News From The Queens Tourism Council
Everybody knows about the ethnic diversity in Queens. But this week’s list of local activities highlights a less-heralded aspect of borough life: entertainment diversity. Consider gay humor vs. potty humor; Bangladeshi folk music vs. traditional Puerto Rican rhythms; freestyle poetry vs. freeform art; recycling e-waste vs. lessons on electricity conservation; and making banana splits vs. making jewelry. It’s in Queens, and here’s the rundown.
– Jan. 10, Queens of Queens, 8 p.m. Ophira Eisenberg from Comedy Central’s Premium Blend headlines this LGBT laugh-fest. Also making the new year queer will be Adam Sank (NBC’s Last Comic Standing), Danny Cohen (Premium Blend) and Cara Kilduff (Here-TV’s Hot Gay Comics, co-host of Queens Public Television’s Talking About). Laughing Devil Comedy Club, 47-38 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, 1-347-913-3845, www.laughingdevil.com.
– Jan. 10, Urinetown, times vary, show runs until Jan. 26. In a Gothamlike city, a terrible water shortage caused by a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. Citizens must use public amenities regulated by a malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. However, a hero decides he’s had enough and plans a revolution. The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 St., Long Island City, 1-718-392- 0722, www.secrettheatre.com.
– Jan. 12, Young Chefs, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Youngsters will prepare grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh banana split shakes. All materials included. Space is limited, so registration is required. Recommended for ages 7-12. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, 1-718-229-4000, www.alleypond.org.
– Jan. 12, Jononi Jonmovhumi: A Musical Dance Drama, 3 pm. Shrejoni Shamskritik Samsad draws from the rich and unique tradition of Bangladeshi folk music to perform a musical dance drama in traditional folkloric costumes that celebrate the four seasons. Free. Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, www.queenslibrary.org.
– Jan. 12-15, Hot Box, times vary. Coated in intense emotional residue, this violent and chaotic live performance features a sequence of video images that are quiet, focused and organized. The drama draws inspiration from pans, zooms, cuts and other camera tricks while attempting to find a sustained stillness. Chocolate Factory, 5-49 49 Ave., Long Island City, 1-718-482-7069, www.chocolatefactorytheater.org.
– Jan. 12, Jewelry-Making for Adults, 3 pm. Create a stylish bracelet reminiscent of the 1930s. Materials will be provided. Free, but registration is required. Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, www.queenslibrary.org.
– Jan. 13, Los Pleneros de la 21, 1 p.m. for interactive workshop; 2:15 for performance. New York City’s ambassadors of Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena music and dance. Led by National Heritage winner Juan Gutiérrez, this troupe of master traditional artists and seasoned musicians are leading the resurgence of these traditional Puerto Rican genres in modern day NYC. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., 1-718-463-7700, www.flushingtownhall.org.
– Jan. 13, Electronic Waste Recycling, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The goal is to collect 100 tons of broken/unwanted TVs, computers, tablets, video games and other gadgets. According to the EPA, electronic waste contributes 70 percent of the toxins found in landfills, while making up 1 percent of the volume. E-waste contains toxic materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, phosphors and flame-retardants. Free. Queens Botanical Garden’s parking lot, 42-80 Crommelin St., Flushing, 718-886-3800 or 212- 477-4022, www.queensbotanical.org.
– Jan. 13, Twilight Concert, 4:30 p.m. The Con Brio Ensemble performs works by Brahms, Poulenc, Handel and others as the second part of its three-concert series.Churchin the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, 1-718-459-1277, www.thecitg.org. – Jan. 13, Open Mic for Poets, 2 p.m. Bonafide Rojas, author of “When The City Sleeps” and “Pelo Bueno: a Day in the Life of a Nuyorican Poet,” leads the fun. The 2002 Slam This! champion and member of two national poetry slam teams (NYC/Union Square 2002 and Wicker Park 2003) has appeared in Def Poetry Jam Season 4 and Spitting Ink, a Swedish documentary on poetry. Free. Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, www.queenslibrary.org.
– Jan. 13, Double Life, opening reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This group exhibit examines the role of the contemporary artists as self-performers and our identification with, and attachment to, everyday objects. The artists investigate themes such as identity construction, authorship and alienation amid current conditions that are multicultural, hyper-mediated and increasingly focused on selfpresentation. On opening night, Bryan Zanisnik will perform inside his installation with his parents, Bob and Carol Zanisnik. Sculpture Center, 15. 44-19 Purves St., Long Island City, 718-361-1750, www.sculpture-center.org.
– Jan. 13, Novels in Nature: Snow, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Listen to naturerelated stories followed by craft and activity time. Enjoy a snack, meet an animal and take a trail walk (weather permitting). Best for children ages 5 to 6 and 7 to 9 (two separate groups). Limited to 10 participants per class, registration is required. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, 1-718- 229-4000, www.alleypond.org.
– Jan. 13, Zumba to Fight MS, 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. A great cause and a good time. Join the instructors and dance towards finding a cure for MS. Plus, raffles, food and fun activities. Proceeds support the National MS Society, New York City- Southern New York Chapter. NY Sportek, 106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Fl., Forest Hills, MSZumba- Fundraiser@gmail.com, www.nysportek.com.
– Jan. 13, Poetry and Music, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. A special afternoon with George Wallace and music provided by the Aaron Copeland School of Music. George Wallace, Suffolk County’s First Poet Laureate, is an award winning poet and journalist who has performed across America and Europe. Light refreshments will be served. Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing, 1-718- 359-6227, www.vomuseum.org.
– Jan. 14, Climate Change and Cutting Energy Use and Costs, 1:30 pm. Rachel Eve Stein, an organizer for UnWasteNY, discusses how to cut energy use and costs. Plus, the Climate Reality Project leads a discussion on global warming. Free with suggested donation. Central Queens Y, 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills, 718- 268-5011, ext. 151, www.cqy.org.
