Long Island City is celebrating the summer with more than a dozen music and dance performances and classes, an arts and crafts session, exotic animal shows and more.
Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park will be more than just waterfront parks with a nice view, as several neighborhood organizations have curated 18 events that both kids and adults can enjoy.
The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy in partnership with the Gantry Parent Association has put together a seven-week program of events for children at the LIC Landing. The first event, an interactive music class with Mr. Andy, started on Monday and will continue through August 18.
Mr. Andy, a guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter uses sing-a-longs, dancing, play-acting and storytelling to engage children. He will be at LIC Landing on Mondays at 10 a.m. and this Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
A librarian from the Court Square Library will conduct read alouds from July 13 through August 24 on Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
On Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. until Aug. 24, arts and craft sessions for kids will take place near the waterfront.
Jessica Lang Dance, a new studio opening in the neighborhood in September, will host family friendly dance classes and performances on Tuesdays until Aug. 23.
Children will have a chance to get a close look at exotic animals on July 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m.
Broadway performances for kids will take place during two Mondays in July and August and mothers will have the opportunity to receive makeovers on July 26 and Aug. 16.
“The Conservancy has been looking for ways to provide more programming for many of the younger residents of our community,” said Rob Basch, President of Hunters Point Parks Conservancy. “We recognize the huge influx of young families to our neighborhood and that use our parks. Finding a partner like the Gantry Parent Association provided a perfect opportunity to work with an organization that is dedicated to support the children and their parents in our community.”
For a full schedule, visit the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy Facebook page.
LIC Concerts, an annual event in the neighborhood that started in 2011, will offer 10 free concerts at Gantry Plaza State Park. From July 14 through Aug. 28, the park will be teeming with musicians playing all styles and genres.
Performers include the Bowers-Fader Duo who play classical works on voice and guitar, The Pre-War Ponies, a pop and jazz band, and People’s Champs, a rock, funk and soul fusion band.
Concerts in July will occur every Thursday at 7 p.m. and concerts in August will occur every Sunday at 5 p.m.
On Sept. 4, organizers will host a free yoga and classical music class.
For a full schedule, visit the LIC Concerts website.
