They say that music soothes the savage beast, but it also seems to fill calendars at Queens venues these days.
Upcoming performances include everything from Irish harp virtuosos to famous Colombian Salsa bands to innovative Jazz artists. Some concerts kick off long-running series.
Here’s a chronological list.
Friday, Oct. 18
Máire Ní Chathasaigh + Chris Newman at 7 pm at New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City.
The Blarney Star Concert Series starts with one of the United Kingdom’s greatest guitarists sharing the stage with the doyenne of Irish harpers.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Brandee Younger at 3 pm at Louis Armstrong House Museum Jazz Room, 34-56 107th St., Corona.
As part of the weekly Women in Jazz program, Brandee Younger breaks boundaries with her harp. Next up are saxophonist Steven Salcedo (Oct. 26), tap dancer and choreographer Lisa La Touche (Nov. 2), renowned poet Nikki Giovanni with saxophonist Javon Jackson (Nov. 9), and Soul Science Lab, a dynamic duo composed of emcee Chen Lo and composer Asante Amin (Nov. 23).
Historias! Afro Dominicano Meets Maraca Bruja at 7 pm at Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
Two New York-based Latin bands from different genres and cultural backgrounds explore the roots of their music and their New York influences as part of the Global Mashup Series. The event features individual performances from Afro Dominicano and Maraca Bruja, followed by a collaborative jam session. Dance lessons and a discussion led by poet and DJ Eliel Lucero in Spanish and English are beforehand.
Grupo Niche at 8 pm at Queens College’s Colden Auditorium, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing.
Founded in Colombia in 1978, Grupo Niche is one of the most popular Salsa bands of all time. Hits include “Cali Pachangero,” “Una Aventura,” and “Cielo de Tambores.”
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Quintet of the Americas at 4 pm at Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.
The borough’s renowned woodwind quintet plays Latin American music during this first event of its new residency. Expect Kim Bonacorsa, flute; guest artist Andres Ayola, oboe; David Valbuena, clarinet: Barbara Oldham, horn; and Alexander Davis, bassoon.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Crossroads Concerts at 7 pm at New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City.
This new world music series blends and juxtaposes Irish folk traditions with music from other cultures. On this opening night, it’s Irish Folk and Puerto Rican Plena with acclaimed Nicaraguan-American percussionist and seven-time Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria and the Plena All-Stars from Puerto Rico. Joining them are Dylan James (fiddle, banjo, dance) and Colin Harte (voice, piano, bodhrán).
Top image: Grupo Niche at Colden Auditorium;
Bottom image: Brandee Younger at Louis Armstrong House Museum Jazz Room