-726-1602.
Community Education Resource Center, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck, presents ballroom dancing every Friday at 2 p.m. Admission: $40. 718-423-8179.
Community Education Resource Center, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck, presents free line dance lessons every Monday at 3 p.m. and every Friday at 1 p.m. 718-423-8179.
Line Dancing with Steve is held every Monday at Community Education Center, 51-60 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck. 718-423-8179.
Society Tempo Ballroom Dancers is offering lessons to the public in the latest crazes of Ballroom at their Forest Hills, Belie Harbor, Glendale, Bayside, Floral Park, Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Flushing locations, complimentary to the complete beginner. Learn how, with or without a partner, and enjoy socializing. Membership requires learning basics in the standard dances, but membership is not a requirement. 718-891-4209.
On Feb. 3 at 3 p.m., the Jackson Heights Branch, 35-51 81st Street, repeats the performance of “Chinese Dances” with Margaret Yuen and the Red Silk Dancers. 718-899-2500.
Dramatic Presentations
Dramatizations of some of Langston Hughes' best beloved works will take center stage in Simple Stories II on Mon., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Cambria Heights Branch, 220-20 Linden Boulevard, 718-528-3535, and again on Mon., Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the St. Albans Branch, 191-05 Linden Boulevard, 718-528-8196.
What would have happened if Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. had actually met? “The Meeting” is a dramatized account of what might have taken place between two strong leaders with differing views on achieving Civil Rights. The URAEUS Repertory Theatre will perform at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, 100-01 Northern Boulevard, 718-651-1100 on Wed., Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. and again at 7 p.m.
Veteran actor Marvin Kazembe Jefferson portrays the iconic Civil Rights leader and tells stories about his life, focusing on the years 1965 -1967 in Martin Luther King: A Chautauqua. This one-man play will be presented on Sat., Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Far Rockaway Branch, 1637 Central Avenue, 718-327-2549 and on Tdhurs., Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at the East Elmhurst Branch, 95-06 Astoria Boulevard, 718-424-2619.
On Sat., Feb. 3 at 2 p.m., “Celebrate the Chinese New Year” with traditional Chinese musical instruments and Beijing Opera singing featuring the New York Feitian Traditional Art Performing Company at the Bayside Branch, 214-20 Northern Boulevard; 718-229-1834. Beijing Opera vocalist Yin Cao Zhang joins yangqin traditional instrument player Bao Jie Gao, gao hu traditional instrument player Zhi Peng Sheng, and xun traditional instrument player Wei Wei in this authentic cultural performance. This program is repeated on Sat., Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Queensboro Hill Branch, 60-05 Main Street, Flushing. 718-359-8332.
Explore the rich cultural heritage of African customs and rituals when the Harambee Dance Company presents “Traditional African Dance and Drumming,” performances of traditional African dance forms accented by the rhythmic intensity of the African drum. The Company will be performing on Sat., Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. at the East Elmhurst Branch, 95-06 Astoria Boulevard, 718-424-2619. On Sun., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Queens Village Branch, 94-11 217 St., 718-776-6800
Events
The Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center holds its first Girls and Women in Sports Day starting at 3 p.m. Wed., Jan. 31 at the Hall, 93-29 Queens Blvd. in Rego Park, featuring clinics in volleyball, field hockey, basketball, cheerleading, weightlifting, boxing, and more. Queens Recreation is also seeking to hire playground associates. 718-520-5918.
Country Kickoff Party beginning Wed., Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $5. Refreshments served. Beginners and advance line and couple novelty dances including “West Coast Swing” No partner necessary. 718-478-3100.
On Sat., Jan. 27 starting at 11 a.m., the Flushing Library, 41-17 Main Street, will host a family “Chinese New Year Celebration,” a day-long festival of music, dance and arts and crafts, concluding at 4 p.m. 718-661-1200.
Meet Author Edwidge Danticat on Sat., Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Laurelton Library Branch, 134-26 225th Street. Ms. Danticat's novel, A Farming of Bones, poetically yet brutally recounts the 1937 slaughter of thousands of Haitians living and working in the Dominican Republic by the dictator Rafael Trujillo, as well as the physical cruelties of working the sugar cane fields. Ms. Danticat's collection of short stories, Krik? Krak! was a National Book Award finalist; her novel Breath, Eyes, Memory was selected by Oprah Winfrey. For further information, phone 718-528-2822.
The 15th Annual Langston Hughes Celebration will take place on Sat. Feb.10 from noon to 9 p.m. at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, 100-01 Northern Boulevard. The full day festival honoring the “poet laureate of the Harlem Renaissance” begins at noon with a screening of a biographical film on the life of Langston Hughes, The Dream Keeper, followed by a talk by the filmmaker, St. Clair Bourne. At 2 p.m., enjoy Vocals by Chambet. Dramatizations of some of Langston Hughes' best beloved works will take center stage at 3 p.m. in Simple Stories II. The Genesis Dance Performing Ensemble will set poetry to motion at 4:30 p.m. The Long Island String Quartet performs at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Eddie Allen Latin Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. 718-651-1100.
The Bayside Historical Society will hold an Antique Show and Valentine Brunch on Sat., Feb.. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Brunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost $25. Antique show: $5. 718-352-1548.
Exhibits
Wei Zhu will give an oil painting portrait demonstration on Fri., Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. at the National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston. . Everyone is welcome to the creative presentation. There is no admission and refreshments are provided. 718-224-4953.
The National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston will present the Students' Exhibition from Mon., Feb. 5 to Fri., Feb. 23. 718-224-4953.
A 10-year retrospective of paintings, sculptures, drawings and collages will be exhibited at Queens College's Klapper Hall Gallery starting Sat., Jan. 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Other gallery hours are from Mon., Jan. 29 through Thurs., Feb. 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 718-767-8369.
On Sat., Feb. 3, the Community Church of Douglaston will present the works of three known.articles of our community. Mary Ann Klein, Diane Liberman, and Jean Rogers. A reception will be held on Feb. 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Parlor of the Community Church of Douglaston, 9-50 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston. Exhibit hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m on Feb. 3, 10 and I 1, 17 and 18, 24 and 25, March 3 and March 10 and 11. 718-229-2169
A new exhibit on display at the Queensborough Community College Art Gallery now through Jan. 25 will feature the paintings and drawings of nearly 60 artists from the Studio d'Arte Il Ponte in Rome. The creations represent various media and subjects, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. The Queensborough Community College Art Gallery is open to public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special appointments may be arranged during the weekend. 718-631-6396.
The Queens Museum of Art presents the exhibition, “Gio Ponli – A Metaphysical World” from Feb. 15 through May 20, revealing the full scope of Ponti's multifaceted production and contribution. Admission: $5, $2.50. 718-592-9700.
Valerie Atkisson displays a unique mural showing her Norwegian ancestry at the Queens Museum of Art through Jan. 28. 718-592-9700.
“Tiffany: Behind the Glass” continues through Feb. 4 at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Also continuing is “Seductions and Games” by Maureen Connor. 718-592-9700.
Queensborough Community College Holocaust Resource Center and Archives presents “Janusz Korczak's Warsaw” through June 30. The exhibit traces the career of Janusz Korczak in Warsaw until his death at Treblinka in August, 1942. Consists of a narrative text, photographs and documents. Library Basement, Room 30. Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free event. 718-225-1617.
Look up in the sky…it's a bird…it's a plane…no, it's Not-a-Superhero, appearing at the Queens Museum of Art Feb. 22 through May 27. Artist Luca Buvoli presents the latest chapter in the adventures of Not-a-Superhero, in the exhibition Around, Around, and Away-Not-a-Superhero and the Myth of New York, the latest installment in the museum's Wall Work series. Admission: $5, $2.50. 718-592-9700.
Science and technology shed a whole new light on traditional printmaking and photography by creating new, exciting forms of contemporary art. Art and Science Collaborations brings its third annual digital art competition exhibition to the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows Corona Park. 718-699-0005
The History of the Great Hall – the Architecture of the New York Hall of Science is presented by the Hallin Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This compact panel exhibit spotlights the New York Hall of Science, built for the 1964 -1965 World's Fair. Discover the Great Hall, its architect, Wallace K. Harrison, and the history behind its seven-story blue stained glass serpentine walls. 718-699-0005
The Rockaway Artists Alliance, with the Gateway National Recreation Area, presents “Seasonal Sensations,” a holiday exhibition of member works. The Alliance has also scheduled an exhibit, “Interior-Exterior,” through March 11 in Studio 6 in Fort Tilden, with a 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 opening reception.718 474-0861 or e-mail: rockart116@aol.com.
Faces tell a thousand stories, the eyes are the windows of the soul. Esther Kirchevsly teaches portrait drawing to novices and practices artists at the Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. 718-268-5960.
The Afrikan Poetry Theatre presents “My Haitian Diary” by Francois Rides Garcia. Free admission. Also, the Afrikan Poetry Theatre continues its exhibit, “Perspective Visions” by Philip Howell, a photo essay, at the Center For Culture, 176-03 Jamaica Ave. 718-523-3312.
“Angels of Deliverance,” an exhibit on the Underground Railroad continues through Feb. 25 at the Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37 Ave., Flushing. 718-939-0647.
“Castle – 6,500 years of Bayside History,” and other exhibits are on display at the Bayside Historical Society Mondays through Saturdays. 718-3521548.
An ongoing Art Exhibit featuring Oilist Mary Ann Klein, Watercolorist Diane Lieberman, and Photographer Jean Rogers on Feb 10, 11, 17 ,18, 24, 25 and March 3, 10, 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Reception will be held on Feb. 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Church of Douglaston Parlor, 39-50 Douglaston Parkway. 718-229-6169.
Festivals
Queens Recreation presents its third annual Winter Festival on Wed., Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 23 p.m. at Sorrentino Recreation Center, 18-48 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway. 718-520-5919.
Films
Steven Spielberg's epic film, “The Color Purple” will be shown on Mon., Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Central Library Auditorium, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard. This adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer-prize winning novel follows a young African-American woman over forty years. It stars Whoopi Goldberg in an Oscar-nominated performance, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. 718-990-0700.
Greek Cinema Showcase will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Avenue and 36 Street, Astoria, on Fri., Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. Admission: $8.50, $5.50, $4.50. Museum members are admitted free. 718-784-0077.
Critical Passions: Movies Selected By The New York Film Critics Circle will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Avenue and 36 Street, Astoria, on Sat., Feb. 3 and Sat. Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. Admission: $8.50, $5.50, $4.50. Museum members are admitted free. 718-784-0077.
“The Player” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Sat., Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m.
“The Public Enemy” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Sat., Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m.
“L'avventura” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Sat., Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
“The Seventh Voyage Of Sinbad” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Feb. 17 at 12 p.m.
“The Fury” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. Admission: $8.50, $5.50, $4.50.
“The Shop Around The Corner” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave., and 36 St., Astoria, on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.
“My Man Godfrey” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m.
Ray Harryhausen's “Handmade Fantasies” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image on Feb. 19 at noon.
“Shoot The Piano Player” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m.
“Rules Of The Game” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
“The Girl From Chicago” will be presented at the Museum of the Moving Image Feb. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $8.50, $5.50, $4.50. Museum members are admitted free. 718-784-0077.
Instruction/lectures
Traditional Greek folk dances are taught weekly at the Greek Cultural Center, 27-18 Hoyt Ave., Astoria. Classes are forming now for the beginning and advanced dancer through June. Registration is ongoing. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. for adult beginners and 9:30 p.m. for the advanced. Children's classes are held on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. (for ages 6-10) and 7:15 p.m. (for ages 10-14) 718-726-7329.
Musical Performances
The Con Brio Ensemble performs at 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 28 at the Church in the gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. 718-459-1277.
Guitarist Carolina Slim has been playing the blues for more than 40 years, infusing songs of love and loss with his unique musical interpretations. Mr. Slim draws on African, Caribbean, jazz and blues music to create his original sound. “Carolina Slim Sings the Blues” on Sat., Feb. 3 at 2:30 p.m. at the Far Rockaway Branch, 1637 Central Ave., 718-327-2549; Wed., Feb. 7 at
6 p.m. at the Lefferts Branch, 103-34 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill. 718-843-5950 and Sat., Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Laurelton Branch, 134-26 225 St., 718-528-2822.
On Sat., Feb. 3, at 2 p.m., the Cambria Heights Branch, 220-20 Linden Boulevard, will host “Bridging the African Diaspora: Talking Drums.” Travel across the African Diaspora, from Africa to the Americas, in an energizing multi-disciplinary performance of storytelling music and dance with performers Peggy Nelson and Kobla Mensa Dente. 718-528-3535.
Join international jazz vocalist Gabriel Tranchina and pianist/composer Joe Vincent Tranchina as they explore “Jazz Influences Around the World,” highlighting jazz's international influence, from American blues to Brazilian and Latin jazz, and much more. Enjoy favorites like “Muddy Water,” “Besame Mucho,” and “Samba Do Aviao.” Performances will take place on Sat., Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. at the Douglaston/Little Neck Branch, 249-01 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck, 718-225-8414; and on Sat., Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at the South Ozone Park Branch, 128-16 Rockaway Boulevard, 718-529-1660.
Jazz aficionados and novices alike will appreciate the jazz and blues presented by “JabluZZes,” featuring vocalist Lorraine Anthanio Lofaso, Les Kurtz on keyboard and D'mitri Kolesnik on bass. Enjoy the rich earthy tones of the deep heart-wrenching blues and electric jazz of Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington and even big Maybelle! Ms. Lofaso's sound is as intimate as it is worldly, and her dramatic interpretations are both beautiful to hear and watch. Join “JAbluZZes” in performances on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. at the Peninsula Branch, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach, 718-634-1110, and on Mon., Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the South Hollis Branch, 204-01 Hollis Avenue, 718-465-6779.
The grand divas of jazz take center stage in “Jazzy Ladies,” with vocalist Lorraine Anthanio Lofaso on Thurs., Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Rosedale Branch, 144-20 243 Street. Hear classics made famous by Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Ida Cox and Morgana King, and favorites such as “Romance in the Dark,” “My Old Flame,” and Big Mama Thornton's “You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog!” 718-528-8490.
Smooth rhythm and blues are the focus of “Yesterday and Today,” a performance by the Charles Carrington Trio, featuring vocalist Penney Dossett, Charles Carrington on keyboard and Al MacDowell on bass. The performance will take place on Sat., Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at the South Jamaica Branch, 108-41 Guy R Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica, and will include selections like Gwen Guthrie's “Close To You,” Smokey Robinson's “Ooo Baby, Baby,” and Joycelyn Brown's “Somebody Else's Guy.” 718-739-4088.
Performances
The Black Spectrum Theatre, 177 St., and Baisley Blvd, Jamaica presents Friendship Express,. Performances will be held Mon. Feb. 12 through Fri., Feb. 16 at 10 am. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets: $6. 718-723-1800.
Dream a Dream Productions, a theater repertory company, will perform scenes and monologues on selected Saturdays beginning Jan 27 at 2 p.m. through the month of March at the Forest Hills Branch Public Library, 108-19 71st Ave. 718-268-7934.
“The Story of Anne Frank” will be presented Jan. 27 at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. 718-482-5151.
The Manhattan Rhythm Kings, a popular attraction of Tilles Center for the Performing Art's “Cabaret at Club T” series, return to the Club T stage for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. performances on Sat., Feb. 3 (a change of performance date). The series is produced for Tilles Center by Jack Globenfelt and is held in the Hillwood Recital Hall. Tickets: $25. 516-299-3100.
Teatro Lirico D'Europa returns to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Fri., Feb. 2 with one of the world's best-loved grand operas, Verdi's “Aida.” The 8 p.m. performance is sung in Italian with English supertitles and features a full orchestra. The performance is an event of the “A Night at the Opera” series sponsored by The New York Times. Tickets: $42, $39. 516-299-3100.
The Black Spectrum Theatre, 177 St., and Baisley Blvd, Jamaica presents
Starbucks, 41-02 Main St., Flushing presents Open Mic Night on the first Thursday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All poets, musicians, singers, actors, playwrights and comedians are welcome. 718-424-6494.
Open Mic for poets, musicians, singers, actors, playwrights, and comedians is held on the first Monday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Caffe Greco, 79-08 37th Ave., Jackson Heights. 718-424-6494.
Singles
Cyber Singles meets Thursdays at 9 p.m. at Charisma Ballroom, 71-46 Main St. 718-268-2800.
The Central Queens Y in Forest Hills offers volleyball for singles 22 to 45 on Sunday mornings. 718-268-5011.
A new social club for women in their 40s and 50s, offering weekend outings, movies, theater, museums, has been formed. 212-704-8239.
Outdoor Singles activities hotline is 718-353-5506.
Seniors
The Forest Hills Senior Center offers line dancing at 1:30 p.m. Thursdays. 718-699-1010.
The Kew Gardens Community Center offers a variety of exercise, art, and other classes and activities throughout the week. 718-268-5960.
The Rego Park Senior Center offers meals, health screenings, housing clinics, ballroom dancing, line dancing, and other events and activities. 718-896-8511.
Slide Lectures
Pedro Pacheco will give a slide lecture of his work on the theme, “The Essential in Art,” the creative attitude of the artist, on Sun., Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at the National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston. This is a snow-day make-up. All are welcome. Free admission. Refreshments provided. 718-224-4953.
Workshops
The Chinese Theater Workshop performs “Kasper as a Banana,” whose misadventures illustrate the difficulties experienced by the city's Chinese immigrant community and raises issues common to every ethnic immigrant community newly arrived to American shores will be held on Sat., Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m at the Woodside Branch, 54-22 Skillman Ave. A discussion of the play will follow the performance. 715-420-4700
The Chinese Theater Workshop performs “Kasper as a Banana,” whose misadventures illustrate the difficulties experienced by the city's Chinese immigrant community and raises issues common to every ethnic immigrant community newly arrived to American shores. on Sat. Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the North Hills Branch, 57-04 Marathon Parkway. A discussion of the play will follow the performance. 718-225-3550.
The Acting Workshop of Queens continues this fall at the Forest Hills Adult Center, 67-01 110th Street, at Forest Hills High School on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fee is $150. 718 263-8066.
The Forest Hills Community House, 108-25 62nd Drive, offers a weekly, multi-media creative arts group for teens through age 18 on Monday evenings. 718-592-5757.
Esther Krichevsky teaches portrait drawing to novices and practiced artists at Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 202 on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. 718-268-5960.
The Queens Museum of Art presents free Family Drop-In Art Workshops every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 718-592-9700.
“The Neck Place,” a beginner's jewelry design workshop is conducted by Black Onyx on Sat., Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at the South Ozone Park Branch Public Library, 128-16 Rockaway Boulevard, South Ozone Park. 718-529-1660.
Grant Writing Basics, A workshop in Grant Proposal Writing conducted by Loretta Amster, Grant Writer/Fund Raising Consultant will be held on Sat., Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Rochdale Village Branch, 169-09 137 Ave., Jamaica. Preregistration is required. 718-723-4440.
“Create Your Own Story Mural” with Trina Lion, for ages 5-12. Artist/author Trina Lion shows how to create colorful collages, describe them in words and connect the two to make a book to hang at home. Preregister by calling the Gallery; current exhibit is the Art of Dos Passos on Mon., Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Central Library Gallery, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica. 718-990-8665.
