Art House Astoria Grand Opening

Art House Astoria, a center for music and the arts in town, is having their Grand Opening event soon. On Saturday, April 10 from 9am to 4pm come by and hear student performances, take sample classes, enjoy refreshments, and even enter a tshirt giveaway. Later that night at 8pm, there will be a faculty concert also featuring students and friends of the Art house.

Admission to everything is free.

Here’s more information in their press release:

ART HOUSE ASTORIA BRINGS IN TOP NOTCH TALENT TO TEACH MUSIC AND ART TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

Astoria, NY — March 25, 2010 — Sitting in the waiting room on a typical Saturday at Art House Astoria it’s not hard to get excited about the future of arts in Astoria and in Queens. Amid the hustle and bustle are students of all ages from infants to senior citizens participating in music and art group classes and taking private lessons on a variety of musical instruments.

Since quietly opening its doors in late September, Art House Astoria is already establishing a solid presence in the Astoria community. Jane Burgess, co-founder of the nonprofit organization along with her husband, Micah, believes that a sense of community is just what Art House is all about. “Astoria is full of so many talented artists and performers,” says Burgess, “and our goal is to get them all in one place to create an environment that’s inspiring and educational for the community at large.”

The talent pool certainly runs deep in Astoria as is evident in the faculty roster at Art House Astoria. Members of the faculty have performed all over the world and throughout the United States, and many have studied at such prestigious institutions as Julliard, Yale and NYU. One of the newest additions to the Art House faculty is Rob Cookman. Rob has spent the past four years as a pianist and music director for Cirque Du Soleil as well as touring productions of Swing!, Mamma Mia! and Moving Out. Starting in April he’ll be teaching group and private piano as well offering vocal coaching for professional singers.

“We feel very fortunate to have such a diverse group of talented instructors,” reflects Micah Burgess. “I really feel like we’re able to offer something for just about everybody.” Art House Astoria certainly does offer a wide array of classes including traditional music and art courses as well as more specialized classes in drama, songwriting, fiction writing and swing dance.

Art House Astoria will celebrate its official opening with an all-day Grand Opening event on Saturday, April 10. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with an open house lasting until 4 p.m. The open house will feature student performances throughout the day, free refreshments and a T-shirt give-away. People attending will have the opportunity to participate in free sample classes and private lessons. At 8 p.m. the same night will be a concert and art exhibition of faculty, students and friends of Art House Astoria. Both events are open and free to the public.

Art House Astoria is located at 23-35 Broadway in Astoria between 23rd street and Crescent street. For further information you can visit www.arthouseastoria.org or call 347-738-4148.