News From The Queens Tourism Council
Queens fun-seekers can be fairweather friends this week. Outdoor activities include nature walks, food tours, a bicycle trek, a friendly run, bird-watching, a classic auto show, a street fair, a fishing lesson and an arbor festival.
Meanwhile, indoor options include films, Indian dance, lectures, a dessert-tasting, jazz, a musical and a live variety show.
Here’s the rundown.
– Tonight (Thursday), Apr. 25, The Cinema of Immigration, 2 p.m. As part of 10-week series exploring the immigrant experience in the U.S., Mark Ethan, a member of the Actors Studio, will present and discuss America, America (1963). The journey to America by a young man (Stathis Giallelis) is movingly captured by writer-director Elia Kazan in a personal film based on his uncle’s experience. Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, www.queensmuseum.org, 1-718-592-9700.
– Thursday, Apr. 25, Race, Class and Violence: The New York Draft Riots of 1863, 5 p.m. A lecture on the social and economic causes of these famous riots as well as their effects on NYC. This lecture will also discuss the lesser-known draft riots that took place in Jamaica on July 14, 1863. Free. St. John’s University, St. John’s Hall, 80-00 Utopia Pkwy., Rm. 309, www.kingmanor.org, 1-718-206-0545.
– Thursday, Apr. 25, Sunset and the Pink Moon, 6 p.m. Take a sunset stroll along the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s West Pond Trail with a ranger. Enjoy watching the sun set over Jamaica Bay and the rise of the full moon, called the “Pink Moon” in folklore. Bring a flashlight. Rain date is Sunday, Apr. 28. Free. JBWR Visitor Center, Crossbay Boulevard, Broad Channel.
– Friday, Apr. 26, Gluten-Free Dessert Tasting, 7:30 p.m. Pastry chef Cristina Nastasi will serve five of her most popular gluten-free desserts: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta; Flourless Chocolate Cake; Coffee Custard; Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta; and Vanilla Mascarpone Cheesecake. $15 includes cup of coffee. Ruby’s Bakery & Café, 905 Seneca Ave., Ridgewood, www.rudysbakeryandcafe.com, -718-821-5890.
– Friday, Apr. 26, Rich + Tone, Choreographers for Michael Jackson in the Director’s Studio Series, 7 p.m. Discovered by Michael Jackson’s choreographer while freestyling at a California club, the brothers Rich and Tone Taluega are two of the most successful choreographers in the business. They have also worked with Madonna, JLo, Usher, Chris Brown, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Black Eyed Peas. Rich + Tone will present some highlights from their body of work and give a live demonstration of their choreography. Free. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria/LIC, www.movingimage.us, 1-718-777- 6888.
– Saturday, Apr. 27, Arts and Crafts Fair, noon to 5 p.m. This year’s Bayside Village BID arts-andcrafts festival will feature over 30 local artists and the Bayside High School Art Program. Six businesses along Bell Boulevard will showcase work by graduating seniors. Free. Near the Bayside LIRR station, www.baysidevillagebid.com, 1-718-423-2434.
– Saturday, Apr. 27, Noshwalks: Crossing Continents in Elmhurst, 1 p.m. Prepare your palate for the tastes of East and South Asia as well as a side trip to Colombia. The guided walking tour includes a side trip to a Thai Buddhist temple and ethnic food shopping. Meet at Pacific/Asian Supermarket, 75-01 Bway., Jackson Heights, Noshwalks@aol.com.
– Saturday, Apr. 27, The World of the 7 Train, 10 a.m. Official Queens historian Jack Eichenbaum focuses on what the 7 train has done to-and for-surrounding neighborhoods since it began service in 1914. Walks take place in LIC, Sunnyside, Flushing, Corona, Woodside and Jackson Heights and lunch is in Flushing’s Asiatown. The tour is limited to 25 people. $39, www.geognyc.com, jaconet@aol.com.
– Saturday, Apr. 27, Danny Kaye Centennial Celebration hosted by Kaye’s Daughter, 2 p.m. Danny Kaye was one of the most versatile, charismatic and beloved entertainers of the 20th century. The Museum of the Moving Image (MMI) will present a special centennial tribute hosted by Dena Kaye, his daughter. Free with admission ($12 adults/$9 senior citizens and students/$6 children 312). MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria/LIC, www.movingimage.us, 1-718-777- 6888.
– Saturday, Apr. 27, New York City 19th Century Extravaganza, 12:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. An all-ages expo featuring classes, hands-on experiences and performances highlighting 19th century life in NYC. Free. Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, Astoria/LIC, www.astorialic.org, 1-718-278-0700.
– Saturday, Apr. 27, Once More, With Feeling (musical), 8 p.m. (also Sunday, Apr. 28, 3 p.m). Theatre Time Productions presents a musical cabaret concert found in the sixth season of the fantasy TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003). $18 adults/$16 seniors, students. Colonial Church of Bayside, 55-02 217th St., www.colonialchurch.net, 1-347-358- 8102.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Arbor Festival, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, live music, Hiccups the Clown, facepainting, workshops, garden tours, bird walks, food and craft vendors, consultations with tree and compost experts and a beer-tasting tent. Free with admission ($4 adults/$3 seniors 62 and older/$2 students and children 3-12) Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org, 1-718-886-3800.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, 34th Annual Antique Auto Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. New York Antique Auto Club mem- bers will exhibit cars on the farmhouse grounds. Expect automobile memorabilia, historic house tours, hayrides and food. $5 adults/$2 children 12 and under. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks, www.queensfarm.org, 1-718-347-3276.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Sonali Skandan and Jiva Dance and Akshara, 1 p.m. (workshop), 2:15 p.m. (show). The classical dance form of South India with classical Indian percussion. Comprising virtuosic performers in Carnatic, Hindustani and Western Classical genres, Akshara performs an energetic blend of Indian melody and rhythm as dancers invigorate classical works with a fresh voice. Workshop: $6/$4 children. Show: $12/$10 members/$8 children/$6 member children. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org, 1- 718-463-7700.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Hal Linden and The Diva Jazz Orchestra with Special Guest Ross Bennett, 3 p.m. Hal Linden is an American actor, singer and musician whose career has spanned more than 65 years. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of police captain Barney Miller in the TV series that aired from 1975 to 1982. This show will include music, acting, jokes and general fun. $40. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.visitqpac.org, 1-718-631-6311.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Latinos Beyond Reel Screening and Town Hall Discussion, 5:30 p.m. The Museum of the Moving Image (MMI) presents the documentary Latinos Beyond Reel: Challenging a Media Stereotype, followed by a town-hall discussion about the role of Latinos in the media and the obstacles they face. Free with admission ($12 adults/$9 seniors and students/$6 children). MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria/LIC, www.movingimage.us, 1-718-777- 6888.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Slavery By Another Name, 3 p.m. The World African Diaspora Union presents Slavery By Another Name, a 90- minute documentary narrated by Laurence Fishburne that demonstrates how even as chattel slavery came to an end in the South after the Civil War, new systems of involuntary servitude took its place with shocking force and brutality. The film documents how for more than 80 years, thousands of African-Americans, often guilty of no crime at all, were arrested, compelled to work without pay, repeatedly bought and sold, and coerced to do the bidding of white masters. Free. Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www.afrikanpoetrytheatre.org.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, NYC Audubon Spring Migration Workshop, 10 a.m. Walk around Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge during spring bird migration. Many bird species, including warblers, orioles and grosbeaks should be present. Call to reserve a spot. JBWR Visitor Center, Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel. 1-718- 318-4340.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Rockspot Historical Bike Tour, 10 a.m. This tour will depart from the MoMA PS1 Dome at Beach 94th Street and travel west to Gateway National Park to explore historical sites in the area. Bike loans are available. Free, but registration required. www.rwalliance.org, 1-718-327-5919.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Rockaway Rotary 35th Annual Ocean Run/Walk, 10 a.m. (Registration at 9 a.m.). Each person must have a separate registration form. Post-race party and awards presentation at the Irish Circle, Beach 102nd Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard. 1-718-634-0005.
– Sunday, Apr. 28, Saltwater Fishing, 11 a.m. Experienced rangers will teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of waterways. Bayswater Park, Bay 32nd Street, Bayswater. 1- 718-846-2731.
– Monday, Apr. 29, Filmmaker Speaks about New Koch Documentary with Screening, 12:30 p.m. Filmmaker Ned Barsky will speak on the making of this documentary, Koch, and on the many reflections he heard from Mayor Ed Koch, staffers, friends and contemporaries. Barsky and his crew followed Koch, then 86, for eight months in 2010. He also interviewed many well-known journalists, politicians, community leaders and Koch associates. $6 donation suggested. Central Queens Y, 67-90 108th St., Forest Hills, www.cqy.org, 1-718-268-5011.
– Tuesday, Apr. 30, Jazz at the Chapel: Aaron Rourk’s Guest Recital, 7 p.m. Have you been to the Illinois Jacquet Chapel? This intimate and elegant venue is home to some of the area’s sweetest sounds. Free. The Chapel of the Sisters, 110-15 159th St., Jamaica, www.jazzatthechapel.org.
– Wednesday, May 1, Broadway Romance, 7:30 p.m. (Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.). From the creators of Broadway Rox comes this world premiere that showcases the great love songs from Broadway performed by a cast of Broadway vets. $42-$49. Queens Theatre, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, www.queenstheatre.org, 1-718-760-0686.
– Wednesday, May 1, Anna Sperber: The Superseded Third, 8 p.m. (repeats nightly until Saturday, May 4). Anna Sperber continues to deepen her exploration of rigorous, intricate, gradually shifting patterns to get at a deeper energetic layer of expression. The dancers work with direct speed and momentum rushing closely by the audience lining the space tightly on either side, as though in a train with the landscape rushing past. $15. Chocolate Factory Theater, 05-49 49th Ave., LIC, www.chocolatefactorytheater.org, 1-718-482-7069.
The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s attractions.
