This Saturday! The annual Queens International Children’s Festival is May 17th, 12 pm at Rufus King Park (150-29 Jamaica Avenue). The event will offer a diverse lineup of entertainment, reflecting the rich cultural landscape of the “World’s Borough.”

Also, this is the last call for our two artist opportunities: Visual Voices Curator, and Making Moves Dance Festival Choreographer. Sign up today!

Queens International Children's Festival

May 17th, 12 pm

Rufus King Park

(150-29 Jamaica Ave)

JCAL's Queens International Children's Festival has returned with free entertainment and activities for the entire family to enjoy. The fun-filled family event brings high-quality arts performances and craft activities to inspire young people and families to enjoy the arts.

Activities will include live music, dance performances, games, Arts and Crafts, and more!

RSVP

Riddim Section Presents: Michael Veal & Aqua Ife

May 28th, 8 pm

153-10 Jamaica Avenue

Don't miss Riddim Section starring Afrobeat sensation Michael Veal & Aqua Ife! A self-described “musical pan-Africanist,” Veal’s work has typically addressed musical topics within the black Atlantic cultural sphere of Africa and the African diaspora. Veal is the lead of the music group Michael Veal and Aqua Ife, an exciting and eminently grooving 12-piece orchestra playing funky Afrobeat-jazz.

Michael E. Veal has been a member of the Yale faculty since 1998.

Tickets

Artist Talk: Wherever I Lay My Head

May 24th, 6 pm

161-04 Jamaica Avenue

Come join us for an intimate artist talk where we delve into the creative process behind the exhibition "Wherever I Lay My Head." Hear directly from the artist about their inspiration, techniques, and the stories behind their work. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the mind of the artist and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this unique event at JCAL!

Artists: Marleen Moise, Laura OsCam, Eujin V. Ra,Julia D. Shaw, Courtney Symone Staton, TEDF

Program Manager: Sherwin Banfield

Curatorial Statement: Wherever I Lay My Head gathers new and recent work produced by the ARTWorks Fellows as they explore the question: what makes a home?

RSVP

Last Call:

Two Paid Artist Opportunities At JCAL

Submit To Our Open Calls Today!

• Open Call for Curators: JCAL Visual Voices Fellowship - Deadline May 16th, $4000 per exhibition
• Open Call for Dancers/Choreographers: Making Moves Dance Festival - Up to $3,000 Commissions Deadline May 16th

Learn More

Roots: Two Day Marathon Screening

153-10 Jamaica Avenue

We're bringing in Juneteenth with a free two-day marathon screening of the legendary Emmy-winning show Roots!

"Roots" is a miniseries based on Alex Haley's novel, chronicling the journey of a West African man, Kunta Kinte, and his descendants through the horrors of slavery in America. The story spans several generations, as Kinte and his family observe notable events in American history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings, and emancipation.

This presentation will include an audience discussion, remarks from acclaimed scholars Andrew Sekou Jackson, and Rev. Carla Hunter-Ramsey. Breakfast will be served on both dates.

RSVP

This Summer!

Downtown Jamaica Riddim and Jazz Festival

July 26th, 2 pm

Rufus King Park (150-29 Jamaica Avenue)

JCAL's signature music series -- Riddim Section and Thursday Night Jazz -- collide for a must-see culminating festival! Come join us for a day filled with amazing music and good vibes at Rufus King Park. Get ready to groove to the rhythm of live music in the heart of Downtown Jamaica!

Our annual Downtown Jamaica Riddim and Jazz Festival will feature an exciting lineup of artists in Jazz, Soul, Salsa, and more.

RSVP

Photos of the week: Thursday Night Jazz Finale