On Saturday, June 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Queens Museum of Art and Corona Action Network sponsor an afternoon of music and folkloric dance at International Family Day at Corona Plaza (103rd Street Corona Plaza station on the #7 train). Featured performers include Juarez Show Mariachi, Blue Pipa Trio and Charlie Cajeres Salsa Ensemble. Special discounts at local eateries as part of Queens Art Express. For more information visit www.queenscouncilarts.com/artexpress.
WONDERFUL WEEKEND EVENTS
On Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at 1 p.m., join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided tour of historic Fort Totten. Meet at the Visitor Center, Ordnance and Lee Roads in Fort Totten Park. Call 718-352-1769 for more information.
Last two days: On Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, noon to 5 p.m., Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, hosts a Student Art Exhibition in partnership with J.H.S. 231 the Magnetech 2000 School. Suggested donation $5; call the box office at 718-463-7700, Ext. 222 or visit www.FlushingTownHall.org for more information.
FRIDAY
On Friday, June 12 at 9 a.m., Astoria Library will present Astoria Health and Community Fair. Get free blood pressure screenings, children’s identification and other health and community services. The fair will take place at Astoria Blue Feather Head Start, 27-07 8th Street. For more information, call 718-278-2220.
On Friday, June 12 at 2 p.m., Bayside Library will present Here’s to the Chairman of the Board. Stan Edwards and Linda Ipanema perform classic standards made great by the smooth vocal style of Frank Sinatra. The library is located at 214-20 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-229-1834.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, June 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 a. m. and from 11 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, free Kripalu Yoga taught by Monique Schubert. Suitable for all experience levels; participants should bring a mat or towel. At Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Saturday, June 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m., rain or shine, free Capoeira in the Park, taught by Professor Abar. Classes are designed for all experience levels. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. At Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Saturday, June 13, from noon to 3 p.m. Martian Metropolis with Linda Ganjian. Design and build a model Martian metropolis complete with parks, trees, buildings and whatever you think a futuristic city might need. Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Participants work with a new artist each week, exploring diverse and innovative art mediums. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Saturday, June 13, at 1 p.m. enjoy an open rehearsal of John Jasperse Dance Company and a video installation by Hector Canonge, a Queens artist, at Topaz Arts, 55-03 39th Avenue in Woodside (52nd Street or 61st Street/Woodside stop on the #7 train). Free as part of Queens Art Express. For more information visit www.queenscouncilarts.com/artexpress.
On Saturday, June 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. Saint Joan of Arc Roman Catholic parish, 35-27 82nd Street in Jackson Heights, will hold their 7th Annual “Summer Fiesta” in the schoolyard. Enjoy appetizing ethnic food and a variety of wines, desserts and other refreshments; raffles and prizes; music and entertainment, and more. In case of rain, the fiesta will move into Monsignor Boylan Auditorium. Call 718-639-9020 for information.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m., Fresh Meadows Library will present “The Belle of Amherst.” The most celebrated of all one-woman plays, “The Belle of Amherst” brings to life America’s most celebrated poet, Emily Dickinson, and tells of her life, her career, and her immortal poetry. The library is located at 193-20 Horace Harding Expressway. For more information, call 718-454-7272.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m., East Flushing Library will present Big Band Sounds. Hear the marvelous music of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Louis Armstrong. Listen to “One O’Clock Jump,” “Take the A Train” and other favorites that will be performed by Stan Auld on clarinet and sax with vocals, Harvey Lane on keyboards with vocals, and Dick Bennett on drums. The library is located at 196-36 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-357-6643.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m., Peninsula Library will present vocalist Keisha St. Joan. Enjoy the music made great by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn with standards and some not so well-known compositions. The library is located at 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard. For more information, call 718-634-1110.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m., Queens Village Library will present The Big Band Sound. The Big Band Sound takes center stage with this salute to the creative genius of Basie, Ellington, Dizzy and more. The library is located at 94-11 217th Street. For more information, call 718-776-6800.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m., Flushing Library will present World Music Concert with Christine Ghezzo. Christine Ghezzo vocals and Dinu Ghezzo piano have been performing in festivals and concerts across Europe and the U.S. for over a decade. This concert will highlight sacred and secular songs from diverse places such as Romania, Hungary, India and Ireland. North Indian ragas, ancient Roman chants and Irish folk songs will be among the selections. Auditorium, Lower Level. The library is located at 41-17 Main Street. For more information, call 718-661-1200.
On Saturday, June 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. Queens Art Express presents Gospel, Soul and Doo Wop a capella group Men of Distinction and “Quake USA,” a Caribbean folk choir perform at Langston Hughes Library, 100-01 Northern Boulevard in Corona. For more information visit www.queenscouncilarts.com/artexpress.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m., Douglaston/Little Neck Library will present Performance Poets. Come share your poems in a relaxed informal setting. Read your poetry with published, non-published, and aspiring poets as well as special guests. Enjoy relaxing afternoons of poetry hosted by Sylvia E. Weinstein and the Douglaston/Little Neck Performance Poets Association. The library is located at 249-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-225-8414.
On Saturday, June 13, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Flushing House dining hall, 38-20 Bowne Street, Ronald Fatoullah, Esq. will discuss Medicaid provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and other concerns. Call Robert Salant, director of community affairs, at 347-532-3025 or 718-762-3198 to R.S.V.P. or email rsalant@uam.org, or visit their web site at www.flushinghouse.com.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m., Bayside Library will present Music from China: A Concert of Chinese Folk Music. Master musician Wang Guowei performs traditional music of the erhu and related two-string fiddles accompanied by Susan Cheng on the yangqin hammered dulcimer with selections in varied folk styles. The library is located at 214-20 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-229-1834.
On Saturday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m., Glen Oaks Library will present The Banjo Rascals Variety Show. The Banjo Rascals are known for their distinctive toe-tapping music and exquisite three-part harmony. The library is located at 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks. For more information, call 718-831-8636.
On Saturday, June 13 at 3 p.m., Astoria Library will present Los Calientes. Latin music sizzles with the tantalizing, pulsating rhythms of Los Calientes, who demonstrate the musical styles of salsa, merengue and son, sure to bring on spontaneous movement and dance. Funded by a Special Legislative Grant. The library is located at 14-01 Astoria Boulevard. For more information, call 718-278-2220.
On Saturday, June 13 at 3:30 p.m., Langston Hughes Library will present Men of Distinction. Enjoy the a cappella Caribbean folk choir from Brooklyn, Quake USA. The library is located at 100-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-651-1100.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, June 14, at 10 a.m. try the Early Birding at Oakland Lake. See the variety of birds that appear over the lake and among the tall grasses. A limited number of binoculars will be available. Meet at the park entrance on Cloverdale Boulevard near 46th Avenue in Bayside. For more information call 718-352-1769.
On Sunday, June 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., rain or shine, free Pilates in the Park, taught by Courtnie Vitali. Participants will leave feeling empowered and stress free. At Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Sunday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, free Tai Chi in the Park, led by members of the Taoist Tai Chi Society. Classes are designed for all experience levels. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. At Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Sunday, June 14, at noon, get The Slocum Story at Astoria Park. On June 15, 1904, the steamship General Slocum caught fire and burned on the East River, near Astoria Park. More than 1,000 people died; the worst fatal disaster in the city until 9-11. Meet at 24th Road and 19th Street. For more information, call 718-846-2731.
On Sunday, June 14 at 3 p.m., Queens Art Express presents Taylor Brow, singer and songwriter as part of Second Sunday – Music in the Garden Series, free with museum admission at Noguchi Museum, 32-37 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City (Vernon Boulevard/Jackson Avenue stop on the #7 train). For more information, visit www.noguchi.org.
On Sunday, June 14, at 4 p.m. the free Summer Sundays in the Park presents Audra Rox, high-energy rock for kids, and the Astoria Jazz Band at Travers Park athletic field, 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets in Jackson Heights. Northeastern Brazilian rhythms meet US roots. Presented by Jackson Heights Beautification Group and Friends of Travers Park; the Queens Community House; and the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
On Sunday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Queens Theatre in the Park presents Hungry March Band in this year’s final event of Queens Art Express and the kick-off for the Live at the Gantries Series of summer concerts at Gantry Plaza State Park, 47-04 48th Avenue (at Center Boulevard and 48th Avenue; the Vernon-Jackson stop on the No. 7 train) in Long Island City.
PERFORMANCES
On Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 21 at 3 p.m., in the LaGuardia Performance Arts Center, 3Graces Theater Co. presents a staged reading of “Beauty Queen,” a musical adaptation of the Esther story from the Hebrew Bible, refocused through the lens of modern ideas. At the Little Theatre at 47th Avenue and Van Dam Street in Long Island City. General Admission is free; reserve by email to RSVP-LPAC@lagcc.cuny.edu. For information on other cultural events, go to www.laguardiaperformingarts.com.
On Monday, June 15 at 2 p.m., Middle Village Library will present Big Band Sounds. Hear the marvelous music of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and many more. “In the Mood,” “One O’Clock Jump,” “Take the A Train” and other Big Band favorites will be performed by Stan Auld on clarinet and sax with vocals, Harvey Lane on keyboards with vocals, and Dick Bennett on drums. The library is located at 72-31 Metropolitan Avenue. For more information, call 718-326-1390.
On Monday, June 15 at 2 p.m., Glen Oaks Library will present Stan Edwards and Linda Ipanema performing classic standards made great by the smooth vocal style of Frank Sinatra. The library is located at 256-04 Union Turnpike. For more information, call 718-831-8636.
ODDS AND ENDS
On Monday, June 15, at 6 p.m., bring your dancing shoes for Dancing Under the Stars, a free summer series at Wallenberg Square in Forest Park, Metropolitan Avenue and Park Lane South in Kew Gardens. Instructors provide basic lessons in a variety of ballroom styles including swing, cha-cha, and rumba for the first 45 minutes each week.
On Monday, June 15, at 1 p.m. Irma Wesley’s art program will discuss “The West” visions of Yosemite National Park at the Queens Community House Kew Gardens Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 202. For more information, call 718 268-5960, or visit their web site at www.queenscommunityhouse.org.
On Tuesday, June 16, and Thursday, June 18 at 9 a.m. take a Fitness Walk Along the Water, Sponsored by The Fitness Consultant. Walk along scenic Joe Michael’s Mile and participating in other fitness activities along the way. Meet at the entrance to Fort Totten (intersection of 212th Street, Bell Boulevard and the Cross Island Parkway service road). Call 718-352-4793 for more information.
On Wednesday, June 17 at 10 a.m., Woodhaven Library will present Guitar Lesson Sign-Ups. Guitar Lesson Sign-ups will be held June 17 to June 20 during library hours. Ages 10 and up. Must sign up in person. The library is located at 85-41 Forest Parkway. For more information, call 718-849-1010.
On Wednesday, June 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dancing Under the Stars – bring your dancing shoes to Little Bay Park Roller Hockey Rink. (Park near the entrance to Fort Totten – intersection of 212th Street, Bell Boulevard and the Cross Island Parkway service road.) Instructors provide basic lessons in a variety of ballroom styles including swing, cha-cha, and rumba for the first 45 minutes each week. Call 718-352-4793 for more information.
Tuesdays at 6 p.m. (except in July and August,) The Bayview Bridge Club, a not-for-profit organization of bridge players, meets at Church of the Resurrection, 100-17 32nd Avenue in East Elmhurst. For more information, call club president Ted Harvin at 516-209-7864.
Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., a Woman’s Group will meet in Forest Hills to talk, and in the process improve their relationships. Members will give and receive support and practice direct communication. The group will be led by a licensed clinical social worker. Call Heidi Elias at 718-371-8916 for more information.
Tuesdays, starting at 7:30 p.m., The Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Boulevard (between Sanford Avenue and Main Street) in Flushing, is offering a Mindfulness Meditation class, led by Rabbi Michael Weisser. Open to all; appropriate for beginners or experienced in meditation. Free for members; $10 for non-members. Free on-site parking available. Call 718-961-0030 or visit www.freesynagogue.org for more information.
On Wednesday, June 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The National Art League of Douglaston, 44-21 Douglaston Parkway, hosts Watercolor Classes with Diane Lieberman, instructor. Traditional and contemporary techniques taught; beginners welcome. Full demonstration, individual instruction and critique at each session. Fee: $20 per class. For more information, call 718-969-1128.
On Wednesday, June 17 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. the Samuel Field Y at 58-20 Little Neck Parkway has “High Beginner” Line Dancing Classes with instructor Lynn Martino Open dancing between and after classes; free refreshments, snacks and holiday parties. Entry fee $8 per person; call 347-693-8300 for information. Ten week beginners program (from 6:30 to 8 p.m.) starts soon.
On Thursday, June 11 and 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., The Center for the Women of New York announces that it is now accepting registration for a new session of their free Women’s Support Group. The group meets in Room 325 at Queensborough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. For information or an interview appointment, call 718-793-0672.
On Thursday, June 11 and 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. the Samuel Field Y at 58-20 Little Neck Parkway has Intermediate Line Dancing Classes with instructor Lynn Martino. Open dancing between and after classes. Free refreshments, snacks and holiday parties. Entry fee $8 per person; call 347-693-8300 for information
On Thursday, June 18, a free support group for people suffering from anxiety and depression meets at Zucker Hillside Hospital, 75-59 263rd Street in Glen Oaks, in the conference room of the Kaufman Building. Please call group leader Lori Kalman at 718-746-3092 before coming. Visit their web site at www.namiqn.org for more information.
Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon, the Kew Gardens Community Center, a program of the Queens Community House, located at 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, hosts MindFit, a Brain Power Fitness Program, in their computer center. This special computer-generated program is being made available as a brain fitness program. For more information, call director Bari Goltzman at 718 268-5960, Ext. 223, email bgoltzman@queenscommunityhouse.org or visit their web site at www.queenscommunityhouse.org.
Saint Michael’s Cemetery at 7202 Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst is offering pre-need plans for purchase of memorial property, with payment from three to five years and as little as 10 percent down. Monthly billing available. Call 718-278-3240 to inquire.
