What To Do This Weekend, 12/9/10

Well, well, well… there sure is a lot going on in Astoria/LIC this weekend!  First, have you entered our giveaways?  There are three still up in the air!

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 2: The Chocolate Swirl (ends Friday morning!)
12 Days of Giveaways, Day 3: Vesta (ends Monday morning!)
12 Days of Giveaways, Day 4: Inside Astoria

Second, I want you to know that yours truly is performing this weekend with the Astoria Symphony.  Yes, it’s true! After a 3 year break from playing music, I’m back to it.  I’ll be playing continuo (harpsichord) with the Astoria Symphony in their performance of Handel’s Messiah (and a few other holiday faves).  This is a wonderful piece of music, and is surely one of my favorites.  We’ll be joined by the Astoria Symphonic Choir, too.  The concert is Saturday, December 11, 8:00pm at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, 35-12 35th Street (at 35th/36th Ave) in Astoria. This is a very nice performance space – please come hear us and experience the awesomeness!  More info and ticket purchases ($20 general, $15 student/senior; kids under 12 and FSSA students get in free!).  Hope to see you there!

Right around the corner from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts is 5 Napkin Burger (35-01 36th Street @ 35th Ave). On Sunday between noon and 3pm, Santa – yes, I said Santa! – will stop by 5 Napkin. Can you believe it?!? Bring your kids and a camera and take your picture with Santa. My understanding is that big kids can get a picture with the big guy, too. Be sure to stay a while, have a bit of brunch, and check out the massive amounts of ornaments strung from the ceiling’s meat hooks. Reservations recommended.

Now, to work off that brunch, head over to The Art of Fitness (32-32 Steinway, 3rd Fl) on Sunday for their holiday get-together. From 2-6pm is the party , and during that time they will have free Zumba class (2:30-3:30pm), and a free Burlesquercise Class from (3:45 4:30pm) for you to check out, followed by wine, drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Second Sundays at the Noguchi Museum (99-01 33rd Road at Vernon Boulevard) features a book signing of Ballet for Martha: Making of Appalachian Spring.  This book tells the story of the collaboration among Isamu Noguchi, composer Aaron Copeland, and choreographer/dancer Martha Graham as they created Appalachian Spring.  Co-author (with Jan Greenberg) Sandra Jordan, illustrator Brian Floca, and editor Neal Porter will introduce the book and discuss their own collaborative effort to make Noguchi’s, Graham’s, and Copland’s art accessible to a young audience. A slide show of sketches will accompany the discussion. Preceding the presentation, there will be a book signing from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

Did you know that the Hunters Point Avenue Bridge in Long Island City is celebrating its 100th birthday? Yes! And on Saturday, there’s a historic walking tour in its honor, sponsored by the New York City Bridge Centennial Commission (NYC BCC) and Newtown Creek Alliance. At 11am, they are sponsoring a free walking tour of the area. Afterward, maybe think about M. Wells for brunch? The meeting point for the tour will be at Hunters Point Avenue at 21st Street outside the 7 train station. If you would like to participate, please email tour guide Bernie Ente at info@newtowncreekalliance.org

To round out your weekend, join the holiday festivities at Sparrow (24-01 29th Street) on Sunday night at 9pm!  From Facebook:  Every year we do a fun secret santa and decorate our tree! Come on down on the 12th for an evening of holiday spirit! Bring an ornament that describes YOU and add it to the tree! Then pick your Secret Santa name. Gifts to be exchanged at the Xmas Spectacular on the 23rd! Fun, yeah!  And their burgers (American-style and bifteki) are so dang tasty! [Hat tip: The Q Note.]