NYS Music 2024

Category: Queens

  • BlackJeans takes on the End of The World in Purgatory

    In the large oasis that is New York State’s music scene, it may seem difficult to stand out. Of course, there must be real talent; catchy melodies and hooks, a great ensemble-band that plays live flawlessly, but there’s always that “something” more. Perhaps its the person behind the music, a personality so undeniable that one simply must come and see it and hear it for themselves.

    About BlackJeans

    All of this and more sums up BlackJeans, a Musician and Producer based in Ridgewood, Queens who will be presenting “The End of The World, Part 2” at Purgatory on Friday, August 10. A torchbearer representing a lost art; the art of seduction through music. All in all, BlackJeans has an impressive resume thats bound to make anyones head turn. The event will look to live up to last year’s event by being bigger and better. A tough statement to back up based on last year’s turnout.

    A Musician and Producer in NYC for the last ten years, BlackJeans has packed out shows like Sofar Sounds and venues such as Sultan Room, Brooklyn Bowl and more. Moreover, BlackJeans now finds himself at his biggest moment yet. His latest single “Belladonna” is joined with other certified bops such as “Cellphone“, “Painkiller.” Additionally, songs like “All Too Much” and “Lovin Again” have accompanying music videos which premiered on Vimeo. We sat down with BlackJeans about what goes into making his music. We also discussed his highly-anticipated show on August 10 at Purgatory.

    TDW: What would you say your biggest influences are?

    BlackJeans: Ooh baby, these days anything that gets me hot and bothered and ready to dance. Rhythm, tempo, and anything that feels like a party. Disco, electronic, house, salsa, big band swing. Put a little dirt on it and i’ll eat it right up and howl probably.

    TDW: How would you best describe your sound?

    BlackJeans: Thats a great question. Typically, I would do everything I can not to describe it…I’d say it sounds like seedy basement dance music that was tucked away in a forgotten section of an old denim factory in Ridgewood, Queens. Drum and bass-groove heavy music that you’d find in a damp speak easy with neon lights. Paired well with cocktails and a late night afterparty.

    TDW: What is The End Of The World?

    BlackJeans: The End Of The World is an event series im continuing to throw in NY for all the sexy late bloomers, weirdos, misfits, queers, and people who know how to turn it the fuck out. Its equal parts dance party, live show, and carnival with variety performers, a live set of music and always a special guest DJ. Chock full of free prizes, drinks, and some other stuff I cant get into here. Oh, and theres always a dress code.

    TDW: What plays into your songwriting?

    BlackJeans: I love love. Cant get away from it. Love is a mixed bag. Covers an overwhelmingly wide range, yea? It can make you feel alive, it can mess you up, make you wanna dance, make you wanna cry…sometimes all of these things at the SAME TIME! I think that juxtaposition and duality is beautiful and were all probably feeling it effects on any given day. I don’t really believe in genre, I like too many of them and I probably haven’t even heard them all! So Im going to keep playing in as many that feel right, its 2024, best be genre bending. For now, I’m wrapped up in dance music like someone who’s been tumbling in a washing machine for 7 months straight. With no AC or lights…

    TDW: What can people expect from The End Of The World Part 2

    BlackJeans: Im going to be clear with you. You can expect an EP’s worth of new music, a gorilla in lingere giving a lap dance to a horse, burlesque hoola hoopers, me growing 8 feet tall, a free round of drinks, and a DJ set by Souldrippp. Shes amazing and I’m shocked we got her to agree to come here all the way from France. Thats like 27% of what you can expect. Okay?

    All this to say, momentum is on BlackJeans side. While August 10 will be an evening to capitalize on. Epic tunes, costumes and gorillias galore, who know what antics him and his band well be up to this time, very limited tickets remain for The End Of The World Part 2 at Purgatory.

  • Forest Hills Stadium in Queens at Risk of Closure Due to Lawsuit

    Forest Hills Stadium in Forest Hills, Queens, has become the target of a lawsuit seeking to shut the historical venue down. The 101-year-old stadium has recently come under fire from locals, who have claimed that the venue’s main concert season lowers the neighborhood’s quality of life.

    Forest Hills Stadium

    Originally designed in the 1920s to house the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Forest Hills Stadium has been rooted in Queens culture for more than 100 years. Since converting into primarily a concert venue in the 1960s, the stadium has hosted some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Hozier.

    The current lawsuit against the stadium reflects sentiments given by neighbors for multiple years. The main claims given by neighbors for their desire to shut down, or at the very least change the practices of the stadium, are the excessive noise pollution and littering that shows cause. Claims have been made that windows in houses as far as three blocks from the stadium shake during shows and that the streets surrounding the stadium have excess amounts of trash on the days following shows.

    In response to the group of opposing neighbors, Forest Hills Stadium has maintained a stance of being “a great neighbor,” labeling its practices and efforts as “responsive, flexible, engaging, and thoughtful,” as well as citing times in the past when it has complied with community wishes. For example, every show in the stadium ends by 10:00 p.m., cleaners work the streets before, during, and after shows, and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on noise mitigation and controlled amplification—all results of community wishes or initiatives meant to help community relations.

    The closure of the stadium would also have significant economic consequences, and would undeniably impact local businesses and the job market negatively.

    Hozier – Forest Hills Stadium, July 2024 – photo by Molly Higgins

    The ownership of Forest Hills Stadium switched into the hands of Mike Luba in 2013, who has been the main figure behind its revitalization. The success of Luba’s work, though, has been the cause of the recent issues. More shows are happening than ever, which correlates to the frequency of complaints.

    Another lawsuit with very similar goals was recently shut down by Queens Supreme Court Justice Robert Caloras, which attempted to temporarily suspend concerts at the venue. Following that, another ruling from Supreme Court Justice Joseph Esposito concluded that Forest Hills Stadium was “entitled to a preliminary injunction prohibiting [Forest Hills Stadium] from permitting excessive noise to emanate from the stadium.”

    In response, the stadium made a statement, saying, “[Forest Hills Stadium] has always sought to minimize its impact on local residents and comply with the law,” and that “it will continue to do so in connection with the recent orders of Justices Esposito and Caloras of the Queens Supreme Court.” Based on the recent developments that have officially concluded, it appears as though shows at Forest Hills Stadium will run as planned, at least for the current summer season.

    As a result of the recent developments, the venue has created a Change.org petition labeled “Show Your Support for Forest Hills Stadium!” Over 1,100 signatures have been given towards the current goal of 1,500. In the words of the venue, “Forest Hills Stadium has been a part of the fabric of Queens for decades. If you love Forest Hills Stadium, if you love the music, the history, the singular space, if you believe the venue belongs here and should continue with our mission, please say it out loud!”

    For access and more information on the petition to save the Stadium, visit here.

  • blink-182 covers the bases and more at Citi Field

    On Sunday, July 21, blink-182 returned to the Big Apple in grand fashion to support their new album and tour, “One More Time…” With the weather being perfect for an outdoor show, fans were tailgating early at Citi Field in Queens, as they lined up for early merch stands and flooded in to check out the opening acts.

    Ekkstasy went first, followed by a passionate performance from Pierce The Veil, the stage was set perfectly as blink-182 reemerged in New York for the first time in almost 10 years. The classic gongs and church bells from the theme-song of WWE Superstar, The Undertaker rang out.

    With a solid setlist filled with new tracks off their new album, One More Time…, along with iconic classics the fans know and love, the evening was locked and loaded with fireworks to deliver an experience that wont be forgotten by anyone in attendance soon. Classic banter and jokes amongst the bandmates was like old times after a long absence, as blink-182 looked right at home, the crowd able to see the true appreciation the group has for their die-hard fans. Fans such as theirs prove that music truly has the power to stand the test of time and age. Whether its for a laugh or for that one song that hits you in the feels, there is something for everyone in blink-182’s discography and live performances.

    The excitement in the air was well warranted. Its been almost ten years since all three members of the band stood united. Tom DeLonge only recently rejoined his original bandmates, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. Hoppus is fresh off a successful bout with cancer. Barker held an event at Citi Field earlier that day before his show, Run Travis Run, a running and wellness experience that highlights his own health recovery. All this to say, this show clearly demonstrated that blink-182 has found themselves in a new era, a new era where the sky is the limit and fun is at its maximum.

    The iconic trio from California closed out the epic night proving just how and why they are as timeless as ever, intermixing the late 90s classic, “Dammit” with Sabrina Carpenters, “Espresso”. Their tour continues on nation wide till mid august.

    link-182 – Citi Field, Queens, NY – Sunday, July 21

    Setlist: Feeling This, The Rock Show, Man Overboard, Aliens Exist, Dance With Me, Obvious, Bored to Death, Edging, Up All Night, More Than You Know, M+M’s, Stay Together for the Kids, Not Now, Cant Go Back, I Miss You, Down, When Your Heart Stops Beating, There Is, Fuck Face, Anthem Part 3, Always, Whats My Age Again?, First Date, All the Small Things, Dammit

    Encore: One More Time

  • Foo Fighters make it all right at Citi Field

    After a weather reduced show at Citi Field on Wednesday night, Foo Fighters make good and celebrate all on Friday, July 19.

    The crowd ushered into the stadium and by the time the Foo Fighters took the stage for the 8pm start everyone was ready to rock.  The New York weather had been a steamy heat bath but on this night the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for an outside stadium show. 

    When Foo Fighters took the stage, they wasted no time addressing the Wednesday show prior.  Heavy storms caused that show to be cancelled about halfway through that night.  Dave Grohl let the crowd know that this show was for both nights to enjoy.So, he was going to sing and yell extra loud for all to hear. 

    The Foo Fighters certainly made up for it.  They crushed through a set of monster hits and left it all out there on the stage, dropping a three-hour marathon set on this Friday night. 

    Looking around you can’t help but notice that the Foo Fighters are a band that attracts people of all ages.  So many adults were in tow with head-phoned children who were equally as ready to head bang and dance through the aisles.  Dave recognized this as well and from the stage he spoke to the OG fans and played some songs for them, and then he addressed the fans who might be here for their first show and welcomed them as well to the rock and roll experience that is the Foo Fighters. 

    Foo Fighters have been making music for 30 years.  Dave Grohl is one of the more authentic rock and roll ambassadors that exists currently. On this night he lived up to all of it.  His voice, his guitar playing. It’s all 100%, all the time from Grohl, a soaking wet mess by the end of the show and by each drop of sweat that dripped off him, you knew he has given the best, the best, the best…

    Foo Fighters – Citi Field, Queens, NY – Friday, July 19, 2025

    Setlist: All My Life, No Son of Mine, Rescued, The Pretender, Walk, Times Li-Breakout, Eruption/Thunderstruck/Sabotage/Keyboard Solo/Blitzkrieg Bop/March of The Pigs, My Hero,The Sky Is a Neighborhood, Learn To Fly, Arlandia, These Days, Skin and Bones, Under You, Nothing At All, Shame Shame, This Is a Call, Monkey Wrench, Aurora, Best of You

    Encore: The Teacher, Everlong

  • Nicole Atkins Announces East Coast Tour, Three Shows in New York

    Rock singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins announced an East Coast Tour starting in September with a show at Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY. Justin & the Cosmics will serve as support for the entire run.

    nicole atkins

    A prominent figure in rock music for over two decades, Nicole Atkins has been actively touring and producing music since 2002. Mostly inspired by 1960s and 70s psychedelic rock artists like The Doors and The Sundays, she started writing what she termed “a mix of Americana, 60s, and indie rock.” In 2003, Atkins released her first EP, Bleeding Diamonds.

    Along with her tour, Atkins is currently working on her sixth studio album. “Now, with a bunch of new songs and a great band and some time before the studio, I can’t wait to figure out what these new songs want to be at the shows!” Atkins says about her upcoming album. “I’ve always wanted to do it that way like I did it before my first record, but now it actually feels like time is on my side and I have some to make it happen.” Her previous album, Italian Ice (2020), was her best-reviewed album to date, drawing rave reviews internationally.

    For the last two decades of her career, Nicole Atkins has performed in several festivals and concerts. Halfway into 2024, Atkins has already had an incredible year, opening for both Stevie Nicks and also her friends, The Mavericks, whose new album she is featured on.  Now, after remarkable stretches with rock icons and showstoppers, she reemerges with her own headlining tour.

    Starting on September 5, Atkins heads to Pawling, NY, for a night in Daryl’s House. Catch her at Woodstock and Ridgewood, Queens, on September 7 and 21, respectively. Atkins’ new album, which is yet to be named, is set to release in 2025.

    The full tour dates are listed below. Tickets are available now on Nicole Atkins’ website, linked here.

    SEPTEMBER

    5 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House

    6 – Montclair, NJ – Outpost In The Burbs

    7 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

    9 – Boston, MA – City Winery – Boston

    11 – Philadelphia, PA – 118 North

    12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar

    15 – Manchester Center, VT – Billsville House Concerts

    20 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den

    21 – Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye

  • Dazed Cannabis Packed as Havoc and Cormega Preview Tracks From Forthcoming Album

    The essence of Queensbridge was alive and well inside Dazed Cannabis, as Havoc and Cormega played songs from their forthcoming album. Vibe Magazine editor-at-large Datwon Thomas hosted the Havoc x Cormega Album Listening Event, where the two hip hop legends welcomed fans to a behind the scenes look into their creative journey, inspirations, and the collaborative process behind their unreleased, untitled album.

    Dazed Cannabis Havoc and Cormega
    Cormega and Havoc’s untittled album brought out core hip hop fans/ Photo by Dazed Cannabis.

    As a result, the dispensary/event space was full to the brim by the time Havoc and Cormega graced the stage. As the duo entered the venue to lukewarm applause –Havoc in his now trademark shades, and Cormega with his assertive presence– they carried with them a steely determination and –Havoc in particular– a business like approach to this public appearance.

    Datwon Thomas Havoc and Cormega
    Darwin Thomas hosted the Havoc X Cormega Listening Event/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    In turn, Thomas warmed up the crowd, as he commenced the listening and Q&A portion of the event. Setting the tone with a couple of the duo’s classic collaborations in “Angel Dust,” (where Cormega revealed that Havoc’s standout chorus was due to his own unfamiliarity with song structures) and the Marley Marl produced “On The Real,” which served as a rite of passage between Queensbridge legends. “Getting on a Marley record was everything to us,” said Havoc.

    Havoc Havoc and Cormega
    The platinum producer did most of his talking behind the boards/Photo by Dazed Cannabis..

    Havoc X Cormega Listening Event: Music Review

    Cormega starred, playing the part of hood poet, enforcer and gentleman throughout the evening. And after quick intermission for ‘Mega to enforce the event’s strict no cell phone policy, Thomas transitioned into songs from the new album. Although unfinished, the duo previewed 10 quality tracks, gauging fan response and opinions along the way. Particularly due to Havoc’s meticulous approach, as Cormega enlisted the help of the crowd as he petitioned for his favorite beats to make the album’s final cut.

    Cormega and fans Havoc and Cormega
    Cormega starred and played the part of hood poet, enforcer, gentleman/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    Nonetheless, Havoc, stoic as ever, kept answers short and sweet as Cormega fielded most of the questions. However, it seems as though Hav’ does most of his talking behind the boards. Hence why Dazed Cannabis experienced its first bobble head night this past Saturday, as heads bopped to one hard-hitting beat after the other. Havoc’s trademark gritty, bass-line heavy style and classical samples were in full-effect as he flawlessly captured the grimy, rugged, street tone with which Cormega does his best work.

    Dazed Cannabis
    Hip Hop fans showed love to the Queensbridge legends last night at Dazed Cannabis. Photo by Shaquan Bell.

    Yet the legendary producer was the least surprised at his excellence behind the boards. After all, earlier this year, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Part II” was named the greatest hip hop beat of all-time. When Thomas broached the topic, Havoc nonchalantly responded with, “it took ya’ll this long to realize that?”

    After a few more records, and another brief intermission for Cormega to hilariously reiterate the no recording policy to an overzealous fan, he previewed the album’s only guest appearance, featuring a verse from Raekwon.

    Album Release Date?

    All in all, despite the intimate preview, neither a release date nor month was revealed. Even though a joint-project between the Queensbridge natives is years in the making, there doesn’t seem to be any rush. On Saturday night at least, Havoc and Cormega seemed content to let the creative process play itself out. And The Havoc X Cormega Listening Event was like a comic testing out jokes before a new special.

    Cormega
    Cormega autographs a t-shirt/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    As Cormega delved into the journey behind the album, he revealed that there’s more at play than meets the eye. “I understand the healing process. Sometimes people forget we’re humans. This man just lost his brother and someone he considered a brother-in-rhyme. I understood it was going to take time for him [Havoc] to heal,” explained Cormega as he referred to Havoc’s loss of his brother Killa Black, and Mobb Deep partner Prodigy.

    Merch

    To commemorate the special occasion Dazed created a collectible, numbered (1-200), premium t-shirt, featuring exclusive artwork by Casa. Along with a pair of socks marked 40th and 41st side symbolizing the addresses to Havoc and Cormega’s project housing in Queensbridge. This limited edition capsule was unveiled at the Cormega x Havoc Listening Event with limited quantities for sale at Dazed Cannabis located at 33 Union Square W.

    Merch
    According to Cormega if you get two pairs you can have a 40th side pair and a 41st side/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

  • DMC of Run-DMC Returns to Queens For Cookies and Concerts

    Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC returns to where it all began. Next Saturday (July 20) the 2016 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will make an appearance at the Queens Night Market to debut his new cookie brand, Darryl Makes Cookies.

    DMC will be premiering his cookie brand and performing, on the weekend of July 20.
    DMC will headline Summerstage on July 21. Photo by John Shore.

    Late last year, DMC unveiled Darryl Makes Cookies during an appearance at Comic Con. According to McDaniels, the line of cookies and many of his artistic endeavors are intended to bridge generational gaps. As a result the cookies have made a few pop-up appearances, but DMC is officially bringing them home on July 20 at the Queens Night Market. Furthermore, fans and visitors will get a chance to meet DMC and have their cookie bags signed by the rock & roll hall of famer.

    Moreover, the day after, DMC –along with Yonkers native Jadakiss— will headline Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage on Sunday, July 21 from 5-9 p.m. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

    I’m so excited to be performing in my hometown borough of Queens! I’m bringing things that make people smile… music and the koolest cookies in the universe. This is going to be like the neighborhood block parties we would have that are one of the foundations of Hip Hop. It will be the culture at its finest!

    – Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

    About Queens Night Market

    The Queens Night Market aspires to be NYC’s most affordable, most diverse, and most welcoming community space. The event features over 100 independent, local vendors on Saturday evenings in Flushing Meadows Corona Park from April through October. It maintains a unique $5-$6 price cap on all food items available for sale at the event for inclusivity and accessibility to everyone.

    Since it’s launch in 2015, the Queens Night Market has welcomed approximately three million visitors, helped launch over 400 brand new businesses in New York, and represented over 95 countries through its vendors and their food. In 2023, the event averaged approximately 20,000 attendees each Saturday night. Presently, DMC and the Queens Night Market combine in their common cause towards inclusivity and accessibility for all.

    DMC brought all eyes on the borough with the pioneering music of RUN DMC. We’re beyond ecstatic that DMC is hosting an official launch of Darryl Makes Cookies at Queens Night Market and can’t wait to catch his SummerStage show the day after!

    – John Wang, founder of the Queens Night Market


  • Flushing Town Hall Welcomes Jazz Lineup For All-Star Concert

    On Wednesday, July 10 at 7 PM, Flushing Town Hall in Flushing, Queens will hold their fourth annual Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert. The concert celebrates FTH’s community of musicians who regularly participate in their monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jams.

    Flushing Town Hall Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert in Queens

    The talented slate of musicians scheduled to play were all carefully chosen based on their musicianship and care for the craft, their cooperation, as well as their contributions to the monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jams. The artists bring a diverse roster of styles, instruments, and perspectives with their ages ranging from 22 to 80+.

    Backing up the performers is the Flushing Town Hall house band led by Master of Ceremonies as well as saxophonist and flutist, Carol Sudhalter. The band also includes Joe Vincent Tranchina on piano, Scott Neumann on drums, and Eric Lemon on bass. The house band will kick off the night of Jazz with a Louis Armstrong piece.

    Our Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams have been building community for more than 10 years now. The annual All-Stars concert is one of my favorite jazz events every year, as we get to celebrate the next generation of passionate and highly talented jazz musicians in a borough that the great Louis Armstrong himself called home.

    Gabrielle M. Hamilton,  FTH Director of Education & Public Programs

    For the past three All-Star Concerts, musicians Sarah Turkiew, Keith Jordan, Sharif Kales, and Glen Lowe have graced the FTH stage. However this year, for the first time they are stepping aside and allowing a new group of musicians to showcase their talents in the concert. Nonetheless, their contributions to will not go unnoticed, as all four of them will receive a plaque of acknowledgment for their collaboration, musicianship, and enthusiasm. The group will then play a song together towards the end of the night.

    I love our annual Jazz Jam All-Stars concert. It’s a great way to celebrate participants who return month after month and year after year and have demonstrated their incredible talent and dedication. This year, it was a particularly difficult decision to narrow it down to only 10 All-Stars…out of at least 20 faithful and eligible musicians. I am especially excited as we have, for the first time, a group of ‘alumni’ and honorees: four outstanding musicians who have graduated from the All-Stars Concert! Congrats, Sarah, Keith, Sharif and Glen!

    Carol Sudhalter

    The Flushing Town Hall All-Star concert on July 10 is honoring not just the musicians in the show, but the larger significance of the Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam. The jam has occurred for the last 10+ years and serves as an educational program and a community. Jazz musicians of any caliber have the opportunity to play together, grow their platforms, and learn from one another. Amateur, professional musicians, and public audiences through Queens Jazz OverGround are welcome.

    Flushing Town Hall’s carefully curated list of All-Star musicians set to play represents the product of what mutual respect for musicianship and collaboration can provide for a community.

    In-person tickets for the concert on July 10 at 7 PM are $25, $20 for FTH members, and $15 for students with ID. To purchase tickets online visit www.flushingtownhall.org.

    Lineup

    Naomi Okai (vocals)

    Mimi Block (vocals/violin)

    Rich Braithwaite (tenor sax)

    Keeley Mitchell (vocals)

    Frank Bergamini (soprano sax/vocals)

    Victor Acosta (alto sax)

    Jose Luis Armengot (trumpet)

    Frank Robinson (vocals)

    Gerald Thomas (bass/piano/sax)

    Tony Campo (piano)

  • Queens College and NYC Parks Launch Borough-Wide Free Cultural Events

    Queens College and NYC Parks have announced the launch of their borough-wide free cultural events initiative, running now through October. The collaborative effort will be kicked off with a launch event on June 27 at Archie Spigner Park, which will also be a part of Queens Rising, a month-long, multi-disciplinary arts celebration created to highlight the borough’s culture and creative diversity.

    Queens Cultural Events

    Queens College School of Arts offers the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary arts education within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Founded in 2022, it houses renowned programs in theatre, dance, fashion, studio art, and design as well as the Aaron Copland School of Music, Media Studies, and the MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Translation.

    Their initiative, partnered with NYC Parks, will provide access to the Inaugural Kupferberg Center for the arts-sponsored Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series and feature emerging and professional artists from the Queens College School of Arts

    Among the initiative highlights are the Beach Opening Ceremony at Rockaway Beach and Saturday music concerts at Dinkins’ Circle in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Art and nature walks will be offered in collaboration with the college’s Godwin-Ternbach Museum, the only museum in the borough with a collection that spans antiquity to the present day. Events will also take place in Alley Pond Park, Crocheron Park, Forest Park, Highland Park, and parks in southeast Queens and the Rockaways.

    To kick off the initiative, a free and open-to-the-public launch event will be held on June 27 at Archie Spigner Park, Jamaica, Queens.

    The Queens College Aaron Copland School of Music Jazz Trio and the Antonio Hart Quartet will perform. Emmy-nominated saxophonist Hart is a professor of jazz studies in the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Invited speakers include Jacqueline Langsam, Queens Borough commissioner, NYC Parks; Frank H. Wu, president, Queens College; Ellen Kodadek, executive director, Flushing Town Hall; Simone Yearwood, interim dean of Arts and Humanities, Queens College; and local elected officials.

    The launch event will also be a collaboration with Queens Rising, an annual month-long beacon of cultural celebration, dedicated to illuminating the vibrant tapestry of Queens, New York.

    Since its inception in 2022, Queens Rising has served as a catalyst for unity, bringing together artists, performers, and organizations to showcase the borough’s rich artistic heritage. It acts as a catalyst for collaboration, connecting artists, venues, and businesses to maximize opportunities for arts and culture to flourish in Queens. At Queens Rising, the belief in the transformative power of art and culture to inspire, connect, and uplift communities is steadfast. Individuals are invited to join in celebrating the diverse cultural landscape of Queens and shaping a brighter future through creativity and collaboration.

    See a current full list of events for the initiative below. An updates list can be found here.

    Current Full List of Events

    Rockaway Parks Events:

    Beach Opening Ceremony

    Date: Tuesday, May 21 at 11:00 am   

    Location: Beach 97th Street 

    City of Water Day/Jamaica Bay Festival

    Date: July 13th at 1:00 pm

    Location: Beach 43 Street End Park (592 Beach 43 Street) 

    Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

    Date: July 13th at 10:00 am, August 8th at 6:00 pm

    Location: Arverne East Nature Preserve (190 Beach 44th Street)

    School of Arts Music & Dance Performances

    Date: August 13th, August 20th, August 27th at 6:30 pm

    Location: O’Donohue Park Amphitheater at Beach 17 Street (16-27 Seagirt Blvd)

    Forest Park and Highland Park Events:

    School of Arts World Music Concerts

    Dates: July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd, July 30th, August 6th, August 13th, August 20th, August 27th at 7:00 pm
    Location: Oak Ridge

    Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

    Dates: July 14th, July 21st, July 28th at 10:00 am
    Location: Highland Park by Reservoir, Head of Orange Trail at Parklane South, Forest Park Strack Pond

    Southeast Queens Parks Events:

    School of Arts Adult Dance Workshops

    Dates: July 11th, July 18th, July 25th, August 1st at 10:00 am
    Location: Roy Wilkins Park

    Teens Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

    Dates: August 7th, August 14th at 10:00 am
    Location: Roy Wilkins Park

    School of Arts Teens Dance Workshops

    Dates: August 21st, August 28th at 10:00 am
    Location: Roy Wilkins Park

    Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

    Dates: July 29th, August 5th at 11:00 am
    Location: Roy Wilkins Park

    District 7A Events:

    School of Arts Adult Dance Workshops

    Dates: July 8th, July 15th at 4:00 pm
    Location: Crocheron Park

    Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

    Dates: July 23rd, July 30th at 4:00 pm
    Location: Alley Pond Park

    School of Arts Music Workshops

    Date: August 6th, August 13th at 4:00 pm
    Location: Crocheron Park

    School of Arts: Art Workshops

    Date: August 20th, August 27th at 4:00 pm
    Location: Little Bay Park

    Flushing Meadows Corona Park Events:

    School of Arts Music Concerts

    Dates: June 1st, June 6, June 16th, June 22nd, June 29th, July 6th, July 13th, July 20th at 2:00 pm
    Location: Dinkins’ Circle

  • Travis Barker Introduces Run Travis Run for Same Day as blink-182 NYC Show

    blink-182‘s Travis Barker is bringing his Run Travis Run: a run and wellness experience to New York City on Sunday, July 21, ahead of blink-182’s show at Citi Field later that evening.

    Run Travis Run includes a morning run and wellness experience, offering attendees a 360-degree experience of health, wellness, and mindful exploration.

    Run Travis Run barker

    Following a tragic plane crash in 2008 that left Barker with severe burns and injuries, his future mobility was uncertain. After spending 11 weeks in the hospital and undergoing 27 surgeries, Barker was finally able to return home, though he faced many challenges ahead.

    “After my accident in 2008, more than 70% of my body was burnt”, said Barker. “I was told by doctors that I may never be able to walk or drum again, so I set out to prove everybody wrong, including myself. What started with short walks turned into short runs every day. This past year, I ran my first half marathon and participated in a few 5Ks. The running community is massive and I loved how everyone from all walks of life ran together and supported one another. This is what Run Travis Run was built off of and we’re only getting started.”

    Now in the best shape he’s been in years, Barker is looking to share his passion with the fans. Run Travis Run is coming to both New York City and Los Angeles, with the New York City event happening at Citi Field on the morning of blink-182’s One More Time Tour show in the same place that evening. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m., and athletes of all levels are invited.

    Event Highlights:

    • Morning Run: Join Travis Barker and fellow enthusiasts for a timed run at Citi Field in Queens, NY, at 9 a.m. Whether a seasoned runner or just starting, this event is for everyone.
    • Wellness Experience: From fitness classes to mindfulness workshops, participants will have exclusive access to top brands and experiential activations throughout the morning.
    • Exclusive Mementos: In addition to earning a finisher time at the end of the run, participants will receive a limited-edition shirt and medal as part of the inaugural event.
    • Day-in-the-Life of Travis Barker: Experience a day-in-the-life of Blink 182’s legendary drummer by participating in Travis Barker’s pre-concert routine centered around running, health and wellness.

    Tickets range from $53 for the standard “run experience” to $427.93 for the “VIP run plus meet and greet photo experience.” A virtual option is available as well. Tickets and more information can be found here.