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Flushing Town Hall presents its line-up for the 2017 fall season

Flushing Town Hall presents its line-up for the 2017 fall season
By Tequila Minsky

City Council member Peter Koo (D-Flushing) said “this is the Lincoln Center of Queens,” referring to the programming at Flushing Town Hall, the historic building on Northern Boulevard that was once the seat of government when Flushing was a village.

“Culture is a central part of life,” said Koo, who, along with other pols representing Flushing and nearby neighborhoods, helped launch the upcoming Flushing Town Hall season of global arts for the global community. “Flushing is one of the most diverse regions in the state. You can explore the world at Flushing Town Hall.”

Jazz, world music, dance, family programs, exhibitions and workshops are all part of the fall programming that began last week and extends into December.

“There is always something to discover and something to inspire,” Flushing Town Hall and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek told those present. “We also will present global arts for global kids,” referring to afternoon programs with family and children in mind.

On Oct. 15, one of the most kid-focused days, families will sing and dance to rhythms in an interactive arts workshop (1 p.m.) and performance (2:15 p.m.) from Latin Grammy-winning artist 123 Andres.

On Oct. 29, the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated with a festival and dance party for all ages. The traditional dance Kathak will be taught as well as bhangra folk dances mixed with hip-hop. Also on hand will be cooking workshops, henna painting, with Indian handicrafts and foods for sale.

The family-friendly interactive opera, Pomme Rouge, will take place on Nov. 12; the Calpulli Community’s children and adults will perform Mexican folk dances on Dec. 3; and Vado Diomande & Kotchegna Dance Company from the Ivory Coast will direct an interactive rhythm and dance workshop on Dec. 9, followed by a performance, with the joyful dances of the Ivory Coast.

An historic afternoon house tour and market shepherds in the holiday season on Dec. 10. By mini-bus, visit seven sites that will offer special activities and refreshments.

Of course, there is something for all ages in Flushing Town Hall’s full and varied performance schedule. The season presents Taiwanese folk-pop-alt rock music, Latin roots dance music with Cuban rhythms, classical music, monthly jazz jam sessions (Oct. 4, Nov 1, Dec. 6, respectively), Garifuna melodies, rhythms and jazz, big band, Afro-Venezuelan music, jazz masters, Korean world music, and poetry, music and story. The Queens Opera Theater wraps up the season in mid-December.

In addition, this is the second season of the Teen Access Program. Flushing Town Hall is opening its doors to teenagers for free. All 13- to 19-year-old boys and girls (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. This program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love in the arts and culture

For a list of Flushing Town Hall’s performance events, including festivals, tours, exhibitions and dance, visit www.flushingtownhall.org/events.