#WeeklyColumn | July 5 to July 11 | It’s In Queens!
BY QEDC It's In Queens
Queens offers the cure for Cabin Fever! Outdoor fun is everywhere with various summer concert series kicking off this week. Film series in parks begin, too. If the weather doesn’t participate, there are plenty of indoor cinema, music, and workshop options.
July 7, Kranium/Federation Sound/DJ Polish, 4 pm. SummerStage presents dance hall singer Kranium, the force behind the megasmash “Nobody Has to Know.” He’s joined by the dexterous spinner DJ Polish and longtime producer duo Federation Sound. Free. Springfield Park, 147th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard.
July 7, Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, July 8. This documentary looks at the androgynous glam-pop diva who invited the camera into her home, studio, and even backstage at gigs. Screenings are July 7, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm and July 8, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District.
July 7, Hindu Temple’s 41st Anniversary, 5 pm. Live music in various languages and a pictorial presentation of the temple’s growth from inception to the present. Free with refreshments. NY Ganesh Temple, 45-57 Bowne St., Flushing.
July 7, Randy Weston’s African Rhythms, 7 pm. Piano, woodwinds, bass, and African percussion. Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave.
July 7, Silleta Flower Making Workshop, 1 pm. Floral artisans from Colombia teach participants how to create smaller replicas of artistic “silletas,” which the artisans will carry on their backs during the Festival of Flowers Parade in Jackson Heights on July 8. Free (with online RSVP). Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
July 7, Hands On History: Become an American Revolution Spy, 1 pm. Learn about the Culper Spy Ring, which operated on Long Island during the American Revolution. Discover daring ways these spies kept their secrets and send a secret message by making a Caesar cipher. King Manor Museum, park in vicinity of 153rd Street and Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica.
July 8, Cruel Summer Art Market, noon to 8 pm. The nonprofit arts organization Local Project organizes this sale of handmade goods created by artists from all over NYC. Paintings, illustrations, wearables, jewelry, accessories, clothing, ceramics, etc. LP Headquarters, 11-27 44 Rd., LIC.
July 8, Bang on a Can, 3 pm. Now in its eighth year, this series presents live music among the sculptures. Elena Moon Park, a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for the preservation of diverse music and cultures, performs with friends. Free. Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC.
July 8, Alive N’ Kicking, 6 pm. The Katz Concert Series kicks off with a top-notch cover band that plays hits from the 1960s through today. Free. Beach 94th Street off Shorefront Parkway, Rockaway Beach.
July 8, EPMD/DJ Sylk, 5 pm. SummerStage presents EPMD, an acronym for “Erick and Parrish Making Dollars.” This duo has had tremendous influence on hip-hop, combining masterful sampling with sophisticated wordplay. They’re joined by DJ Sylk, who often partners with Roxanne Shante. Free. Springfield Park, 147th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard.
July 9, Live Drawing with Models, 6 pm. Held on the second Monday every month, artists have the opportunity to practice with a series of quick and long poses while listening to music in a relaxing, non-judgmental environment. Ages 20 and up. $16. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
July 10, Lady and the Vamps, 7 pm. A fantastic jazz-blues-pop ensemble performs as part of the two-month Live at the Gantries series. Free. Gantry Plaza State Park, Center Boulevard and 48th Avenue, LIC.
July 10, The Con Artist, all day. The launch party for Fred Van Lente’s new graphic novel “The Con Artist!” Learn about this unconventional whodunit. Comic book expert Brian Cronin joins the author on site. Free. The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st St., Astoria.
July 11, International Film Festival, 7 pm. Now in its 20th year, this series screens outdoor movies from around the world paired with music, dance, and cuisine from the film’s country of origin. This night features the hilarious “Monsoon Wedding,” singer Rashmi, and Indian cuisine for sale. Free. Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC.
July 11, Breezy Butterflies, 1 pm. The Garden Creativi-Tea workshop series kicks off with an afternoon of creating butterfly mobiles and inspiration from the real butterflies on the property. Workshops continue on Wednesdays until Aug. 8. $4. Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing.
July 11, Monthly Jazz Jam, 7 pm. Held on the first Wednesday of every month, these sessions are a fun way for musicians to hone skills and jam with peers. The house band is led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. All are welcome. Don’t play? Come listen! $10. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
Image: Socrates Sculpture Park
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