Astoria and LIC Arts Roundup, June 2017

Astoria and LIC are chock full of the arts. Here are some arts-oriented items we think you’d like to know about.

Astoria Rock Studio

Alejandro Meola, music director of the Astoria Rock Studio (Facebook, Instagram) contacted us to let us know that they started up last month; their aim is to “bring modern music instruction to the Queens.” In particular he wanted to let you know that now is the time to sign up for their summer programs in July—Rock Band Summer Camp and Songwriters Workshop.

“We are a Rock-oriented private music studio providing instrument lessons as well as hands-on real-life experiences through innovative programs and workshops to students of all ages, beginner, intermediate or advanced levels.” says Alejandro. “We strongly believe in the power of music not only as an artistic expression but also as a unique tool to develop communication skills, social relationships and self-confidence.”

Teachers are professional musicians themselves and perform throughout NYC, spend time in the recording studio, and tour nationally and internationally. Lessons are available for individuals and groups in instruments like guitar, bass, piano, drums, and vocals; they last 30-min, 45-min or 60-min long time periods and can take place at home or online via Skype/Facetime. Try their free 20-min trials and promotional packages when booking by the bundle.

LIMO CULT

Spend your Saturday at Flux Factory with LIMO CULT, “a collaborative installation including a luxurious 70 foot limousine, immersive sculptural and video installations with performances, The Culinary Equalizer, and interactive sacrificial deep frying at The Main Concessions.” It is produced by Springboard Collective @ Flux Factory with Flux Factory Artists-in-Residence Sarah Dahlinger and Danny Crump.

Here’s the schedule:

Saturday, June 17, 2-11pm

• 2pm—Champagne Brunch
• 4-11pm—Culinary Equalizer – Feel free to bring things to fry (not required)
• 4-11pm—Main Concessions – Bring an object to sacrifice (required)
• 9pm—Performance by Jaimie Warren and more
• 10pm—DJ Sponsored Lynx Lounge Set and Dance Party

Please RSVP on Facebook, which contains additional details on the event itself.

SculptureCenter’s Public Art Project

Our friend Rob MacKay at the Queens Tourism Council dropped us a line about SculptureCenter’s latest public art project:

“It’s not so easy to describe, but SculptureCenter has just unveiled a new public art project in Long Island City. It’s called “Words Like Love: Alphaville, First Scenes,” and it’s by Uruguayan artist Alejandro Cesarco. The piece is installed on a 14-by-48-foot billboard over Jackson Avenue at the intersection of Queens Plaza in Long Island City. It’s right where the 7 train passes.”

Oh My Sweet Land Space Search

Isabel Hellman from The Play Company, and Off-Broadway company in NYC, sent us her plea for hosts for the US Premiere of their upcoming show, Oh My Sweet Land, created by Amir Nizar Zuabi and actress Corinne Jaber. It had its world premiere in Lauseanne, Switzerland and has been seen in London at The Young Vic, Dublin at the Abbey Theater, in Amsterdam, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, and Toronto.

“We are looking for…people who might be interested in hosting our next show, Oh My Sweet Land. The play is an immersive one-woman show based on interviews with Syrian refugees. We will be performing in kitchens (private and public) through the five boroughs in the city. Right now, we’re looking for kitchen spaces to perform in. We hope to expand the boundaries of theatre and reach different communities.”

If you would like to host a performance of Oh My Sweet Land, please fill out this form.

LIC & Astoria Love Letter

Bridget Bartolini from the Five Boro Story Project emailed us to let us know about the upcoming free event, “LIC & Astoria Love Letter” at Socrates Sculpture Park next week. It’s aim is “to tell the personal histories of the people of Astoria and Long Island City” during “an afternoon of storytelling and music performances, interactive art, and an open mic.” Saturday, June 24, from 1-4pm. More details:

“LIC & Astoria Love Letter puts the spotlight on the people and community who have been here since before luxury towers changed the waterfront. Attendees will meet neighbors, hear true stories about growing up in these neighborhoods from long-time residents, and enjoy performances of poetry and music inspired by Astoria and Long Island City. All are invited to tell their own stories in our open mic, write a love note to their neighborhood, and leave their mark on the park with participatory art-making activities reflecting the local landscape. Featuring stories and music from:

• • Roxanne Shante – legendary hip hop artist from Queensbridge and first female rapper to have Platinum singles and Gold albums.
  • Louie “KR.ONE” Gasparro – native Astoria artist, musician, author, actor, producer and legendary graffiti writer from NYC’s golden era of subway graffiti.
  • Jim Hawkins – storyteller who combines the rich traditions of Irish storytelling with his memorable experiences of growing up in Astoria.
  • Gary Lucero – social worker and LIC native who captures his ever-changing neighborhood and evolving city through stories and photography.
  • Yvette Ramirez – arts administrator, oral historian and aspiring archivist born and raised in Astoria whose work explores the meaning of “home,” diaspora and memory.

These intergenerational performers will share their love for their neighborhood with engaging tales about their experiences growing up in Long Island City and Astoria, and discuss the changes they’ve seen and challenges they and other residents are facing, in particular gentrification and displacement.”

LIC Art Stroll

This weekend the Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA) is leading an Art Stroll of Socrates Sculpture Park and The Noguchi Museum:

“Join the Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA) for an Art Stroll featuring guided tours of Socrates Sculpture Park, including the special exhibition Nari Ward: G.O.A.T., again; and a history tour of The Noguchi Museum and the special exhibition Solid Doubts: Robert Stadler at The Noguchi Museum. The tour will be followed by a reception at The Noguchi Museum. Rain or shine. Good walking shoes are strongly recommended. Advance tickets are required.”

Saturday, June 17, 2-4pm. Get your tickets here.