Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Louis Armstrong House Museum, with a Jazz Concert and events for the entire family. “Satchmo” liked to celebrate his birthday on July 4. In keeping with tradition, the museum, at 34-56 107th Street in Corona, will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
From noon to 12:45 p.m. take a group Scat-singing Lesson and have some birthday cake afterwards, in the Museum’s Japanese-inspired Garden. Call 718-478-8274 to reserve space.
From 1 to 2:30 p.m. American-music preservation band the Red Hook Ramblers perform ragtime, blues and jazz in a garden concert.
From 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Assistant Director Deslyn Dyer talks about the new exhibit “Louis Armstrong’s Collages,” hand-made collages created by the “Father of Jazz.” Because of the fragility of this artwork, the exhibit will remain on view only through July 12.
All events are free with museum admission. Tickets are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with ID; children under four admitted free. Admission includes a 40-minute guided tour of the historic house, entry to the exhibit, and the garden. For more information, visit www.louisarmstronghouse.org.
WONDERFUL WEEKEND EVENTS
On Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5 at 1 p.m. join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided tour of historic Fort Totten. Learn about the history of Willets Point and explore the nineteenth century fortress designed by Robert E. Lee. Meet at the Visitor Center, Ordnance and Lee Roads in Fort Totten Park. Call 718-352-1769 for more information.
FRIDAY
On Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, golf a round around the rockets at Rocket Park Mini Golf. Visitors ages 6 and older can pilot their ball through this nine-hole outdoor mini golf course and discover the secrets of spaceflight. Admission; $6 adults, $5 children; call 718-699-0005 for more information.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, June 27, at 9 a.m. an instructor leads Hatha yoga exercises in the Little Bay Park roller hockey rink, 212th Street/Bell Boulevard/Cross Island Parkway service road intersection. Please bring your own mats and/or towels. Classes are free, however, you are asked to sign a waiver, so get there a little early. Sponsored by Hot Yoga Paradise and Queens County Savings Bank. Call 718-352-4793 for more information.
On Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. Learn about Shore Ecology. Meet the Urban Park Rangers at the entrance to Fort Totten Park, north of intersection of 212th Street and the Cross Island Parkway, and search for coastal critters down by the bayshore. For more information, call 718-352-1769.
On Saturday June 27, from noon to 3 p.m. come to Saturday Sculpture Workshops: Hello Rag Dolly. Bring your old t-shirts and clothing to Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, where artist Paul Duncan will show you how to make a rag doll stuffed with recycled materials. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street in Flushing Meadows Corona Park is hosting the 3rd Annual Science Farmers’ Market open-air exhibit with produce from local farmers, science handouts and live demonstrations on the benefits of a balanced diet and the importance of supporting community farms. Free; for more information call 718-699-0005.
On Sunday, July 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. go Boating in Hallets Cove sponsored by the Long Island City Boathouse (LICB). Meet at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Kayak and canoe from the beach just north of the park. An adult must accompany participants under 18. Visit www.licboathouse.org or call 718-228-9214 for cancellation due to inclement weather.
PERFORMANCES
On Tuesday, July 7 at 7 p.m. Live at the Gantries: the Royston Dance Company appearing in the new film “Love n’ Dancing,” perform in a free concert at Gantry Plaza State Park, 474 48th Avenue in Long Island City. For more information call 718-786-6385.
On Thursday July 9 at 7 p.m. Juniper Park Civic Association presents the Big Band sound of Lew Picardi Orchestra, on the asphalt playground at Juniper Valley Park, 80th Street between Juniper Boulevard North and South, in Middle Village. Bring a lawn chair; schedule subject to change. For the latest information on this Summer Concert Series call 718-651-5865 or visit www.junipercivic.com.
On Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. Central Astoria’s Waterfront Concert Series presents Gary U.S. Bonds, presented by the Central Astoria Local Development Corporation, on the Astoria Park Lawn, Shore Boulevard between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool. Call 718-728-7820 for more information.
On Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m., the LaGuardia Performance Arts Center presents cello quartet Break of Reality at the Little Mainstage Theatre at 47th Avenue and Van Dam Street in Long Island City. Their new CD Spectrum of the Sky appeals to fans of Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, and Yo-Yo Ma. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and students. Call the box office at 718- 482-5151. For information on other cultural events, go to www.laguardiaperformingarts.com.
ODDS AND ENDS
On Monday, July 6 at 2 p.m., Windsor Park Library will present the Day Book Club. We will discuss Diary of a Bad Year by J. M. Coetzee. Fulfilling a publisher assignment to share his opinion on the state of the world, aging writer Senor C pens a scathing indictment of Western leaders, education, and other topics, an endeavor that is marked by his budding relationship with a new assistant. The library is located at 79-50 Bell Boulevard. For more information, call 718-468-8300.
On Monday, July 6 at 4 p.m., Douglaston/Little Neck Library will present Knitting and Crochet. Helen Bodner helps beginners through experts with their knitting and crochet projects. Come once, several times, or every week. Adults, teens, and kids are welcome. Bring your own needles and yarn. The library is located at 249-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-225-8414.
On Monday, July 6 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 71 Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Monday, July 6 at 6 p.m., Queens Village Library will present Adult Chess Club. Practice your chess skills weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings. The library is located at 94-11 217 Street. For more information, call 718-776-6800.
On Monday, July 6, 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 6 at 6:30 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present Ballroom Dancing with Jing Chen. Chen is a skilled instructor who will give lessons in ballroom basics for beginners and offer training for more advanced students. The library is located at 108-19 71 Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m., Ridgewood Library will present the Book Club and discuss A Child Called ‘It’. The library is located at 20-12 Madison Street. For more information, call 718-821-4770.
On Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m., Woodhaven Library will present the Chess Club for ages 8 and up. Play or learn how to play. The library is located at 85-41 Forest Parkway. For more information, call 718-849-1010.
On Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m., Richmond Hill Library will present Long Island Society for Paranormal Research: Voices of the Dead? A discussion about spirit communication throughout the ages and the people who pioneered it. Hear tales about mediums and séances, and the tricks they used. The library is located at 118-14 Hillside Avenue. For more information, call 718-849-7150.
On Tuesday, July 7 at 1 p.m., Fresh Meadows Library will present Adult Scrabble. Please bring your own scrabble boards. The library is located at 193-20 Horace Harding Expressway. For more information, call 718-454-7272.
On Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present the Forest Hills Book Club and discuss "Daughter of Fortune" by Isabel Allende. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Tuesday, July 7 at 4 p.m., Windsor Park Library will present Knitting Club. Come make friends, have a good time, and knit! All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies please. Free refreshments! The library is located at 79-50 Bell Boulevard. For more information, call 718-468-8300.
On Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m., Forest Hills Library will present ESOL-Intermediate Level. English as A Second Language ESOL class on an intermediate level. Registration is required. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Wednesday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m., Hollis Library will present Senior Theatre Acting Repertory. STAR is here! We are now rehearsing for our new theatrical season. If you are interested in joining our galaxy of STARs, come in to the library and brighten your life. The library is located at 202-05 Hillside Avenue. For more information, call 718-465-7355.
On Wednesday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present N.Y. Cares. Volunteer recruitment workshop. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Wednesday, July 8 at 3 p.m., Bellerose Library will present Tai Chi for Seniors. Presented by NORC WOW and The Arthritis Foundation. Pre-registration is required. The library is located at 250-06 Hillside Avenue. For more information, call 718-831-8644.
On Wednesday, July 8 at 4 p.m., LeFrak City Library will present Chess and Checkers. Learn the basics of chess and checkers and eventually master the games. Open to all age groups. The library is located at 98-30 57th Avenue. For more information, call 718-592-7677.
On Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30 p.m., Flushing Library will present Sizzlin’ Summer Karaoke for Teens and Adults. Come join the fun at Queens Library at Flushing and sing along to your favorite ballads, party/dance songs, oldies and Top 40 hits. We have many karaoke CDs with hundreds of songs from which to choose! Please feel free to bring your own CDs to sing along with as well. The library is located at 41-17 Main Street. For more information, call 718-661-1200.
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 Thursday, July 2 and Thursday, July 9, at 6 p.m. free Dancing Under the Stars, a summer series at Dry Harbor Playground in Forest Park, 80th Street and Myrtle Avenue in Glendale. Instructors provide basic lessons in a variety of ballroom styles including swing, cha-cha, and rumba for the first 45 minutes each week
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.
