We’ve rounded up the best July events for kids and families in Queens. Find fun things to do throughout the month.
Get in on the Act
For children ages 6-12 who enjoy the center stage, film and Broadway actress Fleur Phillips is teaching improvisational (improv) acting classes at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (33-50 82nd Street) in Jackson Heights. In Creative Dramatics with Fleur, kids act, play improv games, and tell stories that stress the importance of creative play, teamwork, and confidence. Philips, who has worked with children for more than 20 years, teaches classes that encourage kids to listen carefully, focus, and think quickly. The eight-week session begins July 9 with 45-minute classes on Saturdays at 10am and 11am. Reservations are required, and each session has a15-children maximum. For more information, contact Phillips at 646-763-0506 or by email at creativedramatics@fleurphillips.com.
Summer Soundtracks
If the relaxing sounds of waves crashing on the shoreline aren’t enough to jumpstart that summer feeling, ditch the sand, head to a local park, and catch a toe-tapping, free outdoor concert. With multiple locations, dates, and times, even families with jam-packed summer schedules have the opportunity to feel the beat. From rap and hip-hop to country, soul, and something for the kids, check out our picks for a swingin’ summer:
For kids and adults that rock out to the sounds of rap and hip-hop with a little reggae thrown into the mix, bring a blanket out to Queensbridge Park to see Grammy-winning rapper Kool Moe Dee on July 19 at 7pm or “Salute to Hip-Hop” Featuring N.O.R.E. and Funkmaster Flex on July 20 at 7pm. Vernon Boulevard and the East River, Long Island City. 212-360-2777.
Rockers, country souls, and doo-wop fanatics, the Waterfront Concert Series 2011 is sure to feature your summer playlist. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm on the Astoria Park lawn. The first concert will be held on July 14 with the other two held on the following Thursdays. Shore Boulevard between the Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool, Astoria. 718-728-7820.
Soul sisters and brothers should check out Chrisette Michelle, a songbird whose accomplishments include a number-one-debuting R&B album on the Billboard 200, recording with the likes of Jay-Z, and winning a Grammy. See her live July 28 at 7pm in Springfield Park.
For former orchestra geeks and opera aficionados, the Queens Symphony Orchestra‘s Opera Under the Stars delights with a performance on July 20 at 7pm. 184th Street and 147th Avenue, Springfield Gardens. 212-360-8290.
Finally, those eagerly awaiting a comeback of music from decades past have their choice of two events at the George Seuffert Bandshell. Steve Sharman brings the swing on July 7 at 7:30pm, and a rockin’ tribute to 70s and 80s band Earth, Wind & Fire takes place the following Thursday also at 7:30pm. Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven. 718-235-4151.
Austen on Stage
While Pride and Prejudice may not have been a page-turner for everyone, the Theatre Arts Center’s teen acting ensemble brings Jane Austen’s story to life in a new musical adaptation. July 23 at 7:30pm; July 24 at 3pm. E-mail ticket requests to theatreartsctr@aol.com. No telephone orders or reservations. There will be ample free parking. For more information, visit www.theatreartscenter.com. Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside.
American Indian Dance-Off
Expand your child’s interest in Native American culture beyond Disney’s Pocahontas by bringing them out to the Queens County Farm Museum. From July 29-31, the farm museum will host its 33rd Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powwow, featuring a weekend-long intertribal dance competition extravaganza. With more than 40 Indian nations represented, powwow attendees also have the opportunity to explore an apple orchard full of arts and crafts, jewelry, and food. Check website for times. $10; $5 children 12 and under. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 718-347-3276.
Broadway in Bayside
The Theatre Arts Center (TAC)’s Musical Theatre Workshop culminates in a two-act spectacular filled with dated and up-to-date Broadway favorites in Bound for Broadway 2011. The song and dance revue is choreographed and staged by guest artists from Broadway, such as Robbie Roby and J. Austin Eyer from Billy Elliot, Shannon Lewis from Curtains, Tony Gonzalez from Mama Mia!, Stephanie Klemons from In the Heights, and more. The two-act spectacular is the product of TAC’s four-week Musical Theatre Workshop and features songs and dances from Broadway shows new and old. It is performed by talented young singers and dancers from New York and beyond. E-mail ticket requests to TheatreArtsCtr@AOL.com. No telephone orders or reservations. There will be ample free parking. For more information, call 718-869-9696 or visit the web site at www.theatreartscenter.com. July 30 at 7:30pm, July 31 at 3pm. Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside.
Also see: Bronx Zoo Debuts New LEGO Exhibit for Summer
Family Outing: Fort Montgomery State Historic Site
Our Online Calendar, for even more upcoming family events in the NYC area
