Enjoy the tunes of yesteryear performed by some of the finest musicians around at Queens Botanical Garden this August. Bring a blanket or a chair and a friend to these outdoor performances on the garden’s Great Lawn, presented on Thursdays, at 7 p.m.
On Aug. 7, a concert by The Little Brass Band of the American Concert Band features founder and director Dr. Kirby Jolly, a talented and seasoned conductor and trumpet virtuoso on first trumpet, plus performers on second trumpet, trombone, sax, clarinet, tuba, and drum. A variety of musical offerings include pops, Dixieland, Big Band, and tunes from Broadway and the movies.
The Starlight Ballroom, dance floors flooded with soft lights, and romantic evenings under the stars are just a few of the memories evoked by the music of The Lew Picardi Orchestra. Enjoy a journey back in time to the 1940s and 1950s on Aug. 14 when they bring their irresistible big band sounds to QBG. Dancing is highly recommended.
Nostalgia reigns when one of the finest swing/jazz bands in the metropolitan area brings its big band repertoire to QBG on Aug. 21. Phil Costa & The Something Special Big Band is known for its Count Basie style and features former Basie vocalist Kim Lawrence. The band will perform the Count’s classics, as well as those of Duke Ellington, adding a generous mix of contemporary arrangements by Sammy Nestico of some of the great standards and other well-known tunes.
All performances begin promptly at 7 p.m.
Support for the Thursday evening concert series and for public programs at Queens Botanical Garden has been provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; the New York City Council; the Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquariums Grant Program of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; JPMorgan Chase; and Con Edison.
Located at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing, Queens Botanical Garden is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. Admission is free. Parking is available for $5 in the garden’s lot on Dahlia Avenue. For more information and travel directions, call 718-886-3800 or go to www.queensbotanical.org.
