Jackson Heights Insider

Music Show: The Violet Mine
2026-02-21 20:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Espresso 77, 35-57 77th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
NYC-based indie-folk duo The Violet Mine is made up of Meredith Minogue (singer-songwriter) and Jim Barry (songwriter/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist). Their sound is drawn from rock and roll, 70’s singer-songwriters, new wave, and dream pop. It’s a bit like The Pretenders, Neil Young, and Nick Drake having a drink while checking out a Marc Chagall exhibit.
Originally named Violet, they recorded two full-length albums, We Both Know It’s Out There, and The Last Cathedral, both of which were produced/engineered by Adam Lasus (Helium, Clem Snide, PJ Harvey, Yo La Tengo). They have performed as a duo or a five piece band at The Loft at City Winery, Rockwood Music Hall, Knitting Factory, and The Bitter End.

MONECO — Psychedelic Peruvian Chicha | First Set
2026-02-21 21:00 - 22:00 | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
MONECO returns to energize the New York Neo-Cumbia scene. Their blend of Chicha, Cumbia, and Rock makes every show a vibrant event with dynamic performances and infectious rhythms.
Second Set 11:00 PM – 11:55 PM
Admission: $20 Cover Charge for Mezzanine
Featuring:
Eric Kurimski / Guitar
Nilko Andreas Guarin / Vocals
Yayo Serka / Drums
Dan Martinez / Bas
George Saenz / Keys
Joshua Camp / Accordion
About MONECO:
MONECO is set to make a grand return in July 2024 after a seven-year hiatus, bringing their vibrant blend of Chicha, Cumbia, and Rock back to the New York Neo-Cumbia scene. Known for their aggressive sound and engaging stage presence, MONECO quickly captured audiences with their eclectic repertoire, which spans Chicha classics, adapted Rock and Pop hits, and original compositions. Their infectious rhythms consistently transform every performance into a lively event.
The band’s diverse lineup contributes significantly to their unique sound. Eric Kurimski, dedicated to Peruvian music, showcases his blazing guitar skills while also performing with Eva Ayllón. Carlos Rienzo’s charismatic vocals add depth to their performances. Yayo Serka, an accomplished drummer and percussionist, brings his expertise as a composer and arranger, frequently touring with artists like Lila Downs and Claudia Acuña, and producing local acts such as Los Chamanes. Dan Martinez on bass completes the ensemble with his skillful playing.
MONECO’s return promises to reignite the passion of their fans and introduce their dynamic sound to new audiences. The band’s ability to blend various musical styles and cultural influences creates a unique and vibrant musical experience, making each show an unforgettable event.

Turning Toward Clarity - Freedom of the Mind.
2026-02-22 16:30 - 20:30 | 42-29 Elbertson St, 42-29 Elbertson Street, Queens, NY 11373, Queens, NY, 11373, US
Practical philosophy about life, meaning, anxiety, love, and everything in between — made for young adults who are figuring it out.

More than a group—this is a community.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly “on”?What if ancient philosophers had something practical to say about it?
A Half-Day Retreat: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds
For over 2,000 years, thinkers like the Buddha, Plato, and the Stoics asked the same questions many young adults struggle with today:

How do I deal with anxiety and uncertainty?
How do I find meaning in work, relationships, and daily life?
How can I calm my mind in a noisy, demanding world?

This half-day retreat blends philosophy, reflection, and meditation—no prior experience needed.
What to expect:

🧠 Two engaging talks connecting ancient philosophy to modern stress, social pressure, overthinking, and burnout . Lecture 1: Why We Feel Lost

Lecture 2: Training the Mind to See Clearly

💬 Space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—without phones, pressure, or performance.
Cold food and drinks available.

You don’t need experience. Just curiosity.

🧘 A guided meditation (15 minutes) inspired by timeless practices

Pipiris Nights – Venezuelan Joropo in New York
2026-02-22 19:00 - 22:00 | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
Pipiris Nights celebrates the vibrant spirit of Venezuelan joropo, led by Mafer Bandola, whose artistry blends deep tradition with contemporary energy, turning music into a living dialogue of rhythm, memory, and migration.
Admission: $20: Cover at Mezzanine.
Featuring:
Mafer bandola / Bandola y voz
Yilmer Vivas / Cuatro venezolano
Willie Quintana / Capachos
Silvestre Padrón / Bass
About Mafer Bandola:
Venezuelan-born and Brooklyn-based Mafer Bandola (María Fernanda González, she/her) is a versatile instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and community organizer.
She has performed at prestigious venues and festivals including Mass MoCA, WOMAD, WOMEX, TED, National Sawdust, NPR Tiny Desk, Lincoln Center, Teatro Juares and Teatro Teresa Carreño in Venezuela, Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, and Paço do Frevo in Recife. As an educator, Mafer has led workshops and residencies at Dartmouth College, George Mason University, Carnegie Hall, the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, Butler University, and Brooklyn College.
Widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost performers of the bandola llanera—a traditional four-string instrument from the Venezuelan plains—Mafer brings a fresh and original voice to a field long dominated by men. Her artistry blends deep oral traditions with contemporary influences, crafting a sound that bridges heritage and innovation.
Beyond performance, Mafer is deeply engaged in social and cultural work. She is a co-founder and performer with LADAMA, an international collective of female musicians, and the lead producer of Latínica, an online conference exploring Latinx identity and equity in the music industry. Through her creative practice, she reflects on and redefines the experience of being a Latinx woman in today’s global musical landscape.
Her latest project, Pipiris Nights, is New York City’s premier Venezuelan music and dance series. Hosted monthly at Terraza 7, Pipiris Nights celebrates the vibrant oral traditions and cultural richness of joropo, transporting the spirit of the Venezuelan plains to the heart of Brooklyn and beyond.

Presencial + Seminario web: Primer Paso para Comenzar en Negocio, 2/23/2026
2026-02-23 11:00 - 13:00 | 90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, Queens, NY 11435, Queens, NY, 11435, US
Aprende el Primer paso para iniciar un negocio en Nueva York

Abrir un negocio en la ciudad de Nueva York puede ser intimidante al principio. Muchos empresarios preguntan: ¿por dónde empiezo? El objetivo de este curso es ayudarlo a comprender lo que significa ser un empresario exitoso en la ciudad de Nueva York.
Duración de la clase: 2 horas
Tenga en cuenta: este es un seminario web en línea. Recibirá los detalles necesarios para unirse dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a la hora de inicio programada. Para recibir estos detalles, DEBE registrarse con anticipación.
Tenga en cuenta que no grabamos nuestras reuniones y solo quienes asistan recibirán la presentación.

DRINK N DRAW: Figure Drawing Session (live model) / Sesion de Dibujo (con modelo Desnudo en vivo) Adult(x)s & 14+
2026-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Working from a live nude model, we move from short poses for sketches to long poses for complete, finished drawings. Whether you want to focus on drawing or are looking to develop your skills as a painter, figure drawing is the time-honored way to develop skills that impact many art practices.
Come sketch with us weekly on Mondays in a relaxed intimate art setting.
$20 per person/por persona – ticket below or on eventbrite or give us a call 718-406-9444

Román Díaz & La Rumba de los Lunes
2026-02-23 19:30 - 22:30 | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
Cuban-born master percussionist Román Díaz —a “living repository” of Afro-Cuban culture— leads La Rumba Cubana de Queens at Terraza 7, a powerful weekly gathering where tradition, improvisation, and community come together every Monday.
Admission: $20: Cover charge for Mezzanine seating
Featuring:
Roger Consiglio / Vocals.
Máximo Valdés / Vocals.
Rafael Monteagudo / Percussion.
Clemente Medina / Percussion.
Román Diaz / Percussion; Spoken Word and folklorist.
About Roman Diaz:
Renowned as a master percussionist, scholar, and composer, Román Díaz is often revered as a living archive of Afro Cuban music. His illustrious career includes performances and recordings with eminent musicians such as Merceditas Valdés, Raíces Profundas, Los Marqueses de Atarés, Jane Bunett, Orlando “Puntilla” Ríos, Paquito D’Rivera, Oriente Lopez, Giovanni Hidalgo, David Virelles, Chucho Valdés, and Wynton Marsalis.
His mentorship under the legendary Pancho Quinto, founder of the pioneering rumba ensemble Yoruba Andabo, has seen Díaz contribute significantly to the evolution of the rumba sound that has defined Cuban music since the 1980s, and resonates with audiences globally. His expertise in Batá, combined with an unyielding rhythm on the congas, has been immortalized in numerous recordings across the world.
As an ardent educator, Díaz has traversed the globe, imparting his deep knowledge of Afro Cuban percussion through master classes. His profound understanding of the cultural roots and the narrative sensibility of his artistry make him a unique musical visionary, potentially guiding the future evolution of this musical form.

Visibility Brigade - Jackson Heights
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Jackson Heights, Queens, NY, USA
The Visibility Brigade aka Rush Hour Resistance was founded in 2020 to provide physical messaging in the real world. We remind everyday people that they are not alone in these unprecedented times.
WE PROVIDE THE MESSAGING, YOU JUST NEED TO SHOW UP WITH YOUR PASSION! Please visit https://visibilitybrigade.com for more info.
Note: For safety reasons, we do not publicly share the location of this activity. If you are not already involved with Jackson Heights Indivisible, we will ask you to join us at one of our biweekly meetings so we can get to know each other a bit before joining us on an outreach shift. You can register for an in-person meeting or a Zoom meeting.

Monthly Artist Meetup
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA
Join us for a monthly meet up for artists of all disciplines from Queens and the greater NYC area.
This is a space to gather and connect – to talk about current and upcoming projects and programs, and ultimately build a network of creative support in Queens. Members of the Flushing Town Hall team will also be present to talk more about FTH and our resources available to artists.
Drinks and light refreshments will be served.
Parking Information: Flushing Town Hall has a small parking lot at the rear of the building, which fills up quickly during events. Additional paid parking is available nearby at:
• PEC Parking – 35-15 Farrington St, Flushing, NY 11354
• The Farrington Parking – 33-66 Farrington St, Flushing, NY 11354

Queens Fiber Crafters Monthly Meetup to Knit, Crochet, Sew, More In Community / Reunion de Arte Textil Mensual para Tejer, Coser, Crochet, Bordar en Comunidad - All ages / Todas Edades
2026-02-25 19:30 - 21:30 | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
This is a monthly in-person gathering of fibers crafters of all types. Come together with a project and knit, sew, embroider, quilt, crochet, and more in a cozy neighborhood art space. Crafters of all ages can join. This is a BYO project space and not a class. However, with the collective years of wisdom, there is also a skill to share and a tip to learn.
We gather one evening a month to work on individual projects in a parallel environment.
You can sign up on meetup, calling 718-406-9444, or visiting A.R.T. at 84-26 37th Ave.
Source: https://www.meetup.com/queens-fiber-crafters/

Memory-Wire Bracelet Workshop
2026-02-26 15:30 - 17:00 | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights, 35-51 81st St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Jewelry and crafts teacher Phyllis Ger will be leading a workshop where you make your own unique bracelet using pearls and beads! Make multiple bracelets and get creative on how you accessorize! Materials will be provided.
This program is funded by New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan.
(718) 899-2500
AUDIENCE
Adults

Jackson Heights Science Fiction Book Club
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights, 35-51 81st St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Join us for the second meeting of the new Jackson Heights Science Fiction Book Club. This month’s book is Ubik by Phillip K. Dick (1969). It features psychic corporate espionage, cryonic hibernation, and mysterious alterations to reality which can only be reversed using a substance called Ubik.
A limited number of copies are available at the library to check out. Sci-fi enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre are welcome. (Please note that these books, and our discussions, may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive readers.) The book club does not require registration.
(718) 899-2500
AUDIENCE
Adults, Seniors, Teens

Open Mic Night
2026-02-26 20:00 - 21:00 | Nancy Blake’s Tavern + Tap, 82-19 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Every Thursday, the mic is ON and the vibes are high

Specials:
$6 Coors Light Drafts
$4 Any Well Shot with a Beer Purchase
Kitchen is OPEN

Come perform or just enjoy amazing local talent with great drinks and food
Tag your crew and pull up!

Guachinangos – New York Sounds of Son Jarocho | First Set
2026-02-27 21:00 - 22:00 | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
Guachinangos excels in interpreting Son Jarocho—a traditional music style from Veracruz, Mexico—infused with the dynamic rhythm of Colombian Cumbia.
Admission: $20 Cover Charge for Mezzanine Seating.
11:00 pm to 11:55 pm(Second Set)
Featuring:
Juan Carlos Marín – Requinto, Vocals
Gabriella Grimaldi – Violin, Vocals
Julia del Palacio – Bailadora
Alberto Fontes – Electric Guitar
Elvira Bustamante Fuentes – Bailaora, Vocals, Maracas
Leo Catricala – Bass
Víctor Babilonia – Drums
Inka Ortiz – Alegre
About Guachinangos:
Dive into the vibrant beats of Guachinangos, a unique band blending Cumbia with distinct Mexican Jarocho flair. With members from diverse cultural backgrounds, the band skillfully merges various Latin American rhythms into an auditory celebration. Guachinangos excels in interpreting Son Jarocho—a traditional music style from Veracruz, Mexico—infused with the dynamic rhythm of Colombian Cumbia. Experiencing Guachinangos live is mesmerizing, inviting audiences to engage with the rhythm, move, sing, and revel in the exuberant spirit of their music.

Casual 3ish Mile Saturday Morning Run
2026-02-28 08:30 - 09:30 | Woodside Ave & 54th St, Queens, NY 11377, USA
Join us for a casual 3ish-mile run in the neighborhood. All paces are welcome as long as you can complete the distance. We meet at the bottom of the Windmuller Park stairs, at 54th Street and Woodside Avenue.
We will wait 5-10 minutes to allow for late arrivals. Please be prompt!
We often get coffee after our runs, so you may want to bring some cash or a card.
The route:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/45243994
Runners attending WSR events assume full personal responsibility for any injury or illness that may occur during or after participation. WSR assumes no responsibility for the health and safety of any attendee.
Please see our full calendar of events
http://www.woodsidesunnysiderunners.com/events/calendar/
join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wsrunners/
like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideSunnysideRunners
check out our Strava group
https://www.strava.com/clubs/206158
follow us on Instagram
https://instagram.com/woodsidesunnysiderunners/
and find these links and more on Link Tree
https://linktr.ee/woodsidesunnysiderunners

Big Kids Art Club! / Clases de Arte para Niñxs! Lessons change Weekly - Join us! (ages/edad 6-13)
2026-02-28 09:00 - 10:00 | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Students will learn about color theory, values, art movements and how to find and use their own voice create their very own version of the lesson. Led by artist instructors. This is a kids art class geared towards the process of learning to tune into their own creative style. All young artists learn in different ways, and we allow room for them to explore in a way that makes sense to them while providing a structure to the learning process.
This is a bilingual (ENG/SPA) class as well as inclusive. Our instructors come from different cultural background & art backgrounds: fine art, self-taught, master crafters, and more. We are experienced in holding classes for neurodiverse students and strive every time to cultivate a feeling of comfort and celebration for all students and their creations.
This class is for kids 6-13 years old. Purchase a ticket below or visit us in-store to sign up in person.
This is the 9AM Class! There is a class at 9am and one at 10:30am
Big Kids Art Class! 10:30AM Session – February 28, 2026
$25.00

Zumba with Veva
2026-02-28 09:00 - 10:00 | 34th Ave & 94th St, Queens, NY 11372, USA
Start your Saturday off with an enjoyable and effective workout! (At office during inclement weather.)

JHBG's Tree LC
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 | 37th Avenue, 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
We need your help to keep our trees and gardens healthy and clean! Meet 10am in front of 3541 80th st! We will gather our tools and head out to the treebeds and gardens to water, clean and mulch. We work until noon. No experience necessary – we supply work gloves, tools and guidance. We are certified not-for-profit and can fulfill your kids school volunteer credits. No advance registration- just show up!

Pathway To U.S. Citizenship: Becoming A U.S. Citizen And Building Your Civic Knowledge
2026-02-28 14:30 - 16:30 | Queens Public Library at Jackson Heights, 35-51 81st St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Taking the citizenship exam may seem overwhelming, but QPL is here to help! In this free course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about American history, government, culture, and more.
Space is limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The first day of class is registration day. We recommended that participants attend the entire ten-week class series.
Dates are Saturdays, January 10-March 21 (no class on February 21).
(718) 899-2500
AUDIENCE
Adults

College Point Beach Clean-Up at Powell's Cove Park!
2026-02-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Powell’s Cove Park, 130th St, Whitestone, NY 11357, USA
In honor of World Wetlands Day, the Coastal Preservation Network is organizing a clean-up of the Powell’s Cove Park coastline. Volunteers are asked to meet at the 7th Avenue and 130th Street entrance of the park. We will not let the cold weather stop us from beautifying the community!
This is a complimentary event; all are welcome to attend.
For more information, call (718) 898-8500 or email fzamudio@queenschamber.org or kathryncervino@gmail.com.

Musiquita's Saturday Afternoon Cozy Jams
2026-02-28 16:00 - 16:45 | Community United Methodist Church, 81-10 35th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Bilingual English and Spanish music for the whole family. Tickets are $15 per person. Saturdays @ 4pm – 4:45pm through 3/28.

Sakai Super Trio
2026-02-28 19:30 - 20:30 | Uke Hut, 36-01 36th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11106, USA
Nobuki Takamen:Guitar
Haruna Fukazawa: Flute
Original,Brazilian,Pops,Blues…
Door open 7PM, show start 7:30PM
$20 with free drinks

Puff & Paint Snoopy Night - A Chill Paint Night To get relaxed and let the creativity flow - 21+ (BYOB/C)
2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Art Retail Therapy, 84-26 37th Avenue, Queens, NY 11372, Queens, NY, 11372, US
A paint night as chill as Joe Cool himself.

We provide all the materials, you just bring yourself and your favorite gardening materials and drink. Guided by a design of the classic icon Snoopy and flavored by your own creativity.
Bring the bestie or meet one here! Our aim is for this to feel like your living room, but one you can make art and not worry about the cleanup.
As always, expect surprises and treats from us, ART, to you, cuties.
Buy a ticket below to save your spot!
Puff & Paint Art Class: Snoopy Paint Night 7:30PM February 28, 2026
$35.00

K(now) Y(our) R(ights) Business Outreach
2026-03-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Jackson Heights, Queens, NY, USA
Join us for our outreach efforts to build community and share KYR resources with local businesses and employees.
Note: If you are not already involved with Jackson Heights Indivisible, we will ask you to join us at one of our biweekly meetings so we can get to know each other a bit before joining us on an outreach shift. You can register for an in-person meeting or a Zoom meeting.
Working in pairs, we meet owners, managers, and employees at their work sites to share information on ways we can prepare now for ICE raids, what to do if ICE comes, what to do in case of detentions, and where to find additional resources.
We supply multilingual materials for employers and employees, and scripts for volunteers. We begin with a 30-minute training session for volunteers who have not done this work before.
This action is rooted in principles of cooperation, empathy, and collective action. Effective community care involves building networks of mutual support and empowering ourselves (community members!!) to meet our collective needs.

Improv Night
2026-03-01 19:00 - 20:00 | Grove 34 Comedy Club, 31-83 34th St, Astoria, NY 11106, USA
A night of unscripted comedy featuring the city’s top improvisers.
No scripts, no safety nets—just pure comedy created in the moment. Come see why Grove 34 is THE place for improv comedy in Queens. Follow @improvnight and @soundsfunnyradio for cast announcements and show-specific details!

In Studio Community Class: Flow + Connect, Yoga Para Todos (bilingual Spanish + English)
2026-03-02 17:30 - 18:30 | 2nd Story Pilates + Yoga, 81-10 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
Every Monday at 5:30pm! Flow + Connect: Yoga Para Todos $10 Community Class with Dorita Ortegón. This bilingual Spanish/English class is open to all. Newcomers are welcome!

Queens Distance Runners: Jackson Heights Community Run @ Queensboro
2026-03-02 18:00 - 19:00 | 80th St & Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11372, USA
The Meetup is 6:00PM opposite The Queensboro. We wait until 6:05PM, take our Weekly Photo at the mural, then head off for our beautiful 5K route.
Route: Down 34th Avenue to 69th, return and head all the way to PS 149 for 2 loops, returning all the way back on 34th ending at Travers Park for your 5K.

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument / Jazz.
2026-03-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument delivers a bold, modern take on big band jazz—fusing swing, Latin grooves, and adventurous writing with one of NYC’s most dynamic ensembles.
Presented by Acoustic Memories
Time: 7:00PM. to 7:30PM (Open Rehearsal);
8:00PM (Concert)
Admission: $20 COVER
Featuring:

Trumpets:
Nick Marchione, Stuart Mack, David Neves, Mark Collins

Trombone:
Matt McDonald, John Yao, Nick Vayenas, Jeff Nelson

Saxophones:
Alejandro Aviles, Hashem Assadullahi, Sam Dillon, Paul Jones, Carl Maraghi

Rhythm:
Piano: Hyuna Park ; Bass: Robert Sabin; Drums: Jeff Davis.

About John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument:
John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years. The band’s debut album Flip-Flop was released in 2015 and received critical acclaim. DownBeat says, “[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao’s unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals.” Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band. “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2016, Yao founded the Big Band & Beyond Concert Series which featured the premier of new works for the JY-17 as well as a six-month residency at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brookyln, NY.
About John Yao:
For almost twenty years, John Yao has been honing his talents as a trombonist, composer and arranger, and cementing his place on the New York City jazz scene. Yao’s lyrical soloing and expressive, round tone, combined with his relentless drive to push the boundaries of harmony and rhythm, have established him as a unique and forward-thinking jazz talent. Yao has earned wide acclaim. In April 2025 he was appointed to the 100th class of Guggenheim Fellows in the field of Music Composition. In 2023, Yao earned a place in both the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories in the DownBeat Critics Poll. Lucid Culture proclaims, “John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists,” and All About Jazz calls him “a strong compositional voice and effective band-leader able to use his 17-piece band to paint across a wide spectrum and infuse his complex writing with a thoughtful balance of audacity, structure, humor, and sonic might.”
Masterfully leading and composing the music for both his large and small ensemble, Yao has released five albums as a leader. As a trombonist, Yao has worked extensively as a sideman for Grammy-award winning New York City ensembles, such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed with such esteemed musicians as Paquito D’Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Danilo Perez, Chris Potter and Kurt Elling, among many others. As a composer, Yao has been commissioned by Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, JMI Jazz World Orchestra Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, JMI Jazz World Orchestra, Arsonore Spirit Orchestra and numerous other ensembles abroad both educational and professional.
An in-demand educator, Yao serves as Assistant Professor of Trombone at Berklee College of Music and Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and as Adjunct Professor of Music at Molloy University. He is an XO Brass Clinician, as well as an active guest artist and soloist at colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad.

ESL Conversation Club
2026-03-03 16:00 - 18:00 | 34th Avenue & 93rd Street, 34th Ave & 93rd St, Queens, NY 11372, USA
Come learn & practice English using everyday real world scenarios. All levels.
4pm Basic Lesson
5pm Conversation
Free & Open to all
Run by 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition

Dungeons & Dragons @ The Queensboro
2026-03-03 18:00 - 22:00 | The Queensboro, 80-02 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11372, Queens, NY, 11372, US
Visit the Queensboro restaurant for a fun Tuesday night of D&D with fellow adventurers!

Your Tuesday Night, Upgraded.
Looking for something better than another forgettable night out?
Join us at The Queensboro for a live, in-person Dungeons & Dragons experience—played in a bar, guided by professional Dungeon Masters, and built for both first-timers and veterans.
🐉 The Dragon Delves Campaign Begins
Step into a shared fantasy world where your choices matter. Fight monsters, solve problems, roleplay bold heroes, and tell an unforgettable story—together.
No experience required. No homework. Just adventure.
⚔️ What to Expect
Guided D&D gameplay led by experienced Dungeon Masters from Berlings Beard
A welcoming table for new players and longtime fans
All materials provided (character sheets, dice, minis)—bring your own dice if you like
A fun, social atmosphere perfect for meeting new people
A full two-hour, story-driven session every game
We specialize in teaching the game, so if you’ve always wanted to try D&D, this is the perfect place to start.
⏱️ Session Options
Each night features two consecutive 2-hour sessions.
🎟 2-Hour Session – Jump in for a complete adventure
🎟 4-Hour Experience – Play both sessions for a longer, deeper night of D&D
🧙 Ticket Types
Campaign Tickets
Perfect for players who want the full story.
Ongoing multi-part narrative
Character progression and leveling
Deeper immersion in the campaign world
Secure your seat for our 7-session campaign arc and watch your hero grow.
Drop-In Tickets
Flexible, low-commitment fun.
Self-contained one-shot adventures
No long-term commitment required
Show up, sit down, and start playing
Ideal for busy schedules or curious newcomers.
✨ Why You’ll Love It
This isn’t a board game night—it’s a shared story, a social experience, and a chance to do something genuinely different on a Tuesday.
Seats are limited. Adventures are not repeated.
Grab your ticket and roll for initiative. 🐲🎲
