Celebrate Latino Culture
The Afro-Cuban dance, music and song troupe Oyu Oro will perform on the inaugural night of the 13th Annual Chase Latino Cultural Festival July 30 at 8 p.m. at Queens Theater in the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. To learn more, call 718-760-0064.
Colombian Independence Day Festival
On Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. is the 25th Annual Colombian Independence Day Festival in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. There’ll be music, food, dance, beauty pageant queens, and plenty of yellow, blue, and red Colombian flags; the festival site is just south of the Unisphere. More than 100,000 people BBQ and celebrate; sponsored in part by Centro Civico Colombiano (718-699-4833.)
WONDERFUL WEEKEND EVENTS
On Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 19 at 2:30 p.m., the BroadHollow Theatre Company presents Little Women, a musical from the Louisa May Alcott novel, at the BroadHollow Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont. Two performances on Wednesday, July 22 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, $18 for students and $14 for youths 12 and under. Student rush tickets available at $10 half an hour before the show for students 13- to 22-years-old with a valid student ID. Major cards accepted. Call the box office at 516-775-4420 or 631-581-2700, or visit at www.broadhollow.org. Group rates are available. Email htgroupsales@aol.com for group information. See A View From the Cliff review in this issue.
On Friday, July 17 and Saturday July 18, 10 a.m., Learn the basics of canoeing as you canoe with the Rangers on Little Neck Bay. First come, first-served. Ages 8+. Meet at Fort Totten entrance, 212th Street north the Cross Island Parkway in Bayside. Details at 718-352-1769.
FRIDAY
On Friday, July 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. enjoy Storytelling in the Park, crafts and activities with Librarian Carol Scheper at Broad Channel Park, Cross Bay Boulevard between E16 and E18 Roads. Call 718-318-4000 for details.
On Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m., Broad Channel Library will present Story Telling in the Park. This will be followed by crafts, games and snacks supplied by the Parks Dept. Bring a towel or blanket to sit on. The library is located at 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard. For more information, call 718-318-4943.
On Friday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m., Central Library will present Cancer Action Council Meeting. Want to know how you can improve health in your neighborhood? We are a group of community leaders who discuss community health issues and make plans for action. Questions? Contact 718-990-5102. The library is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard. For more information, call 718-990-0700.
On Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, kids ages 8-13 can learn basic skills at a Free Skateboarding Clinic in Forest Park Skate Park, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive in Kew Gardens; must bring a skateboard and helmet; wrist guards, knee and elbow pads will be provided. Wednesdays and Fridays through August 14; registration required. Call 718-235-4100 for details.
On Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, kids ages 8-13 can learn basics of the game, good sportsmanship, and meet friends at a Free Basketball Clinic that begins at Dry Harbor Playground, Myrtle Avenue and 80th Street in Glendale. Wednesdays and Fridays through August 14; registration required. Call 718-235-4100 for details.
On Friday, July 17, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. experience Passport Fridays 2009: 5th Annual International Film, Dance and Music Series. Bring a picnic blanket to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park for dance performances, a live concert and film screening from Mexico. No rain dates! In case of rain, program moves inside the Queens Museum.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, July 18, at noon, Hands-on History: The Buzz at the Manor comes to King Manor Museum at Rufus King Park, Jamaica Avenue and 150th Street; Visit King Manor and enjoy a very special story time, activity, and craft based on the historical theme of bees and beekeeping. For more information, call 718-206-0545.
On Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m., Flushing Library will present Reggae Concert with the Nite People Band. The Nite People Band is made up of Vinitta lead vocals, Henry Validum lead vocals, Andrew Wright keyboards, Victor drums, and Patrick Wheery electric bass. They will be playing a mix of classic and contemporary reggae. The library is located at 41-17 Main Street. For more information, call 718-661-1200.
On Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m., Langston Hughes Library will present Rhythms of the Drum. Enjoy an afternoon of world rhythms featuring Master percussionist Linda Austin and her all-female group of percussionists Simply Skins: Daughters of the Drum at 2 p.m. and a dynamic performance with the United African Dance Troupe Drummers at 3:30 p.m. The library is located at 100-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-651-1100.
On Saturday, July 18 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble. Founded in 2006 by violinist Meg Okura, the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble is one of the leading voices in world chamber jazz with its multi-cultural and original sound. Experience classical masterpieces, infused with playful elements of jazz, funk, rock and varieties of world music. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Saturday July 18, from noon to 3 p.m. come to Saturday Sculpture Workshops: Topographic Maps of Fantasy Lands. Make 3-D maps with sculptural and painting materials, alone or paired up at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City; artist Anna Craycroft will show you how. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Saturday, July 18, from noon to 4 p.m. St. Albans Family Day is a free day of arts & crafts, inflatable rides, face painting, music and games at St. Albans Park, Merrick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue in Jamaica (just north of Linden Boulevard.)
On Saturday July 18, at 2 p.m. Natalia “Saw Lady” Paruz presents the 7th annual NYC Musical Saw Festival, a concert and art exhibit at Trinity Church, 31-38 37th Street (at 31st Avenue) in Astoria. With 48 musical saw players registered to perform, they are sure to break the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Musical Saw Ensemble,” (27 musicians playing together). Admission $10. Details at www.musicalsawfestival.org.
On Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m., Langston Hughes Library will present Drums in The Court Yard. African drummers fill the air at the library with the sound of 100 drums & song. The library is located at 100-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-651-1100.
On Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m., Central Library will present Mark Curry, Author of Dancing with the Devil. Former Bad Boy recording artist Mark Curry’s new book takes a revealing look inside the music industry, a tell-all of the rigged contracts that rob artists of their dreams and publishing rights, and the reforms needed to avoid artists from ending up in poverty, prison or the grave. Books will be available for sale and signing. The library is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard. For more information, call 718-990-0700.
On Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m., Woodhaven Library will present Prepare for the Job Interview. Topics include what to bring to the interview; Grooming techniques; Proper Wardrobe and Personal Presentation. The library is located at 85-41 Forest Parkway. For more information, call 718-849-1010.
On Saturday, July 18, at 5 p.m. there’s Family Camping at Alley Pond Park. Tents, dinner, and a light breakfast provided. Bring your own sleeping bag. Alley Pond Park Adventure Center; enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway. Space limited. To register, visit https://nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register; details at 718-846-2731.
On Saturday July 18 at 7 p.m., the Greek Cultural Center’s Annual Free Summer Film Festival, at 27-18 Hoyt Avenue South in Astoria, continues this year’s tribute to the films of Costa-Gavras, with a showing of State of Siege (1972) in French with Greek subtitles, with music by Mikis Theodorakis. For more information call 718-726-7329 or email info@greekculturalcenter.org.
On Saturday, July 18, from 8 to 10 p.m. enjoy an Evening with the Stars is a basic astronomy lecture and outdoor professional telescope viewing, with astronomer Mark Freilich Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard in Douglaston. Adults: $10/member, $12/non- member; children 7-12 $7. Call 718-229-4000 or email info@alleypond.com.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, July 19 at 11 a.m. free Saltwater Fishing; try to catch a big fish in Flushing Bay. Equipment provided. First come, first-served. Fishing regulations must be followed; Ages 8+; World’s Fair Marina, Pier 1 (north of Citi Field, near 126th Street.) Details at 718-846-2731.
On Sunday, July 19, from noon to 4 p.m. Friends of Fort Totten Park’s Family Fun Day is a free, fun afternoon of games, crafts, medical screening, pet micro-chipping, demonstrations and more, at Fort Totten Park Parade Grounds. Enter at 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Details at 718-352-4793.
On Sunday July 12 at 1 p.m. Sunday Garden free Concert Series in Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Doo-Wop Hall of Fame Warren Tesoro & The Exceptions. Dance lessons precede 2 p.m. concerts. Four Star Chef Ashbell McElveen’s Global Grill sells food. Call the box office at 718-463-7700, Ext. 222 or visit www.FlushingTownHall.org for more information.
On Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m., Go Fish at Kissena Park. All ages welcome; limited poles and bait provided. Meet behind Kissena Playground (near 164th and Oak Streets.) Details at 718-846-2731.
MONDAY
On Monday, July 20, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. In CityParks Kids: Ferdinand the Bull puppet show enormous figures are brought to life by Hudson Vagabond Puppets at Rochdale Park, New York Boulevard and 134th Avenue. More at www.hvpuppets.org.
On Monday, July 20, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. the Kingsland Homestead Summer 2009 Education Programs, 143-35 37th Avenue in Flushing, “Geometry Scavenger Hunt: Math, Art & History” and “Digging Up History: Science, Art & History” Weeping Beech Park. Programs run Monday to Wednesday, July and August; $4 per child; for more information or to register, call 718-939-0647, Ext. 17 or email QhsEducation@gmail.com.
On Monday, July 20 at 1:30 p.m., Kew Gardens Hills Library will present Paulette Anne’s Broadway Tribute. Paulette Anne performs great show stopping melodies from Broadway Ethel Merman’s “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Anything Goes,” Liza Minelli’s “Cabaret,” “All That Jazz” from Chicago and many more. The library is located at 72-33 Vleigh Place. For more information, call 718-261-6654.
On Monday, July 20 at 5:30 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present Recovery, Inc. Join this self-help group assisting individuals with anxiety issues. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Monday, July 20 at 6 p.m., Middle Village Library will present Job Information Services. Create cover letters; resumes; interviewing skills and research job information from the Internet. Preregistration is required. Classes held on selected Mondays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The library is located at 72-31 Metropolitan Avenue. For more information, call 718-326-1390.
On Monday, July 20, at 6 p.m. free Dancing Under the Stars, a 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, July 20 at 6 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present Brief Shorts: Dance Theater Performances. Xoregos Performing Company transforms innovative and entertaining dramatic and poetic works into dazzling dance theater pieces. Colorfully costumed, these choreographed plays augment the spoken word, sure to delight and stimulate audiences of all ages. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Monday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m., Baisley Park Library will present Mark Curry, Author of Dancing with the Devil. Former Bad Boy recording artist Mark Curry’s new book takes a revealing look inside the music industry, a tell-all of the rigged contracts that rob artists of their dreams and publishing rights, and the reforms needed to avoid artists from ending up in poverty, prison or the grave. Books will be available for sale and signing. The library is located at 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard. For more information, call 718-529-1590.
On Monday, July 20, at 8:30 p.m. Movie Night in Astoria Park, on the Lawn off Shore Boulevard, between Hell Gate Bridge and the pool, presents Surfs Up, the 2007 animated family favorite. Free; bring a blanket or folding chairs.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday, July 21, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. CityParks Kids: Sleeping Beauty; Puppeteers from The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre perform at Rufus King Park, Jamaica Avenue and 153rd Street.
On Tuesday, July 21, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Summer Fun Childrens Series 2009: Wordflow gives a whirlwind performance by professional spoken word artists and plenty of audience participation at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue and 30th Street in Astoria. Call 718-728-7820 or email centralastoria@aol.com for details.
On Tuesday, July 21 at 4 p.m., Hollis Library will present How to Create Your Resume. Learn how to create a professional resume, or improve the one that you already have. The library is located at 202-05 Hillside Avenue. For more information, call 718-465-7355.
On Tuesday, July 21, at 7 p.m. Jabali Afrikan Acrobats combine fast-paced movement, music, dance, and incredible acrobatics at George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park at Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive.
On Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Live at the Gantries: Afrodita featuring Hector Morales plays heavy earthy grooves from the black Peru style, Rumba, Arabic motifs, rock digressions and poetic lyrics at Gantry Plaza State Park, 474 48th Avenue in Long Island City. For more information call visit www.hectormorales.net.
On Tuesday, July 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. CityParks Concerts present Lovebug Starski and Friends in a free concert at Queensbridge Park along the East River, 41st Avenue and Vernon Boulevard. He was there at the birth of hip-hop. Some even claim he was the first to call it by that name. Call 212-360-8290 for details.
WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, July 22 at 1 p.m., Langston Hughes Library will present Cancer Action Council Meeting. Want to know how you can improve health in your neighborhood? Concerned about community health issues? Join us for the next Langston Hughes Cancer Action Council meeting! We are a group of community leaders who come together to address local health issues and make plans for action. Questions? Contact 718-990-5102. The library is located at 100-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-651-1100.
On Wednesday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m., McGoldrick Library will present Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trusts and Asset Protection. Noted elder law and estate planning attorneys will present strategies and consult with you on aspects of elder law, power of attorney, estate and disability planning and long-term care. You will learn how to gain income and avoid estate taxes while providing for heirs and charitable interests. You will also gain insight into preserving wealth and increasing lifetime income. The library is located at 155-06 Roosevelt Avenue. For more information, call 718-461-1616.
On Wednesday, July 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Professional Speaker’s Bureau presents a Mega-Networking Event and Dinner. Bring plenty of business cards. Presentation: “An Outstanding Follow-Up System for Your Networking & Trade Show Contacts;” at Cardiovascular Medical Associates, 975 Stewart Avenue in Garden City. Pre-paid admission is $30; $35 at the door. Call 516-817-0222; 516-484-2844 to leave a message, or visit www.speakersnetworking.com.
On Wednesday, July 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Al Oerter Recreation Center, 131-40 Fowler Avenue in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, get into the MillionTreesNYC Tree Stewardship Workshop. Details at www.milliontreesnyc.org.
On Wednesday evening, July 22 Outdoor Cinema 2009: Contempt (1963, France not rated). Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, with Brigitte Bardot, Jack Palance at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Pre-screening performances begin at 7 p.m.; films begin at sunset. Details at 718-956-1819 or www.socratessculpturepark.org.
On Wednesday, July 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dancing Under the Stars at Little Bay Park Roller Hockey Rink (Park near the entrance to Fort Totten –212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Instructors provide basic lessons in a variety of ballroom styles for the first 45 minutes each week. Call 718-352-4793 for more information.
On Wednesday, July 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park, Woodhaven Boulevard and Park Drive, Queens Council on the Arts and The New York Metro Country Music Association present a Summer Concert featuring Sean Kershaw.
THURSDAY
On Thursday, July 23, 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.
