Friday, September 29, 2006

Astoria Weekend Edition 29.09.06

I think I'm still in denial that summer is over and fall is here. While I enjoy the cool temperatures, I miss the more carefree feeling of summer. I will say, though, that it's certainly easy to run in this weather. On Saturday morning, I'll be in Manhattan running the Fifth Avenue Mile, while thinking ahead to a concert I'd like to go to over at Wassi that night. The Astoria Music Society is presenting a jazz show that should be fun, featuring musicians Jacob Varmus, trumpet and cornet; Daisuke Abe, guitar; Jacob Garchik, accordion, trombone; Gil Smuskowitz, bass; and Brian Woodruff, drums. Through the grapevine, I heard the news that the owner of Wassi will be giving away free shots to add to the party atmosphere. I didn't realize Wassi had gotten their liquor license, but it's good news that they did. It's a suggested donation of $12 at the door, but that also means pay what you can. The show starts at 9pm, and Wassi is located at 37-05 28th Avenue. Come support local jazz in Astoria!

Tonight also has great NY musicians coming to Astoria from two of the other boroughs at Waltz Astoria. Ranjit and Justin present an evening of bossa nova, with Indian influences. Their combination of guitar and violin proves to be a fascinating and enjoyable mix of instruments and styles.

If music isn't for you tonight, you can catch the second evening showing of Alwill he run for President?Gore's An Inconvenient Truth at the Museum of the Moving Image. I saw it last night and was really impressed. Everyone should see this movie.


And oh yes, here it is, the Beer Garden's Octoberfest, AKA hipster invasion, Saturday the 30th. The Beer Garden says: "Mark your calenders....we'll be rolling-in the barrels to offer you some of the best beer ever made. You don't want to miss this one. Starting at 1pm till 10pm. We are featuring 2 bands, the Pilsner Brass Band and the Czech Polka Cruisers, a band from Texas. We will have plenty of imported and local beers. Food will be available from our restaurant or BBQ grill. We will have both Czech and American style food available. Admission is only $10 or $5 for BCBSA members. Children under 12 free."

And even though I'm really just (sort of) kidding about the whole hipster invasion thing, I expect people from all the boroughs to descend upon Astoria that day to enjoy the Beer Garden. I mean, who doesn't love an Octoberfest?? So locals, get there early! I'll also add that tonight the Beer Garden presents their Spaten Octoberfest. They'll be holding a raffle and giving out prizes, as well as good times.
As they say, Czech it out!

And if you've got some time to kill this weekend, take a walk on down to Astoria Park and check out the almost finished Riverview Apartments. They're now up for sale. While quite ugly (to me) architecture lives on the 21st Street side, the Park side of the building looks much better. Prices, while NYC-style-nutso, are less than I expected. And enjoy the Park while you're at it. Things still look green and summer-like, though soon the leaves will change (and they are gorgeous when it happens). Head down to Shore Boulevard and admire the work that was done during the Shoreline Cleanup a couple weeks ago (here are some pictures, no need to sign in).

Most of all, enjoy your weekend!

More fun, here.

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