RELEASED: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Sandra Tharas, sandra@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7068
Flushing Town Hall Will Welcome Back Larger Audiences for Phenomenal Fall Season
—Highlights include: global music “mashups,” dance and jazz programs, and the institution’s first gallery exhibition since the pandemic closed its facility —
Fall performers L to R: Dayramir González, Emeline Michel, Eva Salina & Peter Stan
(Flushing, N.Y.)—Flushing Town Hall announces a stellar lineup of fall programs, along with plans to expand its soft reopening to welcome back larger audiences in person.
Audiences can enjoy Flushing Town Hall’s Common Ground series, which is a fresh take on its beloved Global Mashups from prior years but now in “mini mashup” form, featuring a new mashup each month. Additional concerts this fall will include another performance in The Lioness Women in Jazz series that features baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian, followed by concerts with Dayramir González & Habana enTRANCé Cuban Jazz, then Yui Kitamura & The Mark Wade Trio, and the in-person return of Flushing Town Hall’s monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jam.
Also exciting, Flushing Town Hall will present the very first art exhibition, “Communicating Beyond Words,” inside its gallery since the pandemic first closed its facility in March of 2020, and its first dance presentation since the Hall reopened, Julia del Palacio: Son Jarocho Dance.
“After completely selling out our in-person performances this spring and summer for smaller audiences at a 25% capacity, we are eager to meet demand and serve larger crowds again,” says Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek. “We will not let our excitement get ahead of our safety protocols, however, which is why we are increasing to a 50% capacity and not yet packing the house. We continue to proceed with great care and love for the artists, staff, audiences, and donors who sustained us through the pandemic shutdown, and we have planned a very special season for everyone’s enjoyment!”
A number of Flushing Town Hall’s in-person events will also be livestreamed or made available later online for a virtual audience.
COVID Policy: In adherence with Mayor De Blasio’s Covid policy for performance venues, Flushing Town Hall will require all visitors, performers, and staff to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with matching identification. Additionally, masks will be required at all times. For more details on Flushing Town Hall’s Covid-safety measures and vaccine requirements, please visit: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/covid-safety.
SEPTEMBER:
Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam
WED, SEPT 8, 7 PM ET
JAZZ | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/jazz-jam-sept-2021
Monthly Jazz Jams return live at Flushing Town Hall the second Wednesday of every month! Open to professional jazz musicians, graduate students studying jazz, music educators and serious hobbyists, Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams invite musicians to perform at Flushing Town Hall. All are welcome, regardless of instrument (vocalists, too!). Our Steinway baby grand and drum kit are available at each Jam. House Band and Jam Sessions are led by Carol Sudhalter, with Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann, and Eric Lemon. Don't play, but love jazz? Come listen!
$10/FREE for Members, Students, & Jamming Musicians
This program is supported in part by a grant from The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc.
SUN, SEPT 12, 1 PM ET
Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashup #1 - Haiti Meets Middle East
GLOBAL MUSIC | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/common-ground-mini-global-mashup-1
Common Ground features artists seemingly different in discipline, practice, or cultural identity who explore global connections, celebrating distinctions that make cultures unique. Our NEW series Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashups are curated by acclaimed trumpeter and composer Frank London (The Klezmatics) bringing together two amazing global music artists along with accompanists for an afternoon of music, conversation and exploration. Post-show Q&A. Called “The Joni Mitchell of Haiti,” songstress Emeline Michel is internationally acclaimed for merging native Haitian compas and rara music with jazz, pop, bossa nova, and samba into deeply moving, joyful music. Bandleader and solo artist Dan Nadel's style combines flamenco, jazz, and Middle Eastern influences. He also collaborates with Gypsy/Neo-Balkan, Macedonian band Tavche Gravche.
$15/$12 Members; Virtual: $7/$5 Members
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Artist Professional Development Conversations: Grant Writing - Live Reviews
THUR, SEPT 30, 5:30 PM
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/apdc-grant-writing-live-reviews
We invite artists creating in all disciplines to take part in a new series, Artist Professional Development Conversations, that will share tips, insights, and best practices for navigating the business side of an artistic career. Each virtual session will feature a conversation with FTH staff members to discuss how to better support, present, and market an artistic practice.Join FTH Deputy Director Sami Abu Shumays as he talks about what makes a compelling grant application. Whether applying for an artist grant, residency or other opportunities, there are common questions funders ask for in their applications. During this workshop, we will edit real artist application materials LIVE during the session to help you write a better arts application and see what a panelist looks for when answering these questions. The conversation will be followed by a Q&A.
Free; RSVP. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link prior to the event date. https://form.jotform.com/212344256442147
OCTOBER:
SUN, OCT 10, 1 PM ET
Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashup #2 - Balkan Meets Ukraine
GLOBAL MUSIC | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/common-ground-mini-global-mashup-2
Common Ground features artists seemingly different in discipline, practices, or cultural identity who explore global connections, celebrating distinctions that make cultures unique. Our NEW series Common Ground: Mini-Global Mashups are curated by acclaimed trumpeter and composer Frank London (The Klezmatics) bringing together two amazing global music artists along with accompanists for an afternoon of music, conversation and exploration. Post-show Q&A. California-grown, Brooklyn-based Eva Salina is a groundbreaking interpreter of Balkan Romani (gypsy) songs joined by her duo partner, accordionist Peter Stan. In their collaboration, Eva & Peter pick up the threads of an interrupted legacy of empowered female voices in Balkan Romani music. Seeking to amplify and celebrate voices of past generations of Romani women musicians, they employ tenderness, grace, and friendship in keeping these songs alive and evolving, while tending to living traditions and sharing with new generations. Zhenya Lopatnik speaks five languages, and uses this vast cultural knowledge to perform bold, meaningful music that combines American, Russian, Hebrew, and Ukrainian culture.
$15/$12 Members; Virtual: $7/$5 Members
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
WED, OCT 13, 7 PM ET
Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam
JAZZ | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/jazz-jam-oct-2021
Monthly Jazz Jams return live at Flushing Town Hall the second Wednesday of every month! Open to professional jazz musicians, graduate students studying jazz, music educators and serious hobbyists, Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams invites musicians to perform at Flushing Town Hall. All are welcome, regardless of instrument (vocalists, too!). Our Steinway baby grand and drum kit are available at each Jam. House Band and Jam Sessions are led by Carol Sudhalter, with Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann and Eric Lemon. Don't play, but love jazz? Come listen!
$10/FREE for Members, Students, & Jamming Musicians
This program is supported in part by a grant from The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc.
FRI, OCT 15 - SUN, OCT 31
Communicating Beyond Words
EXHIBITION | IN-PERSON
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/communicating-beyond-words
'Communicating Beyond Words’ is a group exhibition of 11 artists from diverse cultural backgrounds who use letterforms as their visual elements. More than 30 artworks inspired by unique letterforms in multiple native languages with creative and beautiful designs will be displayed including illustration, street art, calligraphy, tattoo art, and paintings. With empathy, audiences are invited to recover, be understood, and have a sense of hope beyond words.
Opening Reception: FRI, OCT 15, 6-8 PM ET
Gallery Dates: FRI, OCT 15 - SUN, OCT 31
Gallery Hours: SAT & SUN, 12-5 PM; Weekdays by Appointment
Participating Artists:
Chavelli Tsui, Cui Fei, Dina Ruzha, Jan (Suphitcha) Donsrichan, John Fekner, Minyoing Sim (Tattooist EQ), Sebastian Ferreira, Stephanie S. Lee, Travis W. Simon, Wendy Fung, Young Shik Kim, and Zen master Hye-Seong
$5 Suggested Donation/FREE for Members & Students
SUN, OCT 17, 2:30 PM ET
Lioness™ Women in Jazz Concert Series presents Lauren Sevian's LSQ
JAZZ | IN-PERSON
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/lauren-sevian-lsq
The Lioness™ Women in Jazz Concert series presents Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian's LSQ featuring Lauren Sevian on baritone saxophone, Helen Sung on piano, Marcos Varela on bass, and E.J. Strickland on drums.
$5/FREE for Members & Students
This concert is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
SAT, OCT 23, 2 PM ET
Turn Your Name into Art Workshop
WORKSHOP | IN-PERSON
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/turn-your-name-into-art-workshop
Artist Stephanie S. Lee will provide a customized drawing with your name in Korean (Hangeul) in Munjado (a genre of Korean Folk Art) inspired design. During this 90 minute hands-on workshop, we will color the drawing together to finish your artwork. Please register by October 13th to have the drawing of your name converted in Korean. For ages 12 & up. Limited up to 20 participants.
$10/$5 Members
SAT, OCT 23, 7 PM ET
Dayramir González & Habana enTRANCé Cuban Jazz
LATIN JAZZ | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/dayramir-gonzalez
Cuban piano phenomenon from Havana Dayramir González brings a special program titled "Havana Today, Afro Cuban Jazz" a tribute to Chucho Valdes, Chico O'farrill and Chick Corea featuring his Habana enTRANCé quartet with Dayramir González on piano, Juan Chiavassa on drums, Dean Torrey on bass, and Christian Moraga on percussion. Representing the young generation of Afro-Cuban jazz, Dayramir González performed in 15,000-seater stadiums with legends like Chucho and Bebo Valdes and headlined Carnegie Hall.
- “Mr. González is a stunningly gifted composer and arranger.” - The Wall Street Journal
- “His refined yet bravado-infused pianism naturally extends the brilliant legacy of Cuban jazz pianists from Bebo Valdes to Chucho Valdes to Gonzalo Rubalcaba.” - LA Weekly
$20/$15 Members; Virtual: $7/$5 Members
This engagement of Dayramir González & Habana enTRANCé is made possible through the Jazz Touring Network program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
SUN, OCT 24, 2:30 PM ET
Collaborative Artists In Concert: Yui Kitamura & The Mark Wade Trio
JAZZ | IN-PERSON
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/yui-kitamura-mark-wade-trio
New Music Horizons presents classical composer Yui Kitamura and jazz composer Mark Wade in concert. Kitamura is known for her genre-defying musical style while Wade has received international acclaim as a player and composer in such publications as Downbeat Magazine, Jazz In Europe, and several others. Each composer will present a set of their original works with an informal Q&A with the composers to follow.
$10/FREE for Members & Students
This concert is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
THUR, OCT 28, 7 PM
Julia del Palacio: Son Jarocho Dance
DANCE | IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/julia-del-palacio
Rooted in zapateado jarocho, the traditional dance from Veracruz, Mexico, Julia del Palacio premieres "Golpe de Mar" (Struck by the Sea). A reflection on son jarocho dancers' intentional movement, agency, and individual style, "Golpe de Mar" unpacks this 300-year-old style and proposes new ways of approaching it, enhancing the role of the dancer within the musical ensemble and celebrating dancers’ contributions to the preservation and growth of the genre.
$15/$12 Members; Virtual: $7/$5 Members
This concert is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Support Flushing Town Hall this season!
Flushing Town Hall recently launched its new membership program, Flushing Town Hall’s Circle of Friends, with memberships starting at gifts of $50 or more. With the loss of nearly all earned income, Flushing Town Hall is in dire need of support and is currently raising funds under its Lemon-AID the Arts Campaign. Donations in any amount are appreciated to support the artists and the nonprofit cultural organization as they continue to provide programming and entertainment across New York and the world.
Flushing Town Hall is a not for profit organization which receives major support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; The City of New York, Major Bill de Blasio; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Gonzalo Casals; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; The New York City Council, Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Members Costa Constantanides, Daniel Dromm, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, Paul A. Vallone, Jimmy Van Bramer; Howard Gilman Foundation; Booth Ferris Foundation; The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.
To view our current donor lists, please visit www.flushingtownhall.org/donor-listings
About Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
Land Acknowledgement:
Flushing Town Hall acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Matinecock People, one of the original tribes of New York, and the first people of Flushing, Queens. The Matinecock continue to live and work on this land to this day. Flushing Town Hall honors their elders who have stewarded this land throughout generations.
For more information:
(718) 463-7700 x222
137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354