On Friday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m., Queens Theatre in the Park will present Anna Saeki. Recognized as the Tango Diva, Japanese singer Anna Saeki seeks to expand the reach and visibility of Tango music to wider audiences. Tickets are $20 Advance; Day of performance $25; Multi-Show $18. The theatre is located at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. For more information, call 718-760-0064.
WONDERFUL WEEKEND EVENTS
On Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at 10 a.m. learn the basics of Canoeing at Fort Totten Park. For ages 8+; meet at the entrance to Fort Totten, 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Call 718-352-1769 for information.
On Saturday, August 1 and Sunday August 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, kids 6-and-over can golf a 9-hole round around the rockets at Rocket Park Mini Golf and discover the secrets of spaceflight. Also Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission; $6 adults, $5 children, plus Hall admission; call 718-699-0005 for more information.
FRIDAY
On Friday, July 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. a Farmers’ Market opens in the parking lot of The Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street in Flushing. Enter the parking lot on Crommeling Street, between Blossom and Dahlia Avenues (between College Point Boulevard and Main Street). For more information, call 718-886-3800, Ext. 230 or visit www.queensbotanical.org.
On Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m., Forest Hills Library will present ESOL – Intermediate Level. English As A Second Language Class on an Intermediate Level. Registration required. The library is located at 108-19 71 Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Friday, July 31 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 31, at 5 p.m. Enjoy Family Camping at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center. Tents, dinner and a light breakfast provided. Bring your own sleeping bag.
Space limited; to register, visit https://nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register. Enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway. Call 718-846-2731 for details.
On Friday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. Queens Museum of Art presents 5th Annual Passport Fridays 2009 in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Transworld Performing Arts Ensemble in dances from eastern Africa. Global hip-hop set by Nomadic Wax with Bakta Squad. Film at 8 p.m. “Diamonds in the Rough,” Uganda/USS 2008, in English and Lugandan with English subtitles. In case of rain, performance moves inside of museum.
On Friday, July 31, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy Plaza Theatrical: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; live outdoor family theater at Alley Pond Park (76th Avenue off Springfield Boulevard.) Call 718-352-4793 for details.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, August 1 at 10 a.m., Langston Hughes Library will present Calpulli Mexican Dance. A Mexican dance company performs. The library is located at 100-01 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-651-1100.
On Saturday, August 1 at noon., Flushing Library will present Asian-American International Film Festival. Enjoy an afternoon of movies rarely seen elsewhere. The library is located at 41-17 Main Street. For more information, call 718-661-1200.
On Saturday August 1, from noon to 3 p.m. come to Saturday Sculpture Workshops: Magical Garden Prints. Children can explore printmaking at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, where artist Lars Fisk will show them how to transpose plants, vegetables, flowers and herbs into ink creations. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Saturday, August 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Save the Kids Day at Brookville Park will offer families an opportunity to learn more about various city agencies and receive information from local community organizations. There will be activities for children, performances and music. Gather at Brookville Boulevard and 143rd Avenue.
On Saturday, August 1 at 2 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present Dolce Music. Dolce Music will perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Faure, Ravel and Schocker. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Saturday, August 1, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. CityParks Dance presents Kulu Mele African American Dance & Drum Ensemble in Soul Steps. The longest running African dance company in Philadelphia has built a repertoire mixing West African ancestral tradition and African American creativity. At Queensbridge Park, 41st Avenue, Bridge Plaza, Vernon Boulevard and the East River. Call 212-360-8290 for details.
On Saturday August 1 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 the Academy Award winning “Hanna K.,” (1983) starring Jill Clayburgh, Jean Yanne and Gabriel Byrne; edited by Françoise Bonnot. For more information call 718-726-7329 or email info@greekculturalcenter.org.
On Saturday, August 1, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. the free Ice Theatre of New York Summer Youth Concert Series is at the World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Details at www.icetheatre.org.
SUNDAY
CANCELLED – The Queens Symphony Orchestra performance scheduled for Sunday, August 2 at the Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park has been cancelled.
On Sunday, August 2, at 10 a.m. learn Animal Tracking with the Urban Park Rangers. Meet at Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive. Call 718-846-2731 for information.
On Sunday, August 2, 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, August 2 at 11 a.m. Birding for Kids highlights different bird types, special park areas and seasonal highlights for children 12-and-under. Meet at Fort Totten Visitor Center, Ordnance and Lee Roads in Fort Totten Park. Call 718-352-1769 for details.
On Sunday, August 2, from noon to 4 p.m. Stars of Yesterday will feature “celebrity” performances by stars of the past including The Beatles, Elvis, and more at Windmuller Playground, Woodside Avenue and 39th Drive in Woodside. Call 718-520-5954 for details.
On Sunday, August 2 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 19th 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.
On Sunday, August 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. go Kayaking 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.
On Sunday, August 2, at 2 p.m. you can Go Fish at Kissena Park. All ages welcome; limited poles and bait provided. Meet behind Kissena Playground, near 164th and Oak Streets in Flushing. Call 718-846-2731 for details.
On Sunday, August 2, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. CityParks Dance presents Dancing in the Streets: Hip Hop by Generation Next, Illstyle & Peace Productions. See the breathtaking dance forms emerging today. Hosted by “Rokafella,” at Queensbridge Park, along the East River, 41st Avenue and Vernon Boulevard. Call 212-360-8290 or email info@cityparksfoundation.org for details.
MONDAY
On Monday, August 3, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. the Kingsland Homestead Summer 2009 Education Programs, 143-35 37th Avenue in Flushing presents “Geometry Scavenger Hunt: Math, Art & History” and “Digging Up History: Science, Art & History” in 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, August 3, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. CityParks PuppetMobile presents “Sleeping Beauty.” Please bring a chair or blanket to the Great Lawn in Fort Totten Park, just inside the entrance at 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Call 718-352-4793 for details
On Monday, August 3 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. CityParks Kids: Ebony Hillbillies, one of the last black string bands in America, in Rochdale Park, New York Boulevard and 134th Avenue. More at www.ebonyhillbillies.com.
On Monday, August 3 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, August 3 at 6 p.m., Baisley Park Library will present Cancer Action Council. Join this group of community leaders to discuss community health issues and make plans for action in Far Rockaway. Questions? Contact 718-990-5197. The library is located at 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard. For more information, call 718-529-1590.
On Monday, August 3, at 8:15 p.m. Movie Night in Astoria Park: Dark Knight; on the Astoria Park Lawn (Shore Boulevard between the Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool). Contact 718-728-7820 or centralastoria@aol.com for details.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday, August 4, and Thursday August 6 at 9 a.m. take a Fitness Walk Along the Water along scenic Joe Michael’s Mile and participate in other fitness activities along the way, sponsored by The Fitness Consultant. Meet at the entrance to Fort Totten Park, 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Call 718-352-4793 for details.
On Tuesday, August 4, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Central Astoria’s Summer Fun Children’s Series 2009: Salsa Festival. Children are introduced to the basics of this spicy mixture of rhythms originating from many different cultures; at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue and 30th Street, in Astoria; More information at 718-728-7820 or email centralastoria@aol.com.
On Tuesday, August 4 at 7 p.m. Live at the Gantries: Kimati Dinizulu Organic Duet World-renown drummer Nana Kimati Dinizulu makes a rare Stateside appearance at Gantry Plaza State Park, 474 48th Avenue in Long Island City. Details at www.liveatthegantries.com.
WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, August 5, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Central Astoria’s Summer Fun Children’s Series 2009: Salsa Festival. Children are introduced to the basics of this spicy mixture of rhythms originating from many different cultures at Dutch Kills Playground (36th Avenue and Crescent Street) in Long Island City. Details at 718-728-7820 or centralastoria@aol.com.
On Wednesday, August 5, at 11 a.m. Salt Water Fishing at Fort Totten Park. Ages 8+. Limited amount of equipment provided; first come, first-served; at the Bayside Marina, located alongside the Cross Island Parkway, between Bell Boulevard and Northern Boulevard exits. Call 718-352-1769 for details.
BUZ
On Wednesday, August 5, from noon to 3 p.m. Arts Carnival is an afternoon of activities in the Buz O’Rourke Playground, 33rd Avenue and 214th Place in Crocheron Park. Including arts & crafts projects, games, and other fun activities. Call 718-352-4793 for details.
BASHIR, FOLMAN
On Wednesday evening, August 5, Outdoor Cinema 2009: “Waltz with Bashir” (2007, Israel, R for nudity, violence and sexual content). Directed by Ari Folman; at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Pre-screening performances begin at 7 p.m.; films begin at sunset. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Wednesday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park, Woodhaven Boulevard and Park Drive, the Queens Festival Band free summer concert features classical music; patriotic marches; folk songs; Dixieland; blues and the music of Frank Sinatra. For more information, call 631 271-0676, email Information@festivalband.org or visit www.festivalband.org.
On Wednesday, August 5, at 8 p.m. LaGuardia Performance Arts Center presents Luis Gray and Buenos Aires Dance Company at the Little Theatre at 47th Avenue and Van Dam Street in Long Island City. Admission free; email rsvp-lpac@lagcc.cuny.edu for tickets. For information on other cultural events, go to www.laguardiaperformingarts.com.
THURSDAY
On Thursday, August 6, at 10 a.m. CityParks Kids: Stories for the Seasons mixes storytelling with circus acts. The show includes performances on the aerial fabric, trapeze, masks, audience interaction and puppetry. At Queensbridge Park, 41st Avenue, Bridge Plaza, Vernon Boulevard and the East River. Visit www.zanyumbrellacircus.com for details.
On Thursday, August 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox and Josh X-an-tus in Concert at Springfield Park, 184th Street and 147th Avenue in Springfield Gardens. Details at www.cityparksfoundation.org.
On Thursday, August 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Jazzmobile: Lonnie Youngblood will appear courtesy of The 198th Street Block Association, on 198th Street between 111th and 112th Avenues. Bring a chair and come early for a good seat.
On Thursday, August 6 at 8 p.m., LaGuardia Performance Arts Center presents
Contemporary Commedia Performance: ‘Solo dell’Arte’ at the Little Theatre at 47th Avenue and Van Dam Street in Long Island City. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $12 for students. Call the box office at 718- 482-5151. For information on other cultural events, go to www.laguardiaperformingarts.com.
On Thursday, August 6 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.
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.
