September, while it is still warm, has the feeling of the beginning of fall. Maybe it's that the kids start back to school. Keep an eye out for the leaves to turn, too! Here's what's in store for September in Astoria and Long Island City.
Concert Reading of dreamseminar
Thursday, September 1, 8-10 p.m.
The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St, Long Island City
Hear the inaugural concert reading of dreamseminar, a new music theater piece using the literary works of contemporary Swedish poet Tomas Tranströmer and the music of composer Ellen Lindquist. $25 in advance, (purchase here) $30 at the door.
Noguchi Museum First Fridays
Friday, September 2, 5:30-8 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd (off of Vernon Blvd.), Long Island City
Pay-as-you-wish admission and a cash bar are features on the first Fridays during the summer months at the Noguchi Museum. This is a great, affordable way to see one of the best museums in Queens.
Warm Up at PS 1
Saturday, September 3, 2-9 p.m.
MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave. at the intersection of 46th Ave, Long Island City
Now in its 14th year, Warm Up is an outdoor series showcasing the best in experimental live music, sound, performance, and DJs. September 3 is the final Warm Up of 2011! $15 admission. LIC residents get in free with proof of residence.
The Newtown Rd Backyard Film Festival
Saturday evenings in September (4, 10, and 17)
46th Street, just north of Newtown Ave
Local Astorian Frank Zagottis shows films in his backyard on Newtown Ave. Three films are scheduled for September: Alfred Hitchcock's Family Plot (September 4); Saturday Night Fever (September 10); and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (September 17). Screenings are free, bring something to drink and eat (even to share).
9/11 Memorial Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, September 8, 7:30-9 p.m.
McManus Memorial Park, 81 St and Grand Central Service Rd, Astoria Heights
The United Community Civic Association, the Port Authority of NY & NJ invite you to their "9/11 Memorial Candlelight Vigil" at the memorial that honors Port Authority employees who lost their lives on 9/11. Candles will be provided. Refreshments will follow the vigil.
Fashion's Night Out
Thursday, September 8, 6-11 p.m.
Kristees, 24-01 23rd Ave, Astoria
Stop by independent clothing boutique Kristees to check out new fall fashions, an indie trunk show, and a pop up store from designer Peter Valcarcel. You'll get a special gift with each purchase, too.
A Conversation About 9/11 & Service
Saturday, September 10, 1 p.m.
Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Long Island City
Join the GAHS for a discussion regarding the way service has made a difference in people's lives, through connection and transformation. Ric Burns' documentary "New York," will also be shown. Free.
Western Queens Green Resources Fair
Saturday, September 10, 2-5 p.m.
Queens Library Broadway, 40-20 Broadway, Astoria
Learn how to go green in Astoria! Come by and talk to exhibitors from a couple dozen green organizations. Stay for the eco-crafting, games, giveaways, and more! Family friendly. Free.
Music in the Garden, Featuring Todd Reynolds and Ken Thomson
Sunday, September 11, 3 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd (off of Vernon Blvd.), Long Island City
"Daredevil digital violinist Todd Reynolds (Steve Reich, Meredith Monk, Ethel) and woodwind maestro Ken Thomson (Gutbucket, Signal, Asphalt Orchestra), two long-time Bang on a Can co-conspirators internationally recognized as both virtuoso instrumentalists and composers, will come together in a program of solos and duos, featuring fresh-inked work, selections from their most recent CD releases, and made-up-on-the-spot musical collaborations." Free with museum admission.
Free Hair Accessory Making Workshop
Thursday, September 15, 6-8 p.m.
Creators Co-op, 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria
Learn to make your own hair accessories at Creators Co-op! Space is limited so please register at the Co-op website. $6 registration fee, and that will be applied toward the materials you use (ranges from $6 to $20)
Oktoberfest Begins!
Saturday, September 17, noon-11:45 p.m.
Wunderbar, 37-10 11th St. Astoria
Wunderbar, Long Island City's favorite German restaurant, is open all day, with beer, schnitzel, and potato pancakes for everyone!
SITE Fall Preview Open House
Thursday, September 22, 6 p.m.
SITE, 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria
Mackenzi Farquer's independent shop SITE opens its doors to introduce it's new Fall offerings. Stop by to see what's in stock (and save 20%), enjoy a glass of wine, and chat with Mackenzi. Discount applies to this night only
Ongoing: Fitness Programs at Socrates Sculpture Park
Saturdays and Sundays until September 25, mid-morning to early afternoon
Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Blvd, Astoria/LIC
Throughout the summer, Socrates Sculpture Park holds a series of fitness classes on the weekends - yoga (9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon) and capoiera (noon-1:30pm) on Saturdays, pilates (Sundays 10-11 a.m.), and tai chi (11 a.m.-noon) on Sundays. All classes are free.

