Sun, Sand & Sound
The summer is meant to be spent outdoors, and New York has some of the most beautiful parks and beaches in the country. There is also a ton of outdoor concerts you can attend while still enjoying the warm breeze of the summer air. Go and have fun.
Long Island State Parks
Like the city parks, the state parks have a plethora of events lined up for summer 2007 that are appropriate for children, families and adults alike. For more information on any of the events listed, visit their Web site at www.nysparks.com.
Summer Cultural Concert Series
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Hither Hills State Park, Hempstead Lake State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park
July 1-Aug. 26
The 16th Annual Summer Cultural Concert Series offers a variety of free musical entertainment such as Jazz in The Blur Division, Classical in the Long Island Brass Guild, Blue Grass, Rock and Roll, and Swing. A vehicle- use fee may be in effect and participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. Call (631) 321-3510 for more info.
Children’s Summer Theatre
Hempstead Lake, Belmont Lake, Orient Beach, Hither Hills, Caumsett, Wildwood, Heckscher, Valley Stream, Sunken Meadow
July 1-Aug. 26
The Children’s Summer Theatre offers a variety of free entertainment such as magic shows, children’s music, classical theatrical productions and puppet shows. Call (631) 321-3510 for more info.
North Fork Bank Fireworks Spectacular
Jones Beach State Park
July 4
On July 4, North Fork Bank and Newsday will present a word class fireworks program, produced by Pyro Engineering, Inc., at Jones Beach. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. and will last 30 minutes. The vehicle use fee is $8 and will be collected at toll plazas. Be sure to arrive early to get a great spot.
Caumsett Summer Cultural Arts Festival
Caumsett State Historic Park, Huntington
July 7-Aug. 18
The Caumsett Summer Cultural Arts Festival offers a variety of free entertainment such as children’s classic theatrical performances, educational performances and Shakespeare in the Park.
A vehicle use fee will be in effect and all of these free outdoor performances will be in the Walled Garden. Participants are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs or blankets as seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Call (631) 423-1770.
NY Volleyball Tournament
Jones Beach State Park
July 21-22
The 29th Annual Hip Health Plan of NY Volleyball Tournament will take place at Jones Beach on July 21 and July 22. Registration for this year’s tournament began on June 11 and will continue until 5 p.m. on July 19.
The tournament will include a 4-player and a 6-player division. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams in each division. For more info contact Jones Beach at (516) 785-1600.
Public Golf Tournament and Gala
Montauk Downs State Park, Babylon
Aug. 10-11
From Aug. 10 to 11, a public golf tournament, gala dinner, as well as an awards ceremony will take place at Montauk Downs State Park. Proceeds from the tournament and gala will be dedicated to the improvement of golf programs and for the renovation of Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course. An entry fee of $350 nets a spot on the golf tournament as well as admission to the gala. An entry fee of $150 covers the cost of the gala alone. Call (631) 668-1100.
Interpretive Programs
Caumsett State Historic Park, Caleb Smith State Park, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Nissequogue River State Park
All summer
These four parks are offering fun and educational programs for kids, families and adults all summer. Whether it’s a grueling or leisurely hike, learning about animals or trees, or unique readings, these parks have a lot to offer this summer.
Events of note are the Bat Safari, taking place July 21 at Caleb Smith Park and July 27 at Connetquot Park, in which an introductory course on bats is given before observing them feeding in the wild and Introduction to Wilderness Survival, Aug. 25 and 26 at Caumsett Park offers a hands-on program in which you learn how to find food, start a fire and build a shelter. Also at Caumsett, the Beginning Orienteering course, taking place on September 2 and 3, will teach you how to use a compass and offers a 1-mile course to practice on.
At all parks, fees for the programs are $3 per adult and $2 for children. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Reservations/Registration are also required for all the programs. At most of the parks, a $6 parking fee will be assessed during the fee collection season. Caumsett Park can be reached at (631) 423-1770, Caleb Smith at (631) 265-1054, and both Connetquot and Nissequogue River Parks can be reached at (631) 581-1072.
Golden Oldies
Westbury Music Fair
960 Brush Hollow Rd.
(516) 334-0800
www.musicfair.com
Neil Sedaka |
It started out with a few actors and a tent in an empty industrial lot. But 50 years later, the Westbury Music Fair draws some of the country’s best-known music, comedy and theatre, all performing in an intimate venue.
Everyone from The Doors to Johnny Carson has graced the stage of the recently renamed North Fork Theatre. This summer, the fair will host INXS, Boz Scaggs, The Beach Boys, Lewis Black and many others.
Although the performances no longer take place under a tent, the theater boasts a relatively small number of seats encircling a round stage, putting the performers surprisingly close to the audience. With a show every weekend, be sure to check out the following acts before the summer fades away:
June 28 - The Beach Boys
June 30 - Asia
July 5 - INXS
July 7 - Jesse McCartney & The Jonas Brothers
July 8 & 9 - An Evening with Johnny Mathis
July 10 - Russian American Kids Circus
July 10 - Hootie & The Blowfish with Steve Azar
July 11 - Rocking The Colonies Tour- The Psychedelic Furs with The Fixx, The Alarm
July 12 - Neil Sedaka- The Man And His Music
July 16 - Buddy Guy & The Robert Cray Band
July 17 - Hot Peas ‘N Butter
July 18 - ABBA The Tour
July 20 - Air Supply & John Waite
July 21 - Hot Tuna with special guest Oteil & The Peacemakers
July 24 - KC’s Summer Dance Party featuring KC & The Sunshine Band, Gloria Gaynor & The Family Stone
July 25 - Norman Foote
July 28 - Boz Scaggs
July 31 & Aug. 1 - Alice in Wonderland
Aug. 1 - An Evening with Smokey Robinson
Aug. 2 - The New Cars
Aug. 3 - Peter, Paul & Mary
Aug. 4 & 5 - A Special Evening with Natalie Cole
Aug. 6 - Zappa Plays Zappa
Aug. 7 - Squeeze with Fountains of Wayne
Aug. 8 - Beauty & The Beast
Aug. 8 - Rick Springfield & Eddie Money
Aug. 9 - An Evening with Joe Walsh with special guests JD & The Straight Shot
Aug. 10 - Kenny Rogers & The Oak Ridge Boys
Aug. 11 - An Evening with Linda Eder
Aug. 14 - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band with guest Jim McClenahan
Aug. 16 - Dickey Betts, The Outlaws
Aug. 17 - The O’Jays & The Manhattans
Aug. 18 - The Rock n Roll King Spectacular
Aug. 19 - Nickel Creek with special guest Fiona Apple
Aug. 21 - Aladdin
Aug. 22 - George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Aug. 23 & 24 - Lewis Black
Aug. 28 - An Evening with Donny Osmond
Aug. 29 - Michael Bolton
Classical Evenings
Music Under The Stars
Oyster Bay
(516) 797-7900
www.oysterbaytown.com
July 5-Aug. 10
Listening to live music is nice, but listening to it outside on a cool summer night is utterly sublime. And thanks to Music Under the Stars, a series of public concerts held outdoors at sites around Oyster Bay, a pleasant, music filled evening is never more than a weekend away.
Presenting a wide range of musical tastes – from the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra to Kansas – the concerts are meant to appeal to a variety of people, young and old, hip or square.
Every week, the concerts take place at a different location in towns such as Massapequa and Bethpage. Call the number above or check the Web site for more details. The best part: all of them are free. Be sure to check out these great performances throughout the summer:
July 5-Joey Dee’s All-Star Revue, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Broadway, Bethpage
July 6-Leslie Uggams-Tappen Beach, Glenwood Landing, Shore Road, Glen Head
July 7-Dennis Deyoung, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 9-Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops of Long Island, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale
July 10-Kansas, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 11-Sound On Sound Music, Syosset, Woodbury Community Park, Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury
July 12-North Shore Pops Concert Band, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Broadway, Bethpage
July 13-Plaza Productions “Damn Yankees,” Tappen Beach, Glenwood Landing, Shore Road, Glen Head
July 14-Bobby Vinton, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 16-The Duprees, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale
July 17-Gin Blossoms, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 18-Glass Houses, Syosset, Woodbury Community Park, Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury
July 19-Midlife Crisis, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Broadway, Bethpage
July 20-Joey & The Paradons, Theodore Roosevelt Beach, Larabee Avenue, Oyster Bay
July 21-Children’s Festival with Raggs Kids Club Band, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 23-Freddie Paris & The 5 Satins, Earl Lewis & The Channels-Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale
July 24-Performers From The Lawrence Welk Television Show, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 25-Lou Moneta and Gayle Scott-Syosset, Woodbury Community Park, Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury
July 26-Soul Be It, H.B. Mattlin Middle School, Washington Avenue, Plainview
July 27-“British Invasion” with Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas and Eric Burdon and The Animals, Hicksville High School Field, Newbridge Road Entrance
July 28-Live! From The Red Carpet…It’s Rich Little & Friends, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
July 30-The Nassua Pops Symphony Orchestra, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale
July 31-“Salute To America” with Sawyer Brown and Fireworks by Grucci, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
Aug. 1-Xavier Cugas Orchestra, H. B. Mattlin Middle School, Washington Avenue, Plainview
Aug. 2-Six Gun, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Broadway, Bethpage
Aug. 3-Paris Bennett & Kevin Covais, Hicksville High School Field, Newbridge Road Entrance
Aug. 4-Kid Kyle and His Kool Cats, The Crystals, Stelhi Beach, Bayville Avenue, Bayville
Aug. 6-B.J. Thomas, Theodore Roosevelt Beach, Larabee Avenue, Oyster Bay
Aug. 7-Kathy Sledge, Shannon, Alisha, and Lisa Lisa, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
Aug. 8-Petula Clark-Syosset, Woodbury Community Park, Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury
Aug. 9-2U, Evolution, Hicksville High School Field, Newbridge Road Entrance
Aug. 10-Dean Karahalis and The Concert Pops of Long Island, H.B. Mattlin Middle School, Washington Avenue, Plainview
Party Beach
Jones Beach
Wantagh
Petula Clark will be performing all over Long Island this summer. |
On any hot summer day, one might think they were still in Queens as they get ready to drop their blankets at Jones Beach’s Field 4.
Located on the South Shore of Nassau County, Jones Beach acts as one of the premier outdoor tanning areas for all New Yorkers. Having 6.5 miles of sand, Jones Beach becomes an oasis of barely clad visitors looking out and venturing in to the Atlantic Ocean once the temperature reaches above 70 degrees.
The state park is not all beach, however. There’s a two-mile long boardwalk, the Jones Beach Theater, the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center and a “Castles in the Sand” photo exhibit located at the East Bath House. There’s also two swimming pools, four miles of bike path, basketball courts, dining, miniature golf and deck games, all available to the public.
The cost of admission is $8, but be prepared and bring plenty of suntan lotion, a blanket and your swim trunks. Visitors can also get to the beach by way of bus, but for those who drive, on a hot sunny day, there’s usually traffic and don’t forget where you parked – the lots are big and they fill fast. There’s also Nikon at Jones Beach Theater which features the following artists this summer:
June 29- Bob Dylan, Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton
July 2- Rush
July 21- Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, Colbie Caillat- “Let Love In”
July 22- Stray Cats, The Pretenders, ZZ Top- “Jack FM Radio Show”
July 24- Poison, RATT, Tramp’s White Lion
July 26- 311, Matisyahu, The English Beat w/ Pato Banton- “Unity Tour”
July 27- Larry The Cable Guy
July 28- Steve Miller Band, The Doobie Brothers
Aug. 3- O.A.R., The Feeling, Augustana
Aug. 4- “Nextfest”- Aly & AJ, Bianca Ryan, Corbin Bleu, Drake Bell
Aug. 9- Incubus, The Bravery, Simon Dawes
Aug. 14- Def Leppard, Foreigner, Styx
Aug. 15- Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Placebo, Taking Back Sunday, HIM, Saosin, The Bled, Mindless Self Indulgence, Madina Lake, Styles of Beyond, Julien K- “Projekt Revolution”
Aug. 18- Velvet Revolver, Alice in Chains
Aug. 19- WKTU Beatstock
Aug. 21- Allman Brothers Band, Bob Weir and Ratdog
Aug. 22- Meatloaf
Aug. 25- Dream Theater, Into Eternity, Redemption
Sept. 8- Alice Cooper, Queensryche, Geezer Butler, Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Vinny Apice “Heaven and Hell”
Renegade Theater
Upright Citizens Brigade
Central Park Summerstage
www.ucbtheatre.com
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre heads to Central Park July 19 for a night of stand-up and music at Summerstage. This will be the theatre’s third consecutive Summerstage performance, but the first to stray from improvisation and sketch comedy.
UCB’s Chelsea theatre opened its doors in 2003 and presents a wide array of entertainment in an intimate setting. The Central Park venue will certainly provide a unique view of the artists who are shaping New York’s comedy scene and gaining momentum on the national level.
The cast of MTV’s “Human Giant” (Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, & Paul Scheer) will host the event. Acts include Demetri Martin, The Difibulators, Slovin & Allen, Rebecca Drysdale, Reggie Watts, Stickerbook, and Cracked Out. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first serve so get there early and treat yourself to an evening of free jokes that are anything but easy. http://ucbtheatre.com/schedule
Shakespeare in The Park
Delacorte Theater, Central Park
June 6 to July 8, Aug. 7 to Sept. 9
A 50-year tradition, Shakespeare in The Park is a free presentation of the Bard’s plays in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Many young actors and actresses have started their careers at Shakespeare in The Park including Morgan Freeman, Natalie Portman and Christopher Walken. This year, the production will be putting on “Romeo and Juliet” from June 6 to July 8, and “A Midsummer Nights Dream” Aug. 7 to Sept. 9.
Shakespeare in The Park is free and tickets can be picked up at either the Delacorte Theater or The Public Theater Box Office on 425 Lafayette Street on the day of the show.
Groovy Performances
Lincoln Center Out of Doors 2007
Summer of Love: Celebrating The Spirit of The ‘60s
Aug. 2-27
www.lincolncenter.org
The fountain at Lincoln Center. |
Lincoln Center is proud to present its 37th season of free performances of music, dance, and family events. This year, the focus will be on the music and culture of the 1960s with such artists as Arlo Guthrie, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, and La India.
“Lincoln Center Out of Doors,” conceived in 1970, was inspired by ideas about arts and community arising from social and cultural changes brought about in the 1960s. Special events include “60s Snapshots,” in which new works commissioned by Lincoln Center from dance experimenters Gus Solomon jr, Yoshiko Chuma, Merian Soto and Elaine Summers will be showcased. Check Lincoln Center’s official website for a complete list of artists and events.
Forest Park Drive Path
Forest Park Drive between Woodhaven Blvd. and Metropolitan Ave.
Park closes at 10 p.m.
This section of 538-acre Forest Park is the perfect place to run, bike, walk, skate or just relax on a summer’s evening. It’s a two-mile stretch featuring a serene landscape that’s closed to all types of vehicle traffic, so you can exercise or just take in the atmosphere in the utmost peace and quiet.
Water Frenzy
Water Fun Throughout Queens
When the beach is too far away, a hose won’t do, and you just can’t bring yourself to crack open a fire hydrant, you can always drag the brood through the water sprays at one of Queens’ parks. That’s right. Put on a bathing suit (or leave your clothes on if you’re of the spontaneous ilk) and run wild.
Different parks have different water sprays, so you’ll need to test drive them for yourself to find the ones that suit. (Our favorites are the mushroom-shaped ones, with tiny holes that send water high into the air and crashing down into a cascading waterfall 12 to 15 feet wide.)
Others are fashioned out of arched metal work, gently misting those who meander in and out of its reach.
Parents can sit back and watch their kids revel in a watery oasis amidst the asphalt city. Kids old enough to squirt a water gun float in and out of these watering holes when ammunition runs low. Even those with distinguished manes of graying hair can be seen wetting their silver noggins.
Here’s a list of some of the parks that have water sprays: Astoria Heights Playground, 30th Rd. and 45th St., Astoria; Dutch Kills Playground, Crescent and 28th St., Dutch Kills; Big Bush Park, 61st St., on the north side of the BQE, Woodside; Alstyne Playground, Alstyne Ave., 102nd St., Corona; Bay Terrace Playground, 23rd Ave. and 212th St., Bay Terrace; Holy Cow Playground, Peck Ave. and Harding Blvd., Flushing; St. Albans Park, Merrick Blvd. and 173rd Pl., St. Albans; Gunn Park, Hillside Ave. and 235th Court, Queens Village.
Don’t forget, there is also a fountain at the Shops at Atlas Park.
For more locations, call 311. Exact park hours vary slightly from park to park.
Start Up The Band
George Seuffert Bandshell
Forest Park
www.nycgovparks.org
When George Seuffert Sr. took the stage with his band more than 100 years ago in Forest Park, he couldn’t have known the tradition he started would remain to this day.
Now backed by a Bandshell, which was built in 1920, performers such as Garth Brooks, the Platters, Johnny Maestro and thousands of others have taken the stage at Forest Park in front of countless audiences. After Seuffert died, his son continued the Sunday afternoon tradition until his death in 2005. Now, the Queens Symphony Orchestra has taken on the task.
For audiences, a vast wooden bench seating area surrounds the outdoor theater, which is located in the borough’s third largest park. Numerous trees and wildlife also add to the atmosphere.
The park’s history dates back to around the time Seuffert began his performances. The surrounding neighborhoods of Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven and Glendale have long been recognized for their cultural diversity, and the Bandshell continues to serve the general public with an array of cultural events, which are held throughout the week during the summer months.
Although the park itself is known for its rich agriculture and wildlife, the Bandshell provides an added amenity that is both free and entertaining. Check the performance schedule, where available, and head out to Forest Park this summer to see for yourself the Seuffert tradition that still stands
Centrally Located
Central Park SummerStage
Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
(212) 360-2756
www.summerstage.org
June 8-Sept. 16
New York City prides itself on its diversity. So where else would you expect a free summer entertainment series – incorporating music, dance, film and poetry – to include performances from Sierra Leone refugees, Israeli acrobats and English DJs?
A creation of the City Parks Foundation, Central Park’s SummerStage program “strives to develop audiences’ deepening appreciation for contemporary, traditional, and emerging artists as well as the communities in which these artists originate,” according to their Web site.
Those are haughty words, but when you watch the colorful costumes and energetic dances of African folk music, or hear the raw emotional pull of a spoken word poem, it’s easy to feel the force of distinct and powerful cultural identities running through your bones.
Moreover, tucked away in the scenic surrounding of the city’s most recognizable park – just a little west of the 69th Street and Fifth Avenue entrance – the elements often add a natural splendor to the performances. Sadly, however, because it’s City parkland, it means City rules: no alcohol, coolers, pets, bicycles, rollerblades, folding chairs, beach umbrellas or flash photography.
Almost all the performances are free of charge, except for a few benefit concerts that fund the rest, which this year will feature Dave Attell, Brazilian Girls and Cinematic Orchestra, among others.
So, next time you’re wandering through the park and hear what seems like tribal music, don’t worry, just follow your ear to the show and have a great time. Be sure to check out these great performances:
June 28-The Levon Helm Band (Benefit Concert)
June 30-Ozomatli, Babylon Circus, DJ Joro Boro
July 1-Rodrigo y Gabriela, Vietnam, JDH and Dave P
July 6-Ronald K. Brown, Evidence, Full Circle Soul Productions
July 7-Cinematic Orchestra, RAMP, El Michels Affair, Kevin Michael, DJ Spinna
July 8-Junior Reid, Djakout Mizik, Joey Starr, Black Alex, Mecca a.k.a GRIMO, Hosted by: Wyclef Jean & Papa Jube
July 9-Bob Weir and Rat Dog, Keller Williams (Benefit Concert)
July 10-Nortec Collective, Frederico Aubele, Film Screening of So What’s Your Price?
July 11-Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, DJ Rich Medina, Film screening of Music Is A Weapon
July 14-Café Tacuba, Pacha Massive, La Sista
July 15-Global Family Day: Hip-Hop Harry, Sippy Cups, Break!
July 16-The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk (Benefit Concert)
July 19-UCB Theatre’s Comedy Cabaret: Human Giant, Demetri Martin, Rebecca Drysdale, The Defibulators
July 20-Neko Case, Eric Bachmann
July 21-Sudan Music Festival
July 22-Brazilian Girls, Cat Empire, HIMALAYAS conducted by Kenny Wollesen & Jonathon Haffner
July 26-Marisha Pessl, Jennifer Egan
July 27-David Parsons Dance, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
July 28-Liz McComb, King Britt presents Sister Gertrude Morgan featuring Ben Jaffe
July 29-Wild Style 25th Anniversary Reunion, The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, The Cold Crush Brothers, GrandMaster Caz, DJ GrandWizzard Theodore, Fab 5 Freddy and special guests, Film screening of Wild Style
Aug. 2-Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez
Aug. 3-Philadelphia Dance Company, Camille A Brown and Dancers
Aug. 4-Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Spam Allstars, Tato Torres Y Yerba Buena, Bobbito Garcia a.k.a Kool Bob Love
Aug. 5-Cine Fest Brasil, AfroReggae, Film screening of Zuzu Angel
Aug. 8-Beastie Boys (Benefit Concert)
Aug. 9-Black Crowes
Aug. 10-Complexions Contemporary Ballet, TAKE Dance Company
Aug. 11-Celebrate New Orleans: Soul to Soul III
Aug. 12-Zap Mama, Angelique Kidjo, K’Naan
Beachfront Property
Water Taxi Beach
2nd Street and Borden Avenue, Long Island City
www.watertaxibeach.com
The East River is not known for its lovely beaches. But over the summer, Queens residents are invited to dig their toes into the sand, soak up some sun and have a beer or two at the Water Taxi Beach, a venue that combines the comforts of Miami with the skyline of Manhattan.
The free beach sprawls across 20,000 square feet of property located next to the Hunter’s Point Ferry stop. It offers commuters a brief respite from the rattling, congested subways as they travel home, allowing easy access across the 34th Street pier across the river.
Much like any other beach, Water Taxi has volleyball courts, picnic tables and a place to purchase cheap, grilled meats. This year the beach will also have a tent area and juice bar to keep visitors both dry and wet, respectively.
Beach chairs, blankets and cameras are encouraged; dogs and coolers are prohibited. Swimming is also not allowed, but would you really want to take a dip in the East River?
The menu includes Turkey Dogs ($2), a 4 oz. Elk Burger ($8), and a few vegan choices for those not so keen on eating dead wildlife. And of course, what beach would be complete without ice cream?
So if you crave the beach this summer, and can’t find the time or money to make it out to the Hamptons, make sure to drop by – it’s the next best thing.
Best View
Gantry Plaza State Park
4-74 48th Ave.
Long Island City
Parkpg14_1.jpg - Beastie Boys will host a benefit Concert Aug. 8 |
In Queens, it is considered one of the best places to view the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show, but year round, Gantry Plaza State Park showcases a spectacular view of Manhattan’s skyline.
Located along the outskirts of the East River, Gantry Plaza opened in 1998 with some two and a half acres dedicated to preserving a valuable piece of waterfront property. It is the only state park in Queens.
On a daily or nightly basis, couples enjoy a romantic getaway on one of many wooden benches situated around the park, while many others use the spot for a nice walk or to take scenic photographs.
On July 4, the evening sky will be lit through tons of colorful explosives set off in celebration of our independence and although many will look on from Manhattan, Long Island City will also get its share of spectators, so it is advised to get there early and reserve a seat.
Water Taxi Beach mixes Miami and Manhattan for New Yorkers. |
Hidden Treasures
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Want to learn a little something as you’re digging up fun stuff this summer?
First, trot out to Flushing Meadows Corona Park to glimpse the Column of Jerash, a little-known addition to the park from the 1964 World’s Fair gifted to the city by King Hussein of Jordan. It was erected way back in 120 A.D. by Romans as part of the Temple of Artemis, the principal goddess watching over the Jordanian city of Jerash.
It stands hidden among the trees of the park, and is actually one of several historic bits and pieces in Flushing Meadows. Do a quick walk-through, and you’ll also discover the New York State Pavilion, the marker for the time capsule from the 1964 World’s Fair, a tile mosaic portrait of Robert Moses by Andy Warhol, and a plaque commemorating the lives of two British police officers killed in a terrorist attack just before the opening of the 1939 World’s Fair.
Stroll around some more and you’ll see a handful of beautiful statues dating back to the 1964 World’s Fair, including The Rocket Thrower and Freedom of the Human Sprit. There’s also a George Washington statue surrounded, coincidentally enough, by cherry trees.
Even though it is off limits, it’s good to know that the floor of the New York Pavilion still bears the map of New York State, town by town, with every big road (and every Texaco gas station as well) clearly indicated.
Though plans have been tossed around through the years to do something with the old, rusting structure, little more than new lights to make it quite pretty at night have been added to what is otherwise deteriorating piece of the borough’s past.
Rocks Off
Fort Totten Park
From the Little Neck Bay jetty, visitors can see Fort Totten and Throgs Neck Bridge. |
The jetty that sits in Little Neck Bay, only yards from Bayside’s Fort Totten, quietly laps the waves beneath the Throgs Neck Bridge that roll toward it.
Many Queensites from the surrounding neighborhoods come to “The Rocks,” as the jetty’s endearingly been named by locals, to fish as the summer sun slowly lowers its rays. Others bring their dates, spouses or friends to unwind and relax as cool breezes wrap their sun-kissed skin.
To visit this calm oasis, take the Clearview Expressway to exit 7, Willets Point Boulevard. Make a right upon exiting, then follow the road and make the first left possible. Drive several yards down and into the parking lot to the left of Fort Totten.
Surf’s Up
Surfing-Only Beach
Rockaway Beach
87th to 91st Streets
Thanks to help from some dudes and dudettes in city government, a piece of Rockaway’s shoreline has recently become a surfing-only beach, where wave riders can now legally use Queens as a place to ride the waves and hang 10 along the shores.
The borough’s sole surfing-only beach was dedicated in 2005, along the Rockaway peninsula from 87th to 91st Streets. The centuries-old tradition was never thought to have much fanfare from metropolitan residents, but it apparently caught the attention of lawmakers and the Parks Department, who spoke highly of the initiative when it was announced last year.
The area is intended to provide a safe atmosphere for surfers, as they now have the opportunity to avoid run-ins with casual swimmers. The designation marks the first time in Queens history that surfing is allowed. Prior to the beach’s opening, surfers could receive summonses for bringing their boards into the ocean.
Queens Parks Fun
Take advantage of a string of events sponsored by the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation:
“Cinderella Samba” by Puppets in the Park
Fort Totten Park, Bayside
July 6, 10:30 a.m.
A specialty puppet show adds some Latin flair to the classic story of Cinderella.
ARROW Summer Family Fun Day
ARROW Community Center
July 21, noon
Face painting, music, refreshments, contests and crafts for youth are all part of this family-friendly day of fun. Call (718) 349-3408 for more info.
National Night Out
O’Donahue Park and B. 116 th Street @ the Boardwalk
Aug. 7, 6 p.m.
Join the community and the 100 th and 101st police precincts in helping to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in the fight to create a safer city.
The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre
Highland Park
Aug. 15, 5 p.m.
The unique and exciting Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre is presenting an all new theatrical production.
Peruvian Festival
Festival Site, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Aug. 19, 10 a.m.
Join hundreds of New Yorkers in celebrating traditional Peruvian culture with authentic entertainment, food, craft, and activities.
Park of Class
Bryant Park
42nd Street & 5th Avenue
Heralded as “one of the most sensual, graceful open spaces in New York City,” Bryant Park is an ideal destination for anybody looking for a space of quiet sophistication.
One special event occurring at the park is the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival which begins June 18 and continues to Aug. 20. Each Monday during this period, a film will be shown on the lawn at dusk. Film highlights include “Casablanca,” “Annie Hall” and “Psycho.”
There is also the GMA concert series in which every Friday morning there is a concert presented by “Good Morning America” and ABC. Acts to appear this summer are Norah Jones, John Mayer and John Legend. Check www.bryantpark.org for a complete list of summer events and features.
