Category: culture

NYC suspends alternate side parking for Losar on Feb. 28 under new law by CM Julie Won

Feb. 26, 2025 By sobrien Feb. 25, 2025 By Shane O’Brien.  Council Member Julie Won has successfully introduced legislation to suspend alternate side parking on Losar, also known as Tibetan New Year. The date of Losar varies each year according to the Tibetan lunisolar calendar. This year, Losar is celebrated from Feb. 28 to…

Astoria bar to host 39th annual Daddy Tapes Benefit to support heart health awareness

Feb. 25, 2025 By Colum Motherway For nearly four decades, the Daddy Tapes Benefit has brought together local musicians and music lovers in support of the American Heart Association. Now in its 39th year, the beloved annual event—founded by musician Bill Popp—returns on Sunday, March 9, for an afternoon of live performances and community spirit…. Read more »

Materials for the Arts in LIC launches Young Designers program to empower the next generation of fashion talent

Models wear designs by 2024 MFTA Young Designer Miles Gaffney at Brooklyn Fashion Week. Photo by Shawn Punch.

Feb. 13, 2025 By sobrien Feb. 13, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Materials for the Arts (MFTA), a creative reuse center and exhibition space in Long Island City operated by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, has announced the launch of its Young Designers program. This initiative, in partnership with the BK Style Foundation, offers talented… Read more »

Chocolate Factory Theater in LIC receives $1 million grant from State Sen. Gonzalez, moves closer to renovation funding goal

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez presents the Chocolate Factory Theater with $1 million grant last month. Photo: Office of State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez

Feb. 12, 2025 By sobrien Feb. 12, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez has awarded the Chocolate Factory Theater, a Long Island City performance space, a $1 million grant to fund the complete redevelopment of its permanent LIC facility. Gonzalez visited the Chocolate Factory Theater at 38-29 24th St. on Jan. 11 and presented it… Read more »

Museum of the Moving Image launches special screening for Black History Month

Marion Williams in Eleven P.M. Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber.

Feb. 5, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) has launched a new screening series in honor of Black History Month, providing digitally restored versions of films financed, produced, created and distributed by Black Americans in the early 20th century. Pioneers of African American Cinema debuted at MoMI on Feb. 1… Read more »

LIC Partnership kicks off fourth-annual Lunar New Year celebration at newly-opened Chi Chicken

Elected officials, LICP representatives and Chi Chicken owner Taro Yang (second from left) pose with ceremonial lions at launch of LIC Lunar New Year. Photo Ramy Mahmoud

Jan. 28, 2025 By sobrien Jan. 28, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) launched its fourth-annual Lunar New Year business festival at the newly-opened hot pot restaurant Chi Chicken Friday, with special promotions at dozens of local businesses. The event marks the beginning of a month-long LIC Lunar New Year celebration… Read more »

Long Island City’s Hunters Point South Park named one of NYC’s best parks

Jan. 28, 2025 By sobrien Jan. 28, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Hunters Point South Park has been named among the best parks in New York City, according to a new NYC Parks initiative aiming to improve greenspaces across the city and provide New Yorkers with information about the city’s parks. Vital Parks for All, a… Read more »

Q.E.D. Astoria enters a new era: Celebrating 10 years and a leadership shift

Jan. 21, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Astoria comedy club and entertainment hub Q.E.D. is celebrating a milestone 10th anniversary as it prepares for an official ownership transition on March 1. The popular venue plans to mark the occasion by introducing new events and programs while expanding its operations to seven days a week, ensuring even… Read more »