#NewsFlash | May is a busy month (online) at Flushing Town Hall with concerts, lessons, hangs
BY QEDC It's In Queens
In regular times, Flushing Town Hall presents several hundred concerts, plays, exhibitions, yoga classes, special events, and family programs each year. Makes sense, the beautiful Romanesque Revival building — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972 — features everything from a stunning 308-seat theater to a large, sunlit art gallery to a tranquil outdoor garden.
However, these aren’t regular times, so FTH has refocused. Currently, the cultural group is offering the three-pronged FTH at Home program via Internet so participants can take lessons, clap along, and dance around their living rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1) Watch Party!
Different past FTH performances will stream during Watch Parties on every Friday at 7 pm. The shows are as diverse as Queens, but there’s only one left. The Korean Music Foundation co-presents a chamber concert with music from Bach to Piazzolla on May 29.
2) Hang Outs!
All are welcome to share videos, check in, send warm regards, and stay connected during Zoom Community Hangs every Thursday at 1 pm. Click here to register or join by phone at 646.558.8656. Meeting ID: 444 441 183.
There’s also a Zoom Hang for artists on Fridays at 5 pm. URL: https://zoom.us/j/283009195 or by phone via 646.558.8656. Meeting ID: 283 009 195.
3) Virtual Jazz Jam
Musicians and music lovers tune in on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 pm for a Virtual Jazz Jam that celebrates Louis Armstrong’s legacy. Watch via Facebook or Zoom. To participate, email education@flushingtownhall.org and identify the 3- to 4-minute tune you intend to play.
4) Asian Pacific Heritage Month
Watch Crazy Talented Asians & Friends: an Evening of Live Comedy & Animated Shorts on Thursday, May 30, at 6 pm.
5) Children’s Activities!
FTH teaching artists are sharing short, instructional videos to engage young people in simple, at-home music and dance activities through the Global Arts for Global Kids division. The series will run Tuesdays through Fridays at 2 pm and then each week will culminate in an online family matinee performance on Saturday. (Parents are encouraged to post short video clips of their youngsters learning on FTH’s social media.)
During the first week of the quarantine, Martin Vejarano taught how to make music with home items such as spoons and plastic containers. Then he explored the rhythms of Cumbia, a dance music from his native Colombia.
During the second week, Ling Tang gave lessons on Chinese meditation dance rooted in the centuries-old practice of Qigong, which uses breathing techniques, postures and movement for good physical and mental health.
Starting on April 7, Karen Wellington and Spica Wobbe will teach how to make pop-up books.
Please note that post-video activity sheets are available.
Images: FTH