Flushing Town Hall presents an exciting cultural lineup this May

flushing town hall
La Troupe Zetwal
Photo by Maxine Hamilton-Alexander

Flushing Town Hall is set to host an array of family-friendly cultural events this month, starting this weekend.

Join Flushing Town Hall on May 4 for their Global Mashup Takeover, featuring an amazing mashup of Haitian dance and Puerto Rican Salsa Music.

There is more to come this month, so keep a lookout for the rest of these amazing community events listed below:

Jalopy Theater’s special takeover of the Queens venue’s popular Global Mashup series will feature Haitian dance and Salsa music. Photo courtesy of Flushing Town Hall

Global Mashup Takeover by Jalopy Theater: Haiti Meets Puerto Rico

Saturday May 4

7 p.m. Dance Workshop, 8 p.m. Concert

The Brooklyn International Music Festival is taking over Flushing Town Hall this Saturday, to present the Global Mashup: La Troupe Zetwal Meets Willie Martinez and his NYC Salsa All Stars. 

Brooklyn-based Jalopy Theater will bring unique Haitian folk dance and Puerto Rican salsa music to the event space. The Global Mashup event is a sneak peek of Jalopy’s annual Brooklyn International Music Festival, which will take place from June 7-9. The international music festival features traditional forms of music from across the world and honors how traditions evolve both over time and in new places. This year’s festival pays homage to the global Caribbean diaspora.

Flushing Town Hall will host their 11th annual CrossCurrent AAPI Arts Festival this month. Photo courtesy of Flushing Town Hall

The 11th Annual CrossCurrent AAPI Arts Festival

Sunday, May 5 

2 p.m.

The beginning of May marks the start of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month. To celebrate, Flushing Town Hall is hosting its 11th annual CrossCurrent AAPI Arts Festival. The festival will feature the illustrious Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, which will pay tribute to the festival’s founder, Nai-Ni Chen. The festival celebrates the vibrant community of AAPI artists and creatives located in Flushing. This year, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will present the dances of Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Lenora Lee and the music of the New Asia Chamber Music Society accompanying Nai-Ni Chen’s work.

Queens Symphony Orchestra- Dances New And Old

Friday, May 10 

7:30 p.m.

The Queens Symphony Orchestra is ready to provide an amazing concert experience. This concert features “Dances of Panama” by William Grant Still, which blends Latin and African influences into a unique Caribbean sound. Next on the list is a jazz and pop-music fusion piece by John Rutter that features flute and harpsichord. The final piece of the night includes “Symphony No. 5,” written by Franz Schubert.

SE:UM is set to perform this month at Flushing Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Flushing Town Hall

Korean Folk Meets Jazz featuring SE:UM

Saturday, May 11th

7 p.m. concert

Post-show talk

Are you ready for a truly unique blend of jazz and Korean folk music? The SE:UM performance is led by famed Korean folk musician Joon Lee, a recipient of the esteemed 2023 KBS Korean Traditional Music Award for his mastery of the Gayageum. Lee has joined forces with saxophonist Hachul Song, trumpeter Jong Sang Park, bassist Jaeha Lee and traditional percussionist Hanmin Cho. The talented musicians will make the night an unforgettable experience.

The People of Earth Band will enchant your ears this month at Flushing Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Flushing Town Hall

People of Earth (5 Boroughs Music Festival Concert)

Sunday, May 12

3 p.m.

The 5 Boroughs Music Festival will showcase a unique sound that is sure to enchant you. The People of Earth Band will take the stage, performing their “American Timba Music” (A.T.M.) A.T.M. is a term coined by the band,  which describes their music, influenced by Cuban, Puerto Rican, Haitian, Brazilian and Black American music. 

The setlist includes pieces from Cuban maestros Dafnis Prieto and Pachy Naranjo Jr, and other music that plays homage to Hip-Hop music and Haitian Kompa. The performance is delivered in a blend of Spanish, English, Haitian Creole and Portuguese to reflect the unity of the descendants of the Americas and Caribbean. 

Nibal Malshi Quintet

Friday, May, 17

7 p.m. Percussion Workshop, 8 p.m. Concert

The Nibal Malshi Quintet, led by Palestinian musician Nibal Malshi, will perform at Flushing Town Hall on May 17. The musicians will showcase captivating music from the Middle East, featuring melodies from Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and more. The ensemble includes Gabriel Dahrieh (violin), Maurice Chedid (oud), Zafer Tawil (qanun), Bashar Farran (bass) and Gilbert Mansour (percussion).

 

Transport yourself to the beach with this unique sensory performance at Flushing Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Flushing Town Hall

Waves, All that Glows Sees

May 25-26

In English: Saturday, May 25, at 1 p.m. 

En Español: Saturday, May 25, at 3 p.m. 

In Mandarin/English: Sunday, May 26, at 2:15 p.m. 

Get ready for an amazing ocean adventure with “Waves, All that Glows Sees.” The family-friendly show combines live music and storytelling for an enchanting beach experience. Audiences of all ages will be amazed by this charming “postcard from an imagined beach” with music, poetry and silence.