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Long Island City Arts

May 14th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

music event NYMay is a good month for fans of the Queens’ art scene because it marks off Queens’ biggest art events. The LIC Arts festival features open studios, gallery openings, comedy and theater, music, a block party and a lot of other free events in Queens. LIC Arts kicks off on Saturday, May 12 and goes through the 20th.

Some participating galleries include The Industry, The Jeffery Leder Gallery, and Arris Lofts. MoMA P.S.1 will be featuring a Kraftwerk retrospective for those who missed them in concert last month. Plus over 200 Queens artists will be opening their studios to the public. Secret Theater will be hosting some local playwrights while Laughing Devil Comedy Club and Queen’s Secret Improv Club host some hilarious comedy. Fans of music can enjoy performances by the LIC Jazz Alliance or attend the Queens New Music Festival from the 10th to 13th. Even kids can participate by entering the kids art contest. This a music event NY, an art event and a theater event rolled into one! Even foodies will love it because all the festivities are being catered by local food vendors.

This is one of my favorite Queens events because it draws on almost everything the borough has to offer. Don’t miss this!

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Mother’s Day in Queens

May 8th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

events in queensThose looking for fun, mom-friendly activities for Mother’s Day 2012 need look no further than the borough of Queens. Mother’s Day is Sunday, the 13th of May which does not leave much time to plan so lets review some of your options for upcoming events in Queens for moms.

One of the most popular events in Queens is the annual Mother’s Day picnic held at Belmont Park. You can either bring your own food or eat the breakfast at Belmont. The Belmont breakfast comes with a tour of the park and is held at 10:15 prior to the races. You can pay $2 admission to the park and bring your own food, though you should arrive early to stake out a picnic spot. This event is very family friendly and features a petting zoo and playground for the kids while the adults enjoy some thrilling races.

If mom is in the mood for something more low key I would suggest the Astoria beer garden. Weather permitting, it’s a great place to spend a sunny day. The food is always good and the selection of beer leaves nothing to be desired. Keep in mind that it gets crowded so get there early to stake out a spot.

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1001 Voices: A Symphony for Queens

April 24th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

music event Join composer Frank London this weekend, Sunday, April 29th, at the Queens Symphony Orchestra for 1001 Voice: A Symphony for Queens. This unique symphonic event is about transformation, migration, and home. Judith Sloan will be preforming spoken word poetry live, which will be translated into 10+ languages so Queens’ diverse residents can hear poetry in their native tongues. This music event NYC is being held at Colden Auditorium in Queens College and is completely free to the public.

Frank London’s original work is being brought to life for its premiere performance by skilled musicians of Queens Symphony Orchestra. The QSO will be joined by a 190 member chorus comprised of members of the Queens College Choral Society and the Queens College Choir. This event is the culmination of the QSO’s concert season and is an all-star roster of Queens’ talent.

The event will also feature performances of family friendly Central American music by Gauchito and the Pony. While you are enjoying the music and poetry you can feast your eye on projections by artist Warren Leher. This premier is not only a free music event, it is, quite literally, a once in a lifetime experience.  Don’t miss out! You want to be there when 1001 Voices is revealed to the world.

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Take a Bite out of Queens!

April 17th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

food in QueensQueens Taste 2012, Queens’ premier food event, is set for Tuesday, May 1st. This mouthwatering Queens event features some of the borough culinary stars, up and coming food entrepreneurs, and 1,000+ hungry residents. Tickets are $100 but the expo lasts from 6:00 to 9:00 so $100 gets you 15 hours of gorging. Tickets for two are $185.

Some of Queens’ most popular restaurants will be serving up dishes all day. Expect selections from Uncle Peter’s Restaurant, Magna, and Baluchi’s Indian Restaurant, just to name a few. This food event is as diverse as the food in Queens and features a global selection of food stuffs. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity chefs, because some are sure to be in attendance. This is the biggest food event in Queens and one of the biggest food events in NYC.

Another fun aspect of Queens Taste is the food vendors. These entrepreneurs, most of whom are locals, offer their unique wares which can include ice cream, candy bars, meat substitutes, and all other forms of food. You can bring home some treats to share with friends.  This is a must attend event for those in the food world, though anyone with a tongue is sure to have a wonderful time. It probably goes without saying, but come hungry!

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Touring Queens

April 10th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

upcoming event in QueensNow that the weather is getting better, the best way to experience Queens is by foot. Whether you want to escape to the solitude of Corona Park or experience the hustle and bustle of Flushing, now is the time to do it. If you want to take advantage of the warm weather and learn about Queens’ history I have an upcoming event in Queens to suggest to you, The World of the #7 Train walking tour.

The World of the #7 Train walking tour is a series of walking tours taking place Saturday, April 28th. This detailed, all day tour is the brain child of professional New York City tour guide Jack Eichenbaum, who considers it his “Signature Tour.” The tour covers many of Queens’ most historic neighborhoods from Long Island City to Woodside and Flushing.

Tour participants learn about the rich history of these areas, famous buildings and landmarks, food hot spots and art centers. The tour covers how Queens has changed over the years with the explosion of art and artists in Long Island City to the real estate boom associated with the expansion of 7 train service. This wonderful event in Queens costs $39 and includes a full day of sightseeing and lunch in Queens’ Chinatown. Preregistration is necessary.

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Eastern European Culture

April 2nd, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

grants for the artsEnjoy an evening of literature, music, and culture at DaMikelle Restaurant Tuesday, April 24th from 6:30-8:30pm. The Queens Council on the Art is teaming up with QUILL (Queens in Love with Literature), and Hevesi Jewish Heritage Library for a celebration of Easter European Jewish artists. Authors Anya Ulinich and Boris Fishman will be speaking on the Easter European Immigrant experience as well as sharing experts from coming books. Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys will be offering a unique musical style, a mix of Klezmer and Blue Grass. Admission is $10 and includes light refreshments from DaMikelle Restaurant and Lagunitas Brewing Company. Make sure to RSVP as the event is expected to sell out.

The event, titled Translating from the Old World to the New: Literature and Music from Eastern Europe, offers a rare opportunity to see talented and celebrated artists. This event in Queens speaks specifically to Queens’ large Jewish and Eastern European populations though any fan of the arts is sure to enjoy the evening. Budding authors should not miss this opportunity to rub elbows with literary greats while enjoying some tasty food.

This event was made possible by a grant for the arts from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Queens Council on the Arts: Grants

March 26th, 2012 | Posted by kristing in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

There is no doubt that New York City is one of the most creative hubs in all the world. People come from miles away to see great theatre, music, dance, and other free events in NYC. There is no shortage to the art created here and it just keeps coming. With all of this creativity floating around, there are artists who catch the bug and want to create their own works.

This is where the Queens Council on the Arts can help. Grants for individual artists are available through this great organization if you fit the requirements! Grants for the arts are awarded in the amount of $2,500 or $2,000 depending on the type of grant you apply for. Here are some of the basic guidelines for one of their grants:

  • Individual artists must be residents of Queens. (PO boxes and studio addresses not accepted)
  • Artists must be at least 18 years of age
  • Artists may work in any visual arts discipline, including, but not limited to: fiber, folk arts/traditional, graphics, media arts – film/video, painting, photography, printmaking, sculptor
  • Individual artists may apply without a fiscal sponsorship
  • Funded project must take place within the calendar year of 2012 for a Queens audience

If you want more information on grants from the Queens Council on the Arts, visit their website!

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The Wood Memorial Race

March 19th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

event in QueensThe Wood Memorial is holding its 88th race this year on April 7th,  at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, Queens. The Wood Memorial is part of the Triple Crown Trail and often times Wood winners go on to win the Kentucky Derby. Admission is free but parking is not, so using public transportation is best. This free event in Queens is a New York tradition and is very exciting.

This is the first year that the Aqueduct Racetrack be offering other gambling attractions like slot machines and video poker. The decision was viewed as controversial by some but ultimately was green lighted to boost the park’s sagging revenue. The casino is in an adjoining complex so the racing area remains family friendly.

Much like Las Vegas, the Aqueduct Racetrack offer both family and adult fun. Although there is alcohol being served and gambling taking place there are also picnic areas and more family friendly attractions. If your family likes horses they are sure to enjoy the majestic thoroughbreds of the Wood Memorial. Doors open at 11 and the races go until about 4. Unless you are serious about gaming there is no need to show up on time to this event in Queens, just make sure you get there in time to stake out a picnic table.

Tax Time

March 12th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Queens Council of Arts - (0 Comments)

free NYC event With April 15th fast approaching many people are working on their taxes. This is no easy feat considering how complicated the tax code is. You need an expert’s advice to ensure you take advantage of all possible deductions, get the most on your refund, and don’t overpay. For many however, hiring an account or tax professional is not affordable.

If you want tax help for free you can go to the AARP tax counseling sessions at the Queens public library. This free NYC event is not only educational, it will save you money. AARP has a long history of helping people with their taxes, especially low income persons and older adults. They are an independent group so you know they are giving you non-biased tax advice.

There are tax sessions happening every week at multiple Queens’ public library locations. Go online to find out when the AARP tax team will be at your local library. Make sure to bring a photo ID and all pertinent tax documents. It is not often that events in Queens afford you the opportunity to save money so take advantage of this unique event. The skills you acquire can save you money this year, and every year in the future when you file taxes.

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Holi Celebrations

March 5th, 2012 | Posted by orens in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

free events NYCHoli is one of the most festive holidays on the Hindu calendar. It is uniquely celebrated around the world by Hindu populations in Africa, the Caribbean and South East Asia. This Sunday, March 11th marks the biggest Holi celebration in New York City. This free NYC event is a multi-cultural treat and fun for the whole family. The parade begins at noon on Sunday at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street in Richmond Hill, Queens.

Holi marks the breaking down of all barriers. The rich mingle with the poor, men with women, young with old, African Hindus with Nepalese Hindus. Politeness is replaced with exuberance. People throw colored powders into the air so everyone is multi-colored. Make sure you wear something washable because chances are you will be dyed too. Celebrations will also include elaborate floats, singing, dancing, and food. What makes this Holi parade so great is the fact the immigrants from around the world bring and share their traditions.

The parade culminates in Smokey Oval Park with more dye tossing as well as traditional performances and dances. Holi comes around once a year and the weather this Sunday is supposed to be exceptional. Make sure to take your family and enjoy this free event in NYC. Holi is unlike any other holiday and well worth experiencing first hand.

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