Share This Article
Flushing Town Hall Staff, Artists, Sponsors and Fall 2016 Season PerformersPhoto Credit: Flushing Town Hall
Embracing its mission to provide global arts for a global community, Flushing Town Hall brings the world to Queens’ doorstep this fall with an amazing lineup of jazz concerts, world music, dance, family programs, workshops, film, poetry – and even cheese!
“This fall, we have something fun and fantastic for everyone at Flushing Town Hall,” says Flushing Town Hall Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “From exhilarating concerts in our indoor theatre to the return of popular drumming in our outdoor garden, this truly will be a season of enchantment and wonder.”
Flushing Town Hall’s carefully curated, quality family programming continues to delight young audiences this season, with the return of the popular Diwali Festival (Nov. 12), celebrating the festival of lights; the puppetry presentation of Squirrel Stole My Underpants (Oct. 9); and, a Grease sing-a-long (Oct. 31) in which audience members are encouraged to dress up as their favorite cast members (and it’s on Halloween!).
The historic venue also is hosting special events and new exhibitions. Among the highlights of the season are: Orlando Marin, the Last Mambo King (Sept. 30); Korean world music band Coreyah (Nov. 11); the return of the Moth StorySLAM (Oct. 24); an NEA Jazz Masters Summit Concert (Nov. 18) featuring five NEA Jazz Masters Jimmy Heath, Barry Harris, Jimmy Owens, George Coleman, and Jimmy Cobb; and, the return of the Holiday Market and Historic House Tour (Dec. 11.)
Tickets are on sale now at www.flushingtownhall.org.
– Family Programming –
Squirrel Stole My Underpants
SUN, OCT 9, 11 AM & 2 PM
$13/$10 Members/$8 Children/$6 Member Children
This all-ages family show by Bonnie Duncan combines puppetry, mime, dance, and original music. In this poignantly silly puppet/human adventure tale for families, Sylvie is sent to the backyard to hang up the laundry. The moment her back is turned, a mischievous squirrel steals her favorite piece of clothing and runs off. When Sylvie gives chase, an entire world emerges from her laundry basket. Will our lonely heroine rescue her underpants? Join us for this adventure to find out!
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble
SUN, OCT 23
FAMILY WORKSHOP (1 PM) & CONCERT (2:30 PM)
FREE (No RSVP required)
FAMILY WORKSHOP (1 PM): Participants will be invited to write short stories about their communities, and hear them come to life through music. Musical instruments will be provided.
CONCERT (2:30 PM): Grammy Award-winning St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble’s Subway Series presents a free, casual, family-friendly event. St. Luke’s explores storytelling through music through the works of Chevalier de Saint-George – a Classical-era composer of African descent, who was well regarded among the ranks of Haydn and Mozart.
Diwali Festival
SAT, NOV 12, 1-4 PM
$20/$15 Members/$10 Students & Children
Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with folk dances from historic India. Master dancers from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan join forces to celebrate Diwali with traditional regional dances from all three countries. Join us for henna painting, rangoli workshops, a dance workshop, and installations of traditional South Asian dress. Tasty Indian foods and handmade Indian jewelry for sale. Performances for school groups available. Call (718) 463-7700 x241 for details
The Door Was Open
SUN, NOV 20, 2 PM
FREE (No RSVP required)
Inspired by paintings by Magical Realist painter, Remedios Varo, The Door Was Open is like a darker surrealist Alice in Wonderland. Mae walks out of her school and finds herself in a house where the walls talk and move, where people roll around on wheels or fly through the air and the whole place could collapse at any moment. Presented by FCCA Space Grantee Messenger Theatre Company. For ages 8 and up.
Calpulli Community
SUN, DEC 18, 2 PM
$15/$12 Members/$10 Students
Calpulli Community celebrates a year of learning in dance and music with a fun family performance at Flushing Town Hall. Students – both children and adults of all ages – from Queens and Staten Island will perform folk dances from across Mexico. Music students will perform songs on the accordion and guitar. All proceeds from the event support Calpulli’s next year of donation-based community programming.
– World Music –
Taiwan Campus Folk Songs
SUN, SEP 4, 1:30 PM
$35 Orchestra/$25 Balcony/$600 Box Seating for 6
Originating in Taiwan during the 1970s, the Campus Folk Song was considered a modern wave and immediately spread far and wide across Chinese-speaking areas. Presented in partnership with New York Institute of Culture and the Arts, New York Chinese Chorus, Wu Shan Culture Foundation, and Chinese American Arts Council, legendary singers accompanied by Sanguang Silk Bamboo Orchestra will surely give you a dazzling concert!
Spanglish Fly – New York Boogaloo
FRI, SEP 23, DANCE WORKSHOP (7 PM) & CONCERT (8 PM)
$16/$10 Members & Students (Buy 2 events and get 20% off or buy all events and get 25% off to the following events: Colombian Drum Circle (9/16), Spanglish Fly (9/23), and Orlando Marin (9/30). Call (718) 463-7700 x222 to order discount tickets.)
Spanglish Fly is dedicated to reviving and renewing the music known as Latin bugalú or boogaloo, the sound that sprang from the street corners, the transistor radios, the pool halls, and the clubs of 1960s Spanish Harlem. Fans, whether they’ve been listening to boogaloo since back in the day or just since yesterday, shake their thing to Spanglish Fly’s original tunes, doing salsa steps or simply freestyling it.
Orlando Marin – The Last Mambo King
FRI, SEP 30, DANCE WORKSHOP (7 PM) & CONCERT (8 PM)
$16/$10 Members & Students (Buy 2 events and get 20% off or buy all events and get 25% off to the following events: Colombian Drum Circle (9/16), Spanglish Fly (9/23), and Orlando Marin (9/30). Call (718) 463-7700 x222 to order discount tickets.)
Orlando Marin, a contemporary of such greats as Tito Puente, Machito, and Tito Rodriguez, is the only orchestra leader from New York’s golden era of mambo who still performs regularly. Orlando formed his first band, Eddie Palmieri and his Orchestra and since then has played with several different bands. Grab your friends and bring your dancing shoes for an evening of mambo workshop and live Latin music, and see why Latin music still sizzles and why Orlando Marin is truly the Last Mambo King!
The Songs of Music – Voices from Taiwan
SUN, OCT 2, 1:30 PM
$10/$300 Box Seating for 6
Curated by Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou and Chinese American Arts Council, this concert will immerse the audience in the most beautiful harmonies from across the continents. The Hai Tien Chorus joins forces with the seasoned Taipei Harmonic Chorus to demonstrate compelling vocal techniques and collaborative efforts. Whether you need the melodic panacea for homesickness or a relaxant to expand your musical horizons, this repertoire will do the trick!
Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts: Kiran Ahluwalia
FRI, OCT 14, 7:30 PM
FREE with online RSVP
Presented in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts, Indian-born singer Kiran Ahluwalia fuses the hypnotic grooves of India and Pakistan with passionate Saharan desert blues and innovative Western jazz. Ahluwalia’s vocals are backed by a band that includes the guitar wizardry of Pakistani-American musician Rez Abbasi, as well as harmonium, tabla, and bass. Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts is a program of the Weill Music Institute.
Coreyah
FRI, NOV 11, 8 PM
$16/$10 Members & Students
Breaking the barrier between traditional and contemporary popular Korean music, Coreyah is a Korean world music band comprised of four Korean traditional instrument players, a guitarist and a world music percussionist. This group’s unique composition allows them to blend a wide range of genres including Korean traditional narrative song – pansori with western rock, and the sounds of South America, Africa and the Balkan Peninsula.
Five Boroughs Music Festival – Brooklyn Rider
FRI, DEC 2, 7:30 PM
$25/$15 Members/$10 Students
The genre-defying string quartet Brooklyn Rider has taken the chamber music scene by storm since 5BMF last presented them in 2009. Brooklyn Rider combines an eclectic repertoire with a gripping performance style that is attracting legions of fans and drawing critical acclaim from classical, world and rock critics alike.
Gamelan Son of Lion – Indonesian Percussion
FRI, DEC 16, 7 PM
$16/$10 Members & Students
Gamelan Son of Lion is a repertory ensemble that bridges two musical worlds: experimental contemporary America and the bright gongs of Indonesia. The instruments are from Indonesia with home-made additions. The music is written by the group of composer-performers, each in their unique styles, as well as traditional music of Bali and Java.
– Jazz –
Monthly Jazz Jam
WED, SEPT 21; WED, OCT 5; WED, NOV 2; WED, DEC 7; 7-10 PM
$10/FREE for Members, Students & Jamming Musicians
Held on a Wednesday of every month, Jazz Jams are a fun way to hone your skills and jam with your peers. House band led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. All are welcome, regardless of instrument (vocalists, too!). Don’t play? Come listen!
NEA Jazz Masters Summit Concert
FRI, NOV 18, 8 PM
$42/$32 Members/$20 Students; Table Package: $125/$100 Members (Reserved Table for 2, Wine & Snacks)
This historic jazz concert features FIVE NEA Jazz Masters, recipients of the nation’s highest honor in jazz: Jimmy Heath (saxophones), Barry Harris (piano), Jimmy Owens (trumpet), George Coleman (saxophones), and Jimmy Cobb (drum), joined by bassist David Wong. This is truly a once-in-a-life-time event!
– Special Events & Programs –
Poetry Slam!
THUR, SEP 1, 6-9 PM
$5/FREE for Members
Open mic for poets of all ages, free style rappers, and emerging artists of all kinds. Hosted by poet and storyteller Bobby González.
Colombian Drum Circle
FRI, SEP 16, 7 PM
$25/$20 Members (Space is limited to 20 participants) (Buy 2 events and get 20% off or buy all events and get 25% off to the following events: Colombian Drum Circle (9/16), Spanglish Fly (9/23), and Orlando Marin (9/30). Call (718) 463-7700 x222 to order discount tickets.)
Celebrate the Harvest Moon with a drum circle in Flushing Town Hall’s garden with master drummers from Colombia. Begin with workshops led by the founder of La Cumbiamba eNeYé, Martin Vejarano, then jam with the entire group under the moon. Tambor drums, maracas, and guacharaca provided. All are welcome from beginner to professional, just bring your enthusiasm & participate!
In Arts We Trust – Chinese Opera in New York City
WED, OCT 12, 7 PM
$5 Suggested Donation/FREE for Members & Students
Presented in partnership with Chinese Theatre Works, an animated discussion features leading performers and producers of New York’s Chinese Opera community. Discussion will include the preservation of the old traditional art form and how they create and present original works that lead to the evolution of this opera’s aesthetics and techniques.
The Moth StorySLAM
MON, OCT 24, 8 PM (Doors open at 7:30 PM)
$10
Open to anyone with a true story to share on the night’s posted theme: HAUNTED! Prepare a five-minute story about a spooky fixation. When the doors open, storyteller hopefuls put their names in The Moth Hat. A half hour later, names are picked, and storytellers take the stage. Ten featured stories are scored by teams of judges selected from the audience who pick the StorySLAM winner. Your story may be heard on NPR. Sign up or just enjoy the show!
New Music Horizons
FRI, OCT 28, 8 PM
$10/FREE for Members & Students
Presented as part of the New Music Horizon’s Collaborative Artists in Concert Series, classical pianist Matthew Koraus and jazz bassist Mark Wade will each perform a set of original music and explain their writing process. Afterward, audience members will be invited to talk informally with the composers.
Grease Sing-a-long
MON, OCT 31, 4 PM & 8 PM
$13/$10 Members/$8 Children/$6 Member Children
Enjoy Halloween dressed as your favorite Grease character! Don those pink jackets, grease up your hair and remember GREASE is the word- for a sing-a-long to the movie Grease! The evening begins with a vocal warm-up, and a run through of the hand-jive! Then sit back and join Danny, Sandy, and the gang, in singing (and dancing) along to the lyrics on the screen. Open to all ages; drop in late or leave early. (Goodie bags filled with fun props for sale at $2) Performances for school groups available. Call (718) 463-7700 x241 for details
Fragrance of the Moon Night III
SUN, NOV 13, 6:30 PM
. $125 (Space is limited, only 100 tickets available.)
Fragrance of the Moon Night dance party fundraiser for FTH returns with Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou and guest artists! Come celebrate the season of gratitude and appreciation among old friends and new. Party package includes: live band with vocalists, catered dinner, and a surprise performance. Interested in singing with the band? Please contact Dr. Chou at (718) 961-310.
The Great Northeast Cheese Fest
SAT, DEC 10, 6-9 PM
$60/$45 Early Bird/$100 VIP
Dive into a cheese lovers paradise as dozens of artisanal creameries from New York State and beyond showcase a diverse selection of exquisite artisanal cheeses, from nutty sheep’s milk tommes and sharp Cheddars, to luscious triple cremes and tangy goat cheeses along with the finest wines and spirits. Top chefs will also create exquisite dishes with featured cheeses. Queens never smelled so good! Presented by New York Epicurean Events.
Holiday Historic House Tour
SUN, DEC 11, 1-5 PM
$20/$15 in advance/$5 Children
Celebrate the holiday season and learn about the unique histories of this tour of seven historic sites in Flushing and Corona. Each site will offer special activities and delicious refreshments. A trolley will be available to take visitors from one historic house to the next. Call (718) 939-0647for advance tickets.
Holiday Market
SUN, DEC 11, 1-5 PM
FREE (No tickets required)
Get your holiday shopping off to a great start! Artists and Crafts people from the Queens area will be selling their wares in our gallery, including jewelry, paintings, hand-crafted ceramics, paper goods, greeting cards, clothing, and more.
In Arts We Trust – Chinese Dance in New York City
WED, DEC 14, 7 PM
$5 Suggested Donation/FREE for Members & Students
Presented in partnership with Chinese Theatre Works and Rudance Ballroom Center, several leading dancers and choreographers will talk about the joys and difficulties of trying to blend Chinese and Western dance traditions. They will also discuss how their personal experiences as immigrants have influenced their works.
– Exhibition –
Erasing Borders – Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Art of the Diaspora
FRI, OCT 7, 5-7 PM
Opening Reception: FRI, OCT 7, 5-7 PM; Gallery Dates: FRI, OCT 7 – SUN, OCT 30
Gallery Hours: SAT & SUN, 12-5 PM
$5 Suggested Donation/FREE for Members & Students
In partnership with Indo American Arts Council, this exhibition features artists who have their heritage in one of the countries in the Indian subcontinent but who live and work in the United States. This group of multinational and intergenerational artists, curated by Vijay Kumar, reflects a broad range of life experiences and aesthetic values.
– Film –
The 35th Anniversary Asbury Short Film Concert
FRI, OCT 21, 7:30 PM
$12/$10 Members & Students
Asbury Shorts is New York City’s longest running non-competitive exhibition of award-winning short films. Oscar Nominees, US film festival “Best of Show” winners, and international honorees are featured in the fast paced and highly entertaining program.
Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts is a not for profit organization which receives major support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Mayor Bill de Blasio; Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; New York State Assembly Members Ron Kim, Ed Braunstein and Nily Rozic; New York City Council, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Queens Delegation, and Council Members Costa Constantinides, Daniel Dromm, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, and Paul A. Vallone; Howard Gilman Foundation and the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation. Support is also provided by Astoria Bank, FCCA’s Chinese Cultural Committee, Chinese Radio Network, Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou/ New York Institute of Culture and the Arts, Con Edison, Crossings TV, Exploring the Metropolis, Farrell Fritz, Flushing Bank, Fook Funeral Group, Barbara Garii, Gerson Properties, Simon Gerson, Howard Graf & Kathy Donovan, Graf & Lewent Architects, LLP, Heather Harrison, Raymond D. Jasen, Ellen Kodadek, the Laura B. Vogler Foundation, Nelson Lee, James S. Liao, Steven Lii, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Materials for the Arts, William McClure, New York Community Bank, New York Community Bank Foundation, the Ong Family Foundation, Queens College, Georgiana Reese-Benatti, JoAnn She , Mike Sperendi & Jan Schneider, Veronica Tsang, Tony & Tai Wang/WAC Lighting, Constance Wingate, and Wu Shan Culture Foundation/New York Buddhist Center. ORLANDO MARIN is part of the New York State Presenters Network Presenter ArtistPartnership Project made possible by a regrant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
About Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts
The mission of Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) is to present multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens, New York and New York City, New York, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve as stewards of Flushing Town Hall, restoring, managing and programming the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FCCA celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world, and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
For Tickets & More info:
137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354