Random Access Music at Waltz Astoria

Waltz is hosting another classical music night, with guests the Random Access Music composers' collective. This will be their first concert of 2010.

Violinist Jessica Mathaes, concertmaster of the Austin Symphony, will be accompanied by pianist Colette Valentine, and they will perform new music by Allen Schulz, Andrew McKenna Lee, David Fetherolf, Erin Rogers, Jonathan Pieslak, and Stefan Weisman; six pieces in all.

Jessica is the youngest-ever concertmaster of the Austin Symphony! This is quite and achievement.

Info for the concert:
Friday, February 12, 2010
8:00pm
Waltz-Astoria
23-14 Ditmars Blvd.
Tickets: $15 table charge (drinks, desserts, and light snacks)

Hope to see you there!

Astorian Weekend Edition, 05.11.09

This weekend brings us Leaf Fest, right here at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance, working with the Queens Botanical Garden/Queens Compost Project, is collecting your fall leaves for composting (volunteers will turn the pile and gardeners will be able to partake in the compost come spring). Bring them with you to the Astoria Park parking lot on Sunday the 8th, between 11 a.m and 1 p.m., and volunteers will be happy to collect what you have. You'll be able to learn more about composting, too. If you can, please bring any non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries. Leaf Fest continues on Sunday the 15th and 22nd, too.

Craving pork by chance? Head over to Sac's on Broadway for their annual pig roast. Around 8 p.m. on Thursday night the pig (actually two of them) will be cooked to the point of juicy deliciousness, having roasted on a spit all day. Call 718-204-5002 for reservations on Thursday, November 5 and Thursday, November 12. Sac's is at 25-41 Broadway.

Rèst Âü Ránt, home of the diacriticals, is turning two this weekend! Saturday hails their anniversary party, complete with live music, specials, passed hors d'ouvres and more! Party starts at 9, yum. The fun lives at 30-01 35th Avenue.

Remember the crap weather on October 24th? It totally harshed the plans for It's My Park Day at Queensbridge Park, so much so that they had to postpone it! Good news: this Saturday's the day! The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes til 2 p.m. Consider registering if you're part of a group (contact greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com to register or if you have questions). Snacks and supplies will be provided for all volunteers.

Finally, Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) presents The Ultimate Singer-Songwriter Contest. Details for contestants are here, and it looks like it could be a really good time. The festivities start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the Sunday finale starts at 8 p.m. Come see and support great local talent. Also try the pumpkin pie - it's totally NOM-able.

Astorian Weekend Edition 18.06.09

On Thursday evening, Lift Hair Studio (27-07 24th Ave) is holding a charity event from 6-9 p.m. Bring in your gently used blow dryers, flatirons, and curling irons and they will donate them to a women's shelter through Seeds of Love. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Later that night, Why Leave Astoria?! presents local rock/reggae/funk band, Pie Boys Flat at Studio Square beer garden (35-33 36th St) from 8-10:30 p.m.

On Saturday, join Astoria resident Stacey Ornstein for a food walking tour of our favorite neighborhood, Astoria! ICE, the Institute of Culinary Education, is sponsoring the event. The tour is $75, and you'll be eating fairly constantly throughout the 5 stops (4 hours) of the tour. Sign up by heading to the ICE website.

On Saturday night, the Josh Irving Quartet returns to Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard). Show starts at 9 p.m. and there's a $10 cover. Come enjoy some local jazz!

Tanilates... what the??? Enjoy a pilates workout outdoors at Astoria Park, led by Laura Ashley Winelander. Come in workout gear or beach attire and pack a mat, towel, sunblock and sunglasses. Classes are at 10 a.m. and noon, $15, $5 off for students and seniors - reserve your place at lauraashleypilates@gmail.com. (via The Q Note)

Two Coves Community Garden is a participating venue for Make Music New York, a one day festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs. On Sunday from 4-7 p.m., come hear the stylings of the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Hilary Hawke, and Two Coves Community Garden's own Mimi LaValley and Hubby Jenkins. The music will span many genres including marching band and dance troupe, kids songs with banjo and traditional American blues guitar. Seating is limited, so come early!

Delicious Watermelon Treat at Waltz

Last night I went to Waltz Astoria to see a friend of mine play a piece written by another friend of mine (along with other selections). The performances were great and the music was really interesting. Nice to see friends there, too. Part of the admission was a $10 food/drink minimum, and I chose this watermelon icy drink. I was told it was a traditional Chinese treat. Basically watermelon, a little sugar and some ice, all ground up to a slushy consistency. It was great! I loved it and I definitely see more of this watermelon goodness in my future. I bet anyone who loves watermelon will love this.

Also, congratulations to Song, proprietrix of Waltz! She's pregnant and looks fabulous. Lots of good wishes to her and her husband Pedro.

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.03.09

Party into the weekend on Thursday at the LIC Community Boathouse 2009 Fundraiser Party , from 6 - 9pm at The Foundry (42-38 Ninth St, LIC)

Also on Thursday, Waltz Astoria, hosts an evening of live chamber music with artists from the Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program. For the $10 cover, you'll get
a drink so it's kinda worth it, I think! You've got to rsvp, so email saltshuler@msmnyc.edu or call 917-493-4595.

Friday, Drink Liberally at the Beer Garden with a special guest from the Empire State Pride Agenda. Drink for the greater good is what I say.

We told you there was a new CSA in town: well, Saturday you get a chance to look a little closer. Meet the farmer that will be supporting the Harvest CSA from 11am - 2pm at Church of the Redeemer on 30th Ave and Crescent St.

Club One (25-22 34th Ave) is getting its craic on on this Saturday night and starting the St. Paddy's Day celebrating early. Go green with Louie the Leprechaun and compete for cash prizes! You'll get DJs galore and drink specials until midnight.

Sunday at the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) there's a Seeds of Love Sale. Shop for a good cause then get your keilbasa on from 1 to 6 p.m. Bargains -- I tell you -- make your $5 go far.

Astorian Weekend Edition 25.09.08

Fall is officially here and with it come fun fall activities like Octoberfest and lots of eating…

Head over to Waltz Astoria today for another fun Whiskey Dregs reading. The pre-party starts at 8p, readings start at 9p and you can stick around for a post-party at 10p. One of the readers is from the U.K. and rumor has it that he hosts readings in his native London too! 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.95.MUSIC

Don't forget that Queens Restaurant Week is still going on until today. If you haven't been there yet, I'd strongly suggest trying Zenon Taverna. I haven't seen a better deal in my many years of living in Astoria—a 16 course meze tasting for $17.50 per person. The food is phenomenal (sausage, pork and cheese platter pictured above) and the atmosphere is as cozy as can be. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.956.0133

You could also check out El Jamon and Opa! Souvlaki, which have a 2 for $25 lunch special and a 2 for $35 dinner special for Queens Restaurant Week. El Jamon - 25-51A Steinway, Astoria. 718.726.2661, Opa! Souvlaki - 28-44 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.3638

The Beer Garden is hosting an Octoberfest weekend extravaganza. Doors open at 12p sharp. There will be plenty of things to indulge in—food, beer and even live music. The show will go on, rain or shine so be prepared to party all day—and all weekend if you're up for it. General admission is $10. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, 718.274.4925

In the mood for live music? Visit LIC Bar this Sunday for their FREE outdoor music series. These will significantly drop off in the next couple of weeks due to weather so check it out while you still can. 45-58 Vernon Blvd Long Island City. 917.254.8923.

Astorian Weekend Edition 11.09.08

September 11 is probably the most serious day in America's recent history. This year we will note the 7th anniversary of the attacks on that day. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a performance at Socrates Sculpture Park by The Little Opera Theatre of NY of The Bohemians. This will include the complete first act of Puccini's La Boheme (in English). The performance is part of The September Concert, which was established on the first anniversary of 9/11 in an effort to spread peace through music. Music will happen throughout the day as well, in various locations in Astoria.

The following night there will also be a candlelight ceremony in Astoria Heights. Organized by the United Community Civic Association/Port Authority of NY & NJ, this annual candlelight ceremony will take place at the memorial grove in McManus Memorial Park (81st St and Grand Central Pkwy) at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday night head to Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd) to see the Josh Irving Quartet (Josh Irving - Saxophones; George Dulin - Piano; Danny Zanker - Bass; Greg Ritchie - Drums). Music starts at 9 p.m. and there's a $10 cover

On Sunday, Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) continues their Sunday Night Cinema with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Directed by Monty Python animator Terry Gilliam; look for Robin Williams playing the Moon King and Uma Thurman as Botticelli's inspiration for Venus. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

Just a food note: I've been enjoying the house-made fresh mozzarella at Rosario's Deli, right there on 31st Street under the elevated train (22-55 31st St). It's particularly delicious in a salad with tomatoes and basil (you can get both across the street at the produce market). Each ball is around $5. I understand the sandwiches are great, too. They are closed on Sundays.

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.06.08

Tonight at Waltz (23-14 Ditmars), enjoy A Night With The Whiskey Dregs. 8 to 11 p.m. come enjoy the free event, full of music, poetry, and storytelling. There will also be some limited open mic time, so if that's your deal, get there early to sign up!

Don't forget the community meeting tonight about the Con Ed/Fed Ex sale. It will effect everyone.

If you haven't been by the Freeze Peach (22-09 29th St) lately, pay them a little visit on Friday and check out the new set-up. Some things moved around, some things changed, but same great drinks. There will also be carry over performances by the people from The Whiskey Dregs from last night. Looks like they are testing out a monthly gig.

Try the vast wine selection at Rést-âü-Ránt (corner of 35th Ave & 30th St.) and relax the Saturday away while nibbling on cheese and meats platters, too. I stopped in there a few weeks back and it was really quite charming. They open up the one wall (foto above) to let in the air and light, almost makes you feel like you're outside. Another plus, great music selection and not too loud either!

Sunday should be a blast- literally. Hit the park for the Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight! Bring your own artillery, or join the Meetup group and pay $5 and they will supply you with some flying water bombs. There will also be a picnic of sorts going on as part of the Meetup group so if you are interested, inquire with them. Meet at noon between 23rd Rd and Hoyt Ave.

UPDATE: The Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight! is being moved to next weekend 07.05.08. Stay tuned to their site.

Astorian Weekend Edition 24.01.08

Oleput (31-13 Ditmars) reopened! I heard a rumor that the liquor license is in... let's check it out tonight!

Saturday stop in at Waltz at 8pm for some goodies and a "I'm New to Astoria: Meet and Greet Party". Go and represent the neighborhood and show some love to the newbs.

Seeds of Love are at it again with raising more cashola for a special family in need. This time the awesome crew at Curves (36-10 Ditmars) are setting up shop in North Astoria Saturday afternoon. They'll have tons of brand spanking new gear for you all to purchase and they still need donations as well, so check their website for the deets on how to help!

Try the Post Holiday Food Based Cleanse and Restoration at The Yoga Room (32-32 Steinway St) his Sunday! I did a full on cleanse a couple of weeks ago and I'm a fan. Maybe this one will be just as good? I'm willing to bet it is. From their mailer: "You will get to prepare, taste and take home recipes that will help you start the year with the clear, balanced energy needed for the cold winter months." It's 1 to 4 p.m. and $45.

There's a Sunday brunch being put together by the peeps over at Out Astoria at Locale (33-02 34th Ave). I know a couple of the members; a good time is pretty much guaranteed. Let them know you're coming in advance!

P.S. I finally made it to Mojave (22-36 31st St) and was quite satisfied. Hope to have them in the neighborhood for awhile so I can try more of the menu!

Astorian Weekend Edition 03.01.08

Welcome to a new year! We hope you had a great New Year's Eve/Day and got a chance to rest before heading back to the grind. Here at Joey in Astoria we're excited about this new year full of many possibilities. We'll keep you updated on the comings and going of the neighborhood as best we can. Speaking of new in the neighborhood, I got a chance to try Luna de Juarez over the holiday weekend and was very happy with the food. Everything we had was delicious - I really recommend getting the guacamole, which is made table-side. It's so fresh and the molcajete they make it in (at least the one we had) is in the shape of a pig! Totally adorable. The chocolate tres leches cake is amazing, too. Definitely give it a try.

The new place on 31st Street near the Ditmars subway station is shaping up, too. I peeked in the other day and it looks fabulous. Conventional wisdom says it will be an Astoria location for Agave restaurant, a popular latin/southwestern place in the Village. We will keep you updated on this exciting restaurant development in town.

On Friday at 8pm, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) presents the early jazz, swing, and blues stylings of The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn. They perform songs from 1920's and 30's and original tunes. Come enjoy the unique sounds of guitar/vocals, upright bass, washboard percussion, and trumpet, paired with 4-part vocal harmony.

The beginning of the year also brings us MulchFest at Astoria Park! Stop by January 5 and 6^th from 10-2 p.m., bring your holiday trees (real ones, minus the ornaments) to the Astoria Park parking lot, and get your trees chipped. It’s a great environmental reuse for the tree and you can even walk away with a bag of mulch from your very own tree if you like!

We expect to see more going on in as the year progresses, and we'll bring it to you! Enjoy the start of the new year.

Astorian Weekend Edition 27.12.07

OK kids, here we go. We here at JIA have gotten a little comprehensive list of all the go-to events in the neighborhood together for you. There should be something here to fit everyone's taste and budget... Get your clean duds out cause there are things to do and people to see this long weekend! (Yeah, ok, so these are all on Monday night, but you can hit these places up anytime you want! Give any of them a try any night.)

•Bistro 33 (19-33 Ditmars Blvd.) is having a pre-fix dinner with two different seatings is what I am told. There isn't info on the website since it is still under construction, but because I have fallen in love with this place- I would say, just give them a call for the 411 and get in on it whatever it may be! If you're looking to eat magnificently on the last day of the year, look no further!
• Brick Cafe (30-95 33rd St.) is doing a dinner and/or bar party. For the bar part of it, there is a $25 cover at the door starting at 9:30pm which covers your first drink as well. The restaurant opens at 6 for the first and less expensive of its two seatings. The second seating at 9pm also covers your entry to the bar party- so there you go, two birds with one $80 stone.
• Cavo (42-18 31st Ave.) also has a bash to offer at $150 per person for 4-course dinner (3 seating times- 7, 8 & 9pm) If you don't want to eat, there is also just the party option which will set you back $50- but it's a cash bar, so not much of a deal. They've got their menu up for perusal too.
• Central Lounge (20-30 Steinway) A cool $50 will get you entry and an hour of open bar. They have food and drink packages too if you are looking to splurge. The place is so cool looking that this could be the perfect reason to head all the way up there.
• Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) Our always dependable good time go-to, doesn't disapoint with a no cover night full of music and entertainment. You don't even have to rush out there, the party goes from 10pm straight til 10am. There may even be a White Castle run for the munchies :)
• Locale (33-02 34th Ave.) looks to have a low key and delectable eating event with two 5 course seatings, (6pm $90 pp and 10pm $100pp). Just last week I was told that I need to go there for some delish Italian, this would be a great opportunity to see what gives.
• Riccardo's (21–01 24th Ave.) fills you up for $100 per adult and $60 per child. This may be a good all around party option for those of you toting some smaller folks :) They've posted the menu too if you want to make sure it fits your taste. If you want to get out of dodge before all the hubbub- they've also got a "matinee" option that doesn't sound too shabby.
• Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd.) asks everyone to come decked in silver and gold. Dance and be merry from 9pm on.

Handmade Holiday - Astoria Craft Collective

This weekend the Astoria Craft Collective presents Handmade Holiday. This ten person collective will have their wares for sale at Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars) on Sunday, December 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. And last night, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of them for a preview of some of the things that will be for sale this Sunday. These five crafters present - Jenn McKinney, Bonnie Sharpe, Lorina Pellach, Alison Shanik, and Marianne Hodge - do great work. Everything was beautiful, from the jewelry to the hand screening to the crochet work. Here are a few pictures (more can be seen here) of what you can expect at their sale at Waltz-Astoria this weekend:

Earrings by Jenn McKinney

Beadscarves by Lorina Pellach

Cards by Alison Shanik

Hand screened bag by Bonnie Sharpe Skiver

Crochet work by Marianne Hodge

So, support your local artists and crafters! Their work is gorgeous and you'll get a one of a kind gift for your loved-ones. These artisans are deeply devoted to their work, very talented, and some have recieved international acclaim. Enjoy the show!

Astorian Weekend Edition 08.11.07

Well, life got overly crazed this week, and JIA friend John Roleke gave us some weekend fun to start our Astorian Weekend Edition off:

There's only one event I can give my full love to -- a walking tour of Old Astoria. Join Kevin Walsh of Forgotten NY and Richard Melnick of the Greater Astoria Historical Society lead an exploration of Old Astoria Village. See it before disappears, replaced by six-story boxes. Sunday at 1pm. Call 718–278–0700 for exact meeting place and additional information. Tour will last about 2 hours.
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Thursday through Sunday, the 5th Queens International Film Festival is going on at various Astoria locations, including the Museum of the Moving Image, Cup and Cavo, among others. There will be plenty of special screenings and parties going on, all celebrating independent films. It looks like a great lineup, so check it out.

Friday night brings us a performance of the Lost Dog Ensemble, Astoria's own new music ensemble. They'll be performing at the intimate space that is Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd), with works by Michael Hersch, Paul Yeon Lee, Gordon Beeferman, and Per Norgard. No cover and 2 drink minimum.

At the Beer Garden this Saturday from 8pm-midnight, join Chickenhead live in concert. $10 gets you in for music and dancing. Plus all that great bohemian grub. And speaking of Czech food, consider stopping at Koliba one of these days, just a short ways away from the Beer Garden (31-11 23rd Ave). I hear they have the most amazing lentil soup.

And the Hunters Point/LIC Greenmarket is still up and running. It's located at 48th Avenue between Vernon Blvd and 5th Street in Long Island City and runs from 8am-3pm on Saturdays.

Photo (c) Joy Victory

Astorian Weekend Edition 11.10.07

Head over to LIC at 9pm on Saturday to hear local musician Richard McGraw play at Dominies Hoek (48-17 Vernon Blvd.). He'll be playing with some great musicians, and you can enjoy the music with one of their self-proclaimed "best chicken sandwich[es] in the neighborhood", along with a nice cold one. Anyway, I'm a big fan of Rich's, so I hope you'll all go and support one of Astoria's great singer songwriters.

Waltz Astoria also has a weekend full of music. Saturday gives us a double bill of acoustic musicians Tim Miller and JustinBadger ($3 cover,$7 drink minimum), and on Sunday is the New Talent Showcase, Music Edition ($5 cover, $7 drink minimum).

This weekend come by the Beer Garden for a family puppet show! Sunday at 11:30am is A Bohemian Rhapsody, presented by Sean Keohane. The Beer Garden says, "His expressive and richly costumed puppets were hand carved by traditional artists in the Czech Republic. Each of his Czech-centric shows will be in English with some Czech."

This Saturday, Housing Works Thrift Shop in Long Island City is having their monthly warehouse sale. Come on out to Housing Works warehouse to pick through the clothes that do not make it into their stores. Fill a bag for $20. 10-4pm, 48-49 35th Street.

Tell Astorya Cafe (37-05 28th Avenue), has a lot going on throughout the week. Fridays are Independent Film nights, and every Sat starting at 2pm they've got a jazz trio playing. Coffee and desserts are available. Stop by and say hi and relax with a hot cup of joe.

Recently I was over at the Museum of the Moving Image - there's more than just the movies there. The museum itself is pretty awesome and super informative about filmmaking history. Every hour or so there are talks given by museum staff with opportunities to ask questions. I saw a demonstration about sound editing and it was fascinating. One of the coolest things in the whole museum is Gregory Barsamian's "Feral Fount". Here's a good description:

"Feral Fount" is a rapidly rotating armature affixed with 97 small sculptures, each differing slightly from the preceding one; the armature's dizzying spin, combined with the effect of a strobe lamp, make a convincing case that the viewer is seeing a drop of water transform itself into a bomb shape and eventually into a paper airplane that shatters a dish at the bottom of the sculpture.

Also fun is watching the serial The Adventures of Red Ryder, shown in Tut's Fever, the little screening room they have there. While the acting is a bit cornball, they really knew how to craft a great cliffhanger. Red Ryder shows at 1pm and 3pm and is free with admission.

The best thing I can recommend this week for eats is the sushi at Kumo (Ditmars and 37th Street). I've ordered it a couple times in the last few weeks and it's always been fresh and tasty Good prices, too. Total yum and an affordable way to satisfy the sushi craving.

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 30.08.07

Welcome to the end of summer; that gets a frownie face from me. This weekend, of course, is Labor Day, so enjoy a few more days off before you have to put away your summer whites. I hope you have one last picnic (hello Astoria Park!) or BBQ (Randall's Island, anyone?) to attend. I'll be making a batch of something to share with friends this weekend.

Friday night consider going to an art opening, right here in Astoria. Argentinian native and LIC resident Graciela Cassel’s latest work consists of mixed media boxes in acrylic, wood and plexiglass. The opening reception is Friday starting at 6pm at the ArtHome Gallery (29-28 Newtown Avenue). There will be an open bar and live music; h'ors d'oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP to arthomenyc@gmail.com if you plan on going.

This weekend, there's plenty of jazz at Waltz-Astoria (Ditmars and 23rd)- Samba Saurus on Thursday, the Howard Britz Jazz Trio on Saturday, and the Naughty Waltzers on Monday. They've also got a happy hour going on - on Thursday from 8:30-10:30, buy one drink, get second 1/2 off! I had a mimosa there the other day and it was tasty. They've renovated their space, and it looks really nice. On Thursday there's jazz at the Beer Garden, too, part of their regular series.

On Monday, hit the last street fair of the summer, sponsored by the 30th Avenue Business Association. It's on 30th Avenue between 29th & 42nd Streets and lasts from 11-6. I can almost smell the grilled corn and mozzarepas from here!

The ever-eclectic Candy Plum boutique (36th Street at 30th Ave) is having a great sale this week and into the weekend. For every $20 you spend, get a $5 gift card! All clothing is on sale, plus they have a fabulous selection of earrings. The vibe is always fun there, too.

There's a new sushi restaurant in town! Sakura, on Ditmars near 36th Street, just opened and I've heard good things about them. Prices are great and the menu is extensive. Particularly notable if the ume shisho roll, apparently hard to find around here. Definitely worth a try. Also, my tip for your sweet tooth - Il Bambino has the best cupcakes in town. Their chocolate peanut butter cupcake is to die for, simply fabulous. They've also made a few changes to their menu, too.

And while it's not in Astoria/LIC, one of the world's major sporting events has been going on this week in Queens, the US Open. It's a short ride from Queensboro Plaza on the 7 train to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Get the scoop on queens.about.com, along with tips to make your US Open experience the best ever.

Astorian Weekend Edition 19.07.07

Even the week's end starts out rainy, we should have a beautiful weekend. On Saturday, there are a couple of Trunk Sales going on. The Trunk Sale put on by the Astoria Craft Collective will have jewelry, accessories, and clothing. It will be at the patio on the corner of 29th Street and 35th Avenue, 11am-5pm, plus there will be refreshments! It goes on rain or shine, but it looks like a dry Saturday. Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) has a lot of t-shirts to offer with a 10% discount. 1-3pm and they'll have sweets and snacks. If you can't make it to either of the Trunk Sales, you might consider the Blooming Company at another time, a cute little boutique on 31st Street between 23rd Ave and Ditmars.

There's always plenty of music happening in Astoria, and this weekend is no different. Stop by Waltz on Thursday for Samba music, performed by Anthony Lanni and friends ($2 cover and a $7 drink minimum). Check out their newly renovated digs, too. Hellgate Social that same night presents indie punk rock in the form of The Johns. HGS also has a movie planned for Sunday around 9pm.

Time Cafe (44-18 Broadway) this weekend has live jazz during brunch on Sunday. Hear the Jacob Varmus Quartet from 12-3 while you enjoy some tasty food. And if you were thinking of heading to Sparrow (across from the Beer Garden) for brunch at 10:30am, you might want to reconsider - I tried eating there last Sunday at 11am and they were still closed! Best bet - check them out at noon. I also hear Ovelia (34-01 30th Avenue) makes a superb frappe.

Head to the AMMI for more horror films, including 1970s classic Carrie and 21st century Japanese film Itchi the Killer. Warm Up at PS1 is Saturday from 3pm-9pm, and particularly interesting sounding that afternoon is Eric Singer's LEMUR (League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots)

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.07.07

After work Thursday night unwind at Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars) with some Brazilian jazz. Anthony Lanni will be there to entertain you. It's also a good excuse to see the remodeling they've done.

PeeWee's get to play tennis! On Thursday take your 5-7 year-olds (9:30-10:15 a.m.) or your 8-15 year-olds (10:30-noon) to Astoria Park for free time on the court, now through August 14th. They've also got track and field options too -- check City Parks Foundation.

Site (35-11 34th Ave) is having a "Friday the 13th" sale all day long...all pillows, dishes, and all ART is 13% off on the "unlucky" day!

There's a new community garden getting off the ground that needs our help! The Two Coves Garden at the Goodwill Triangle (30th Ave & Astoria Blvd) is open every Saturday. This Saturday, though, expect there to be planting, weeding, building raised garden beds, and more! Stop over with your dirty-able clothes (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and get your green thumb going. For more info email twocovesgarden@yahoo.com or call 718-706-8044.

Saturday enjoy the not-so-muggy weather and take a walk and explore the places you haven't gotten to! Go hit up our old stand by Kabab Cafe and enjoy the air conditioning! Ali is back in full force.

Take a cruise up Newton Creek and check out the digs from another angle. Sunday morning enjoy the cruise while you learn about bridges, neighborhoods, and industry from Greenpoint to Maspeth. Sponsored by the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment. Call right away to book ahead and pre-pay the $50/40 fee - 718-788-8500.

Remember: give your extra beer money to these guys over at Team MTA so they can have a mighty fine summer racing around the world in the name of Astorians everywhere!

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.07.07

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day yesterday! I know the Macy's fireworks had some rain to contend with but I hope that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. I went to the beach and skipped the light display (but caught the Grucci show in Astoria Park last Friday). This week's end should have some nice weather mixed in with some thunderstorms - a typical summer in the east. This weekend (Saturday) also brings us 07-07-07. Cool! After Saturday, check out the flickr group called 07-07-07. People will be taking lots of pictures on that day, chronicling their lives. I'll be submitting a few myself.

Also on Saturday, Last Resort is having a rooftop party at 4pm their space... and there will be grilling involved, just bring your own grill-friendly food and/or a drink to share. At 9pm that night, they're having a rock show ($4 cover), including A Fistful of Dynamite, Suburban Riot, OUCH, and Blanketstatementstein. You can find Last Resort at 8-63 Astoria Blvd.

Hellgate Social, a great spot in western Astoria (12-21 Astoria Blvd), is active this week's end - Thursday through Sunday brings all sorts of live music, DJing, and a CD release party. No sign of a movie this Sunday, though (last week's showing of Dr. Strangelove was pretty awesome).

On Saturday, Waltz-Astoria is also holding a big bash at the beautiful Grand Ballroom upstairs at the Moose Lodge (did you know we had one?). There will be music, video-art, a funny guy emcee, and beer and wine to drink. The Lodge is at 41st and Broadway (down by Steinway). Get your $15 tickets at info@waltz-astoria.com.

Also, Thursday begins adult lap swim at Astoria Pool, too. You can swim in the mornings from 7-8:30am or in the evenings, 7-8:30pm. I hope to do some of the evening swims, myself. Lap swimming goes until August 31 this summer. After you swim, you can head over to a number of places in the area: Agnanti (Ditmars and 19th) and Bistro 33 (21st and Ditmars) come to mind, or you can walk a bit further and find yourself at the Beer Garden or Sparrow (across the street from the BG). Their burger sounds like a great ending to a nice swim. Head to Oleput (Ditmars and 33rd Street) after that for a shake or a float. Yummmm!

And remember Warm Up is this weekend. It's always a lot of fun at this event at PS1. You'll get a chance to hear some DJs and live music, dance, dance, dance, then head to Water Taxi Beach for Beach Party afterwards. Warm Up starts at 3pm and goes for 6 hours, until 9pm, and Water Taxi Beach will be all geared up by 9!

More fun, here.

Fireworks Photo Credit: Lia Pelosi