Friday, December 20, 2013

Forestdale Fathering Initiative




 

Subject: Forestdale Fathering Initiative Celebrates Stepping Up Ceremony


Forestdale

 

MEDIA ALERT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2013

 

CONTACT:

Lindsey McCormack, Sr. Grants Officer

development@forestdaleinc.org

718-263-0740 x 236

 

Forestdale Fathering Initiative Celebrates Stepping Up Ceremony

 

What:             

With the holidays in full swing, Forestdale is proud to host a celebration of fathers and families. At the semi-annual Stepping Up Ceremony, 70 recent graduates of the Forestdale Fathering Initiative will celebrate their continued commitment to their children. All participating fathers have completed '24/7 Dad' parenting course offered by the Forestdale Fathering Initiative. Following the ceremony, there will be a holiday luncheon and surprise gifts for the children.

 

One of the oldest fathering programs in New York City, the Fathering Initiative is generously funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, the Child Welfare FundBaby Buggy and other supporters. It provides parenting education, career development, co-parenting counseling and an alumni network to 250 fathers every year. 

 

Date:              

Saturday, December 21, 2013

 

Time:         

Stepping Up Ceremony: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Holiday Luncheon: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

 

Where:  

 

Other:  

Everett Hopkins, who grew up in Jamaica, Queens and is now Managing Attorney at the Hopkins Law Group, will be key note speaker. Supporters from NYC Department of Probation and  NYC Human Resources Administration will be in attendance. Photo and interview opportunities available upon request.

 

Media Contact: Lindsey McCormack at lmccormack@forestdaleinc.org or 718-263-0740 x 236.

 

About Forestdale Inc.

Forestdale is a family services agency dedicated to the children of Queens. Our mission is to ensure that youth have the fundamental assets they need to grow into independent and engaged adults, specifically a safe and loving home, education and career opportunity, and health literacy. With a history of service dating to 1854, Forestdale serves over 1,000 families from Astoria to Far Rockaway every year. 

 

 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Ugly Sweater Party in Bayside



Beer belly’s boasts a relaxed atmosphere with 50 beers on tap and over 70 Bourbons & Whiskies. And when you’re hungry Beer Belly’s puts a contemporary culinary twist on the traditional bar and grill. Beer Belly’s offers comfortable, stylish space that blends natural elements with sleek, modern design.

The space, complete with exposed beams, natural brick and raw steel exudes a speakeasy warehouse feel. The upstairs dining area offers casual dining; self serve tap beer tables and high def flat screen televisions.
Beer Belly’s provides the perfect atmosphere to go for great food and to get all of your sports needs covered. We have MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA sports packages and UFC fight coverage to catch all of the action.
Beer belly’s offers outstanding casual American cuisine, using the freshest ingredients available in a mouthwatering menu that features traditional BBQ, specialty sandwiches and gourmet salads as well as your bar favorites like wings, burgers, and nachos.
Our philosophy is simple: well-made drinks, reasonable prices, good music, a comfortable setting, great food and great service.
Do you have an upcoming special event? Beer Belly’s is a perfect place to host your birthday parties, corporate events, etc.
An extensive draft beer list, seasonal craft cocktails, an unparalleled bourbon and whiskey selection.
An atmosphere that Bell Blvd has never seen before.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

It’s In Queens! (Dec. 19 to Dec. 25)


Surprise, surprise. Many upcoming events -- including an art show, various concerts, a wreath workshop and a special screening -- have Christmas themes. Other options include an FBI demonstration, comedy and an adventure with a pirate. Here’s the rundown.

Dec. 19, O Sole Trio, 7 pm. David Shenton, Erin Shields and Giuseppe Spoletini perform a wide range of music. Shenton is a very talented piano and violin player. Shields has tremendous vocal versatility and has performed leading roles for many reputable music festivals and opera companies. Spoletini is a baritone who performs opera and other genres. Free with donations accepted. Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside,

Dec. 19, New Sounds of East and West, 7 pm. Project Hansori presents original music centered on Asian-infused jazz. Donations accepted. All Saints Church, 43-12 46th St., Sunnyside, www.nysunnysaints.org.
Dec. 20, The David Leonhardt Trio: A Winter Holiday Jazz Concert, 8 pm. This internationally acclaimed jazz group will have fingers snapping and toes tapping as they present a winter holiday concert of cool jazz and hot rhythms. $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 20, Christmas Art Show, 2 pm to 9 pm (show runs until Dec. 26). Archana Santra’s art depicts movement from place to place and relationship to relationship, searching for depth and meaning, sometimes struck by the intensity of change, sometimes awed by the experience of learning. Free. Gear Art Gallery, 61-08 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, 718-386-2812

Dec. 20, Children of Men, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents films on a huge screen. Emmanuel Lubezki lends some of his virtuoso camerawork to Alfonso Cuarón’s tale of future dystopia in Children of Men. Clive Owen is a bureaucrat tasked with escorting the world’s last pregnant woman to safety amid a devastating civil war. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us

Dec. 21, The 5th Annual Jackson Heights Winter Holiday Sing-A-Long, 7 pm. Sing winter and holiday songs from all faiths, languages and cultures as a group, while walking through Jackson Heights. Small, acoustic, portable instruments are welcome. Meet on the corner of 31st Avenue and 75th Street, in front of Cassidy’s Ale House. Free, www.facebook.com/holiday.carol.9?fref=ts.

Dec. 21, History Roundtable: The FBI, 1 pm. Watch rare footage of the FBI in action, explore the agency’s history, and hear from agents who share personal experiences. Then participate in a roundtable discussion on the latest controversies surrounding the FBI’s domestic surveillance. Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Astoria, www.astorialic.org.

Dec. 21, Christmas Workshop: Season of Giving, 1 pm. Create beautiful Christmas wreaths with up-cycled fabrics, beads and ribbons. The wreaths will be donated to local senior centers. Free. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 21, Pirate Pete’s Parrot, 11 am. In the tradition of the English pantomime shows from the 1700s, this play promises music, mischief and for children and adults starring Pirate Pete, a lovable rogue on a mission to find his beloved runaway parrot, Polly, who prefers pancakes to birdseed. $10-$40. The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St., LIC, www.secrettheatre.com

Dec. 21, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas: Part of Jim Henson’s World, 1 pm. The screening of a beloved TV special about Ma Otter and her son, Emmet, who both secretly enter a talent contest to win money to buy each other’s Christmas presents. The screening includes Kermit the Frog’s segments, rare outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., LIC, www.movingimage.us

Dec. 21, Kwanzaa Workshop: African Adornment, 3 pm. Honor the values of African cultures and celebrate Kwanzaa in style. Experts talk about the importance of dress and personal style as per the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia or Self-Determination. Free. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org

Dec. 22, Oratorio Society of Queens Holiday Concert, 4 pm. The society, which has a 125-plus member chorus under the direction of Maestro David Close, performs portions of Handel’s “Messiah,” as well as traditional Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. $30/$25 seniors and students with ID. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.queensoratorio.org

Dec. 22, Laughing Devil Presents, 8 pm. This show features a rotating cast of comedians with a healthy mix of celebrities and the next-big-thing. There is always something new, and you never know who is going to show up. $10. The Laughing Devil, 47-38 Vernon Blvd., LIC, www.laughingdevil.com


The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.

This Week At Bourbon Street

This upcoming week at Bourbon Street located at 40-12 Bell Boulevard in Bayside is a busy one. Bourbon Street always has something going on and is a warm and friendly place to have a drink or two and a quality meal. 

Monday, December 16, 2013

5 Ways to Enhance Your Marketing for 2014

Ken Mueller from B2C breaks down the 5 things you need to focus on next year to enhance your marketing.

5 Ways to Enhance Your Marketing for 2014

The Power of the #HASHTAG

Andrea Parker wrote a blog post and included a Huffington Post infographic to go along with the article about the power of the # symbol, now referred to as a "hashtag" and the way to use it in your social media marketing.

Big Ideas Blog 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Twist and Smash’d Comes to Forest Hills


New Restaurant Concept Offers A Unique Twist on
Fast Casual Dining



Twist and Smash’d, a new fast casual restaurant, officially opened its doors at 72-06 Austin Street, Forest Hills on Black Friday (November 29th, 2013). Twist and Smash’d was formed by a father and daughter(s) team after a family vacation in Ecuador.  Enchanted by a local restaurant that served twisted potatoes on a stick, the idea of Twist and Smash’d was born. 
Twist and Smash’d offers a variety of ‘smash’d specialities’ including the Chicken and Waffles and the Italian burger.  Each burger is prepared with 100% Premium Natural Black Angus Beef. Short rib, chicken and veggie options are also available.  Early morning breakfast options are also available in addition to the lunch, dinner and late night menu. 
The twisted potato is a unique spin on traditional French Fries.  Twist and Smash’d uses state of the art equipment that turns any size potato into a twisted potato on a stick.  After a quick dip in the fryer, the twisted potatoes can be topped with any choice of seasoning—salt, cheddar, chipotle, lemon pepper and more.  Specialty drinks are also available to accompany any meal including strawberry lemonade and mango iced tea.
The fun and inviting atmosphere makes Twist and Smash’d a great new hotspot in Forest Hills, an area full of fantastic restaurants, some named the best in Queens. Like the food, the environment is unique.  The inside is decorated with lots of orange and a wall with five boards that stretch along side the interior featuring the menu and a life size picture of the restaurant’s specialty, the twisted potato. Consumers have the option to grab and go, dine inside or eat outside on the outdoor patio.
Twist and Smash’d is committed to green practices. The kitchen was built with energy star products, plus composting is part of the daily routine and eco friendly packaging is used.
"We are ecstatic to bring Twist and Smash’d to Forest Hills," said Brianna Cano and Robert Cano, owners of Twist and Smash’d.  “This area is the perfect backdrop for our first location and we think this neighborhood and those visiting will enjoy this new restaurant.”
Twist and Smash’d will be open:
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday 8 am -12 am
Sunday 9 am - 8 pm


ABOUT Twist and Smash’d:
Twist and Smash’d was created by chef Robert Cano and his daughters while on a family vacation to Ecuador in 2010.  In Ecuador the family found a small café that sold twisted potatoes.  Enchanted by this idea of a potato on a stick, they brought it back to New York and Twist and Smash’d was born.  Twist and Smash'd is owned by Cano Ventures Corp, a sister Corporation to Rcano Group which owns and operates Rcano Events.  Robert Cano is the president of RCano Events off premise catering company.  He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, which means he knows (and loves) food and has led the field in incorporating organic, seasonal, and locally grown ingredients.  For information please call 718-261-4527 or visit:  www.twistandsmashd.com


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Be Thankful for Social Networking

This post is a little late for Thanksgiving but never too late for the next holiday. Remember the 5 P's:
Proper 
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance

Take the time to revamp your social media profiles and understand your customer enough to anticipate their needs and make your next holiday a successful one using social media.

Read the full article from "business 2 community" here:


Be Thankful for Social Networking

Ready to Upgrade? Not So Fast

It looks like mobile providers like AT&T and T-Mobile are moving away from the "free phone just sign a contract" business model. "Device Subsidies" as they are called are no longer an efffective business model according AT&T CEO Randall Stevenson. According to CNET : "Last week, AT&T introduced a new pricing plan that offers an incentive to customers who keep their older phones, allowing them to save $15 a month on their service bill." Is this the new wave?

Read more from this article on CNET from Marguerite Reardon:

Mobile Companies Changing Strategies

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

It’s In Queens! (Dec. 12 to Dec. 18)


’Tis the season to be jolly…and enjoy countless holiday concerts by local orchestras. There are also opportunities to take in art, watch African and classic films, check out experimental dance and laugh for a good cause. Here’s the rundown.

Dec. 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe Art Show, 10 am to 9 pm. Outsider artist Joseph Gagliano’s work often has religious themes. Free. Gear Art Gallery, 61-08 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, 718-386-2812.

Dec 13, Carols and Car Races, 8 pm. Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist and composer Amanda Monaco brings her quartet Formula One, which plays original compositions inspired by car racing. $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 13, The Big Combo, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents films on a huge screen. One of the last great noirs, The Big Combo blends violence and morbid sexuality, as an obsessive detective pursues a savage mob boss. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 13 (and 14), Take Root with Isis Movement Company, 8 pm. The NYC-based Isis Movement Company presents a full, diverse evening of dance, including a piece inspired by the complexities and varied elements of the solar system. $15. Green Space, 37-24 24th St., LIC, www.greenspacestudio.org.

Dec 14, Master Gye Ok Kim & Project World Music Ensemble, 7 pm. A night of Korean traditional folk music with the Gayakeum Ensemble led by Master Gayakeum (Korean native stringed instrument) player and composer Gye Ok Kim. $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 14, Hands-on History: Snowflakes are Falling, noon to 3 pm. Learn about historic winter fun, read stories and make snowflakes and other seasonal decorations. Free. King Manor, King Park, Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org.

Dec. 14, Valerie Simpson, 8 pm. Half of the sensational duo Ashford and Simpson, Valerie Simpson takes the stage for a night of song. LeFrak Concert Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org.

Dec. 14, Karaoke at the Movies, 7:30 pm. Aladdin, truly one of Disney’s best-loved animated films, screens as part of a one-of-a-kind, interactive, family-oriented film series. The crowd sings (and dances) along with their favorite characters. The most enthusiastic participant wins $100. $5. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid., 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.visitQPAC.org.

Dec. 14, Temple of Comedy, 8 pm. Four jokesters associated with LIC’s Laughing Devil Comedy Club perform as part of a fundraiser for the historic, 90-year-old Astoria Center of Israel. A wine bar opens at 7 pm. $20. ACI, 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria, www.laughingdevil.com.

Dec. 14, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, 2 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents films on a huge screen. Jean Dielman surveys with unprecedented detail the mundane daily routine of a mother and prostitute. The film creates a portrait of an enigmatic woman’s inner life by focusing on her chores (cooking, cleaning, letter-writing) and then watches as her perfectly structured life gradually unravels. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 14, Return to Gorée, 2 pm. This musical road movie follows Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour’s historical journey tracing the trail left by African slaves. Black Spectrum Theatre, Baisley Boulevard at 177th Street, Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, www.blackspectrum.com.

Dec. 14, The Pirogue, 4:30 pm. An epic African film about the captain of a fishing pirogue. Black Spectrum Theatre, Baisley Boulevard at 177th Street, Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica, www.blackspectrum.com.

Dec. 15, Messiah and Christmas Favorites, 4 pm. The Sacred Music Society joins with the Oratorio Society of Queens to perform a concert featuring highlights from the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and songs of the season. $25/$10 for children 12 and under. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 110-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, www.queensoratorio.org.

Dec. 15, Queens Symphony Orchestra, 3 pm. QSO takes the audience on a world tour through music emblematic of various cultural traditions, all bound by the common theme of joy, unity and winter. $20/$10 children under 13 and adults over 64. LeFrak Concert Hall, Kissena Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing, www.queenssymphony.org.

Dec. 15, Noël!, 5 pm. The Astoria Symphonic Choir and Orchestra celebrate the holiday season with music by two great French masters: the Bach-inspired Oratorio de Noël by Camille Saint-Saëns and Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. $20/$15 seniors and children. St. Joseph Church, 43-19 30th Ave., Astoria, www.astoriamusic.org.

Dec. 15, Down by Law, 2 pm; The Night of the Hunter, 4:30 pm; Suspiria, 7 pm. The “neo-beat-noir-comedy” Down by Law follows a disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist from a jailbreak into Louisiana bayou country. Part horror film, part fairy tale, The Night of the Hunter tells the story of a creepy preacher who offers a naive widow a fresh start, but her kids rightly worry his intentions are less than pure. Set in a gothic ballet school for girls that turns out to be run by demonic witches, Suspiria goes from gory to gorgeous. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 15, Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: A Discussion on Muslim-Jewish Relations, 2 pm. Rabbi Marc Schneier and Imam Shamsi Ali discuss their new book, Sons of Abraham. $15/$20. Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, www.cqy.org.

Dec. 15, Fertile Ground, 7 pm. This monthly new works showcase for emerging and established artists features roughly five choreographers and includes a post-performance discussion with wine and cheese. $10. Green Space, 37-24 24th St., LIC, www.greenspacestudio.org.

The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

Keys to A Good Facebook Post

"I have to be on Facebook" something that most business owners have said to themselves at one time or another. Its a phrase that has almost replaced "I have to get a website". Well its all true.

Facebook pages and websites may not lead to direct sales but it certainly can lead to lost sales. We have all been on a poorly constructed website and decided that this would not be a business we would patronize. The same thing applies to being a "fan" or "liking" a company on Facebook.

If you control your own Facebook profile and posts, you need to know that what you're putting up is being judged so post carefully and here is a great article from Melissa Leiter on Social Media Today on how to stay relevant on Facebook:


Keys To A Good Facebook Post

Friday, December 6, 2013

Central Astoria LDC Tree Lighting



The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition proudly announces the arrival of a brand new holiday tradition to be enjoyed by generations to come, the Astoria Park Holiday Tree Lighting.
           
            George Stamatiades, President of Central Astoria LDC, sums it up best stating, “We’re thrilled to be able to begin a new tradition in beautiful Astoria Park.  Astoria’s great wealth of cultures, a microcosm of the world, coming together for a traditional tree lighting symbolizes what makes Astoria the great place that it is.”  He expressed his gratitude to others involved in the project saying, “I want to thank Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation for their collaborative cooperation, without which we would not have been able to get this idea off the ground.”  Marie Torniali, Executive Director of Central Astoria LDC, adds, “We would also like to thank Thomas M. Quinn and Sons for their generous support  that enables  us to bring this new community event to Astoria Park.”

            In addition to the lighting of a beautiful, newly planted Douglas Fir, which will only grow more beautiful in years to come, the sounds of the holiday season will fill the air as carols are played throughout the night.  One of the highlights of the evening will be a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by a special guest that is sure to be a can’t miss experience.

            Be sure to mark this event down on your calendars and come out to join family, friends, and neighbors in enjoying a wonderful night of celebration in Astoria Park.  The inaugural Astoria Park Holiday Tree Lighting will be held onWednesday, December 18th, at 6:30 p.m. on Astoria Park Lawn near the corner of 19th Street and 23rd Avenue.  For more information visit www.centralastoria.comor call the Central Astoria LDC at (718) 728-7820.


Meet Dr.Basil K Bryan Author of "The Jamaicans: Children of God in the Promised Land"

.

Dr. Basil K Bryan will be at VP Records at 170-21 Jamaica Avenue on Saturday December 6th from 3PM - 5PM signing copies of his book. He will also be at Jamaica Council  in  New York  city on Tuesday the 10th from 6 to 9 pm .

Ambassador Dr. Basil K. Bryan was Jamaica's Consul General to New York (1998-2007) and Deputy Chief of Mission (Deputy Ambassador) in the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. (1991-1998). A Diplomat and academic, Dr. Bryan is highly regarded for his work in the Jamaican Diaspora. He has received numerous awards from organizations throughout the United States, as well as from the United States Congress, and is the recipient of the "Marcus Garvey Bridge Builder Award" for his role in forging relationships between the Jamaican/Caribbean communities and the United States. He is the recipient of Jamaica's Order of Distinction. He served on the faculty of Howard University and holds a Ph.D. degree in African Studies, Economic Development and International Relations


U.S. unemployment falls to five-year low of 7%, as 203,000 jobs added

It's always good news when the unemployment rate lowers. More income equals more spending. This can be beyond helpful for business owners!

Daily News Article

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Santa on Steinway


Santa is making his yearly visit to Steinway Street and he will be there three days in December, because like us Santa loves Astoria. Check out the website for more details and deals from local merchants:

Steinway Astoria Partnership

Don't Get Scammed This Holiday Season

The holidays always bring out the best in people as everywhere you turn you hear a heartwarming story of extraordinary kindness happening throughout the globe, but unfortunately, there are a select few who choose to take advantage of people when they are in the generous mood.

I thought about this yesterday as I heard reports that Facebook and other sites were hacked for user passwords and then I came across this article on USA Today that I thought I would share:


Top 5 Holiday Scams

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Celebrate LIC




Long Island City is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in NYC. The LIC Partnership has a long history of working with the businesses in the area to help facilitate growth and they have partnered with Modern Spaces, the premiere real estate company in Western Queens to kick off the holiday season of the uber successful LIC Food and Flea market. Stop by and say hello.




Cyber Monday hits record sales

Check out this article regarding Cyber Monday. It looks like Cyber Monday is definitely here to stay. If you don't have a website, it should definitely be on your 2014 To Do list.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-02/cyber-monday-sales-increase-19-percent-aided-by-mobile-ibm-says.html

Queens StartUP! Business Plan Competition Program - Sales and Marketing Strategies

Do you have the next big idea? Do you have a product or service people want or need but you don't know how to get it to the marketplace? The Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) has a class for you.

This training session will go over what you will need to grow sales and creating your Marketing Plan. This session will go over the following topics:
  • Developing sales and marketing strategies
  • Developing a marketing schedule
  • Gathering metrics

REGISTER NOW!

Could your business survive a manual or algorithmic Google penalty?

I found this article on how to keep your website search engine (Google) friendly. There are some key mistakes that people can make that would actually get them penalized by Google and in return end up much lower in search engine results and therefore have a negative affect on their bottom line.

Craig Charley is a Digital Marketing Manager for Silicon Beach Training and he breaks it down for you:

Silicon Beach Training Article

Monday, December 2, 2013

It’s In Queens! (Dec. 5 to Dec. 11)


Holiday season magic is in the air. So are classic concerts, Irish ballads, the Marimba, doo woop and the Boston Pops. In addition to the wonderful sounds, Queens hosts a brand new play, various throwback movies, a historic house tour, tree lightings and the opportunity to edit Wikipedia entries about the borough. Here’s the rundown.

Dec. 6, The Dublin City Ramblers, 7:30 pm. This Irish band has thrilled audiences worldwide with ballads, folk, humor and foot-tapping music for over 35 years. $15 to $27. New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., LIC, www.newyorkirishcenter.org.

Dec. 6, Performances by Judith Sloan and Warren Lehrer, 7 pm. Famous for their award-winning book on Queens Crossing the Boulevard, Sloan and Lehrer’s performance fuses theatre, radio and poetry. A Q&A follows. $5. Queens Council on the Arts, 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria, www.queenscouncilarts.org.
Dec. 6, Boogie Woogie, Ragtime & Stride Piano, 8 pm. Multi-instrumentalist Ayodele Maakheru & The Windsong String Ensemble perform an ode to Ragtime, Boogie Woogie and Stride. $15/$10 students. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 6, Help Queens Library Enrich Topics on Wikipedia, 10 am to 7 pm. Drop in at any time to write and edit Wiki entries about Queens for accuracy and style. Free. Queens Library-Central, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, www.queenslibrary.org.

Dec. 6, Bach & Brew, 6 pm. Pianist Dongsok Shin performs on King Manor’s fortepiano with accompaniment by violinist Leah Nelson. The program includes Johann Christian Bach and Muzio Clementi. Sample craft beer similar to what would have been enjoyed during Rufus King’s lifetime. KM, King Manor Park, Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org.

Dec. 6, Routes: The Spiritual Odyssey of Chinese American Artists, 5 pm to 8 pm. Noguchi Museum screens two episodes of the 12-part documentary Routes, featuring interviews with Shen Ruijin and Zheng Lianjie, taking the audience through each China-born artist’s working process. Free. NM, 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC, www.noguchi.org.

Dec. 6, Sweet Smell of Success, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents 22 films on a huge screen. One of the great New York movies of the 1950s, Sweet Smell of Success, pits Burt Lancaster’s ruthless columnist J. J. Hunsecker against Tony Curtis’s desperate publicist Sidney Falco in a noirish morality play. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 6, The Re-Gift of the Magi (Opening), 8 pm. This comedic play reveals why the Wise Men made their perilous journey. Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar give Joshua an education in the shul of real life. Shows run until Dec. 21. $10. The Chain Theatre, 21-28 45th Rd., LIC, www.chain-theatre.org.

Dec. 6, Maspeth’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 pm. A huge tree, a visit from Santa, entertainment by local musicians and a free raffle for a bicycle. Free. Maspeth Memorial Plaza, 69th Street and Grand Avenue, Maspeth, www.maspethchamberofcommerce.org.

Dec. 7, Making Music with the Marimba, 7:30 pm. International percussion virtuoso and Queens resident Makoto Nakura plays with violinist Jesse Mills and pianist Barbara Podgurski. The program includes Nakura’s own transcriptions of Bach’s Solo Partita in E major and Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso; the pyrotechnic display of Paganini’s Caprice no. 24 and Stravinsky’s Three Movements from Petrushka; and more recent works by Japanese composers Toshi Ichiyanagi and Toshio Mashima. $20 adults/$15 seniors/$10 students/free children under 12. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, www.musicareginae.org.

Dec. 7, Jay & the Americans, 8 pm. A nostalgic evening with the icons of the 1950s and 1960s, starring Jay & the Americans, The Brooklyn Bridge, Vito Picone & the Elegants and the Del Satins. $35, $45 and $55. Queens College Colden Center, Kissena Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org.

Dec. 7, La Collectionneuse, 1:30 pm; My Night at Maud’s (Ma Nuit Chez Maud), 3:30 pm; The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, 6 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents 22 films on a huge screen. La Collectionneuse mixes the ethical and erotic dilemmas of two male friends from the avant-garde art world who try to resist the charms of a bikini-clad young “collector” of men in St. Tropez. In My Night at Maud’s, a pious Catholic finds his beliefs challenged when a beautiful divorcee invites him to spend a platonic night in her apartment. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a reinvention of the Western genre with Casey Affleck as an awkward young acolyte whose life becomes dramatically intertwined with a charismatic criminal played by Brad Pitt. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 7, Cabaret Night, 8 pm. Community theater and indy film actress and singer Jean Ann Kump and singer, impressionist and actor Barry Feterman mix charm, wit and velvet tunes in an intimate cabaret club-like setting. $22 to $25. Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 13-00 209th St., Bayside, www.theatrebythebayny.com.

Dec. 7, Queens World Film Festival Goes to Queens Museum, 6 pm. Two films — Way by Elizabeth Pasieczny and Welcome to Nowhere (Bullet Hole Road) by William Cusick (Founder’s Choice QWFF 2013). QM, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, www.queensmuseum.org.

Dec. 7, Taste of Rockaway Beach, 9 am to 11 pm. Ten restaurants — Irish Circle, 101 Deli, Playland Motel & Pizza, Veggie Island, Surfside Bagels, UMA’s, Elegante Pizza, Sayra’s Wine Bar, Thai Rock and Bungalow Bar — participate. $10, Rockaway Beach, www.rockawaybeachheart.org.


Dec. 7, Gifted 2013. The Rockaway Artists Alliance’s final show of 2013 is a juried exhibition including drawing, mixed media, photography, painting, watercolor, video, textile work and sculpture. Show runs until Jan. 19, 2014. Fort Tilden, www.rockawayartistsalliance.org.

Dec. 8, Holiday Historic House Tour, 1 pm to 5 pm. Visit seven landmarked properties in the Flushing area — Kingsland Homestead, Voelker Orth Museum, Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, Friends Meeting House, Flushing Town Hall, Bowne House and Louis Armstrong House Museum. Each one will offer special activities, refreshments and a glimpse at what life was once like during the holidays. $10. For more information, try www.queenshistoricalsociety.org or 718-939-0647.

Dec. 8, Holiday Pops with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, 7:30 pm. Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops perform their signature Sleigh Ride, other classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. Santa Claus makes a guest appearance during the finale followed by the traditional sing-a-long. , Colden Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org.

Dec. 8, Winter Solstice Celebration, 12:30 pm to 5 pm. Live musical performances, botanical craft workshops, photos with Santa, seasonal refreshments, a garden tour, special sales and a tree lighting. Free. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org.

Dec. 8, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and Tribute to “Faz” Fazakas and Diana Birkenfield, 1 pm. Screening of TV special about Ma Otter and her son, Emmet, who secretly enter a talent contest to win money for each other’s Christmas presents. This program includes Kermit the Frog segments, rare outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and tributes to two Jim Henson colleagues who died in the past year: puppeteer and special effects designer Franz “Faz” Fazakas; and Diana Birkenfield, whose work with Henson dates to The Jimmy Dean Show. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 8, Holiday Market, 9 am to 4 pm. Local food artisans and crafters sell their products. Plus, the organizers participate in the Sandy Claus Project, collecting new, unwrapped toys for children affected by Hurricane Sandy. St. Francis of Assisi School, 46th Street and Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria.

Dec. 8, The Marriage of Maria Braun, 4pm; The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents 22 films on a huge screen. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a reinvention of the Western genre with Casey Affleck as an awkward young acolyte whose life becomes dramatically intertwined with a charismatic criminal played by Brad Pitt. The Marriage of Maria Braun stars the commanding Hannah Schygulla in her signature performance as an ambitious woman in devastated postwar Germany. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.



The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.

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