Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Mali, Nigeria, and Uruguay will be there. So will Pink, of course.
The Queens United International Party will fill Sunnyside Gardens Park with beautiful music and delicious food on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Now in its seventh year, this family-friendly Queens-palooza features performances by Yacouba Sissoko, Alea, Malini Srinivasan, Fogo Azul, Liftoff Brass Band, Akoko Nante Ensemble, and Somer Suárez on two alternating stages. Pinkie Special takes care of the hula-hooping.
Tickets are $15 at the door, but children under 12 can attend for free.
The global theme continues with the food vendors, including The Burrito Factory, Mom’s Momo, JamRock Jerk, and MozzArepas. Alewife Brewing, which is located in Sunnyside but Irish-owned, will pour beer and wine.
“The Queens United International Party has become an event that spans generations, races, ethnicities and social classes,” stated Quinn O’Sullivan, one of the organizers. “We have created a space where adults can have the freedom to dance like children and children have a chance to own the dance floor like adults.”
With an entrance at 48-21 39th Ave., Sunnyside Garden Park encompasses about 3.5 acres. The grounds include a large field, a picnic grove, basketball courts, playgrounds, and a track. It’s available on a membership basis, but admission is open to the public during the Queens United International Party.
Information on the scheduled performers follows.
Yacouba Sissoko is a master kora player who uses music to promote West African history and culture. The Mali native, who founded the band SIYA, has performed, toured, and recorded with well-known African musicians, such as Sidiki Conde, and famous American musicians, such as Paul Simon.
Alea is an artist and songwriter from La Guajira, Colombia. She embraces Cumbia, Currulao, Huapango, Jazz, Rancheras, and Vallenato. Her 2021 album, Alborotá, was shortlisted as among the Best Latin Music of the year by Rolling Stone and NPR.
Malini Srinivasan is a third-generation purveyor of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form that began in the temples of South India. She’s a school programs manager and teaching artist with City Lore as well as the founder of the Gitanjali Dance School.
Fogo Azul is an all-women, trans, and non-binary Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line.
Liftoff Brass Band revitalizes the brass-band sound with a variety of musicians. (Hey, it’s true to its name!)
Akoko Nante Ensemble performs traditional West African music with a special connection to Nante’s Ghanaian roots.
Somer Suárez is a singer-songwriter from Uruguay who mixes EDM, folk melodies, and synth-driven South American pop. He also lives next to the host park, where his son dazzles with his soccer skills.
Pinkie Special is a hula hoop performer, burlesque artist, and musician. She performs all over the world and teaches at The New York School of Burlesque.
Top image: Yacouba Sissoko;
middle image: Alea;
bottom image: Pinkie Special