News From The Queens Tourism Council
Queens challenges Brooklyn to a jazz jam this weekend, and Chubby Checker, whose hit song “The Twist” is now 50 years old, performs in borough.
Other fun options include science exploration, a beach party, experimental dance and a flea market where pets can be adopted. Plus, the Astoria outdoor movie festival kicks off.
Here’s the rundown.
– Friday, June 13, Queens & Brooklyn Jazz Party, 8 p.m. The Queens Jazz Overground invites the Brooklyn Jazz Underground to a musical jam. Each group will play a set, followed by a third set of interborough collaboration. $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., www.flushingtownhall.org.
– Saturday, June 14, Chubby Checker Live, 7 p.m. Celebrate over 50 years of the hit song “The Twist” with a special performance by the original twister himself, Chubby Checker. $20-$50. Resorts World Casino New York City, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, www.rwnewyork.com.
– Saturday, June 14, Voice, Jazz, Vespers, 5 p.m. Singer Cassandra Hawkins and the Church-in-the- Gardens Jazz Band offer a unique blend of music and a traditional evening vespers service. The Churchin the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, www.fhchoir.org.
– Saturday, June 14, Kew Gardens Summer Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect more than 30 vendors selling books, albums, household items, antiques, clothing, collectables, pottery and much more. The Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue will offer dogs and cats for adoption from 1 to 5 p.m. All vendor fees benefit the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Pediatric Department. Free. LIRR North Parking Lot, 82-60 Austin St., Kew Gardens.
– Saturday, June 14, Local Summer Kickoff Party, 7 p.m. to late. Stop by for DJ, drinks, food, raffles and more. Free. 302 Beach 87th St., Rockaway Beach, www.therockawaysny.com/localssummer kickoff-party.
– Saturday, June 14, Sunnyside Flag Day, 11 a.m. The 45th annual event enjoys the support of elected officials, churches, schools, neighborhood groups, local shops and businesses. Formation at Greenpoint Avenue and 41st Street with step off along Greenpoint Avenue to 48th Street. Celebration at noon inside Sabba Park at the Veterans Monument, www.sunnysideparade.com.
– Sunday, June 15, Science and the Fairs, runs through Oct. 16. Science was a critical topic at the two World’s Fairs in Queens. A mixture of science, technology, education and entertainment were presented in the context of economic depression and imminent war (1939) and economic prosperity and the threat of nuclear war (1964). This exhibition is a collaboration between The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and the Queens Historical Society. Free with admission. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, www.nysci.org.
– Sunday, June 15, Quintet of the Americas, 2:30 p.m. The Music in the Garden series presents a famous local quintet playing a selection of music celebrating garden colors. Free with admission. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org.
– Monday, June 16, Bully, 8 p.m. This documentary on bullying kicks off the 2014 Movies on the Waterfront series. Free. Astoria Park Great Lawn, Shore Boulevard between the Hell Gate Bridge and Astoria Pool, www.centralastoria.org.
– Wednesday, June 18, Morgan Thorson: YOU, 8 p.m. (runs through June 21). YOU, a new ensemble dance work created by Minneapolisbased choreographer Morgan Thorson, explores the nature of togetherness found within a dance ensemble. It draws upon the ensemble’s shared experiences-the private things they learn about each other as well as the tricks they practice so they can move together. $15. The Chocolate Factory, 5-49 49th Ave., LIC, www.chocolatefactorytheater.org.
“It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s attractions.
