BORO MAG by Julian Lesser

APRIL 2017

VOL 7:4

BOROMAG.COM

Photo courtesy of Ashton Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Pawsitively GREAT DISCOUNTS

at the best spots in Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside

Astoria Page 10 & 32

3 DECADES OF SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK

TRESTLE: A NEW SUBWAY-THEMED EATERY

CHECK OUT THIS TINY, COZY HOME

Page 18

Page 44

Page 50

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

1 TO 3 BEDROOM CONDOS STARTING AT $685,000 NOW SELLING 21-10 44TH DRIVE, LONG ISLAND CITY FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 646.290.4059 OR VISIT THEDECKERLIC.COM SALES OFFICE LOCATED AT 47-46 VERNON BLVD, LONG ISLAND CITY ENTRANCE ON 48TH AVE

The complete offering terms are in an offering A P Rplan I L available 2 0 1 7 from the sponsor. File No. CD160297 Sponsor: Impex Builders LLC, 1517 Voorhies Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MS_Decker_Boro_Æ&#x2019;V2.indd 1

3/29/17 10:55 AM

BRUNCH • COCKTAILS • LATE NIGHT DINING

Now On

:55 AM

163 HOPE ST. WILLIAMSBURG •

c f @THEREGAL

SERVING NEW TWISTS ON DINER CLASSICS & BARREL-AGED COCKTAILS APRIL 2017 I BOROM AG.COM

CONTENTS We at BORO can’t help but notice that western Queens is a great place for pets. Our neighborhood is so walkable, and our apartments are (a bit) roomier than those in Manhattan. This month we’re featuring a plethora of businesses that help you take care of your pets (page 32). We also asked you to share your pet pics with us on Instagram, and we were flooded with cute shots of your cats and dogs enjoying life here in Queens (page 10)! Earth Day is on April 22, so it’s the perfect time to get outside and to be more conscientious about our impact on the environment. Explore Socrates Sculpture Park this spring: it marked its 30th anniversary last year, and now it’s looking forward to its next 30 years (page 18). What used to be an KATRINA MEDOFF illegal dumpsite is now a vibrant outdoor event space editor-in-chief home to an ever-changing collection of sculptures — a great example of how a few people can make a lasting impact on our landscape. You can also listen to the soon-to-be-released album “Music for Icebergs” by Astoria composer Mike Sayre; melting ice caps may seem far away, but this music brings the issue closer to home (page 38). As always, you can find street style (page 6), arts and entertainment (page 20), food (page 44) and interior design (page 50) in the pages of BORO. If you have any news or stories you’d like to share with us, send them to katrina@boromag. com. And make sure to connect with us on Instagram (@boromagazine), Facebook (facebook.com/boromag) and Twitter (@BOROMAG)! Wishing you and your pets a lovely April, Katrina Medoff

NEXT STOP

MODEL PETS

FEATURES 6 CHILLING IN STYLE

Street style in Astoria

10 MODEL PETS

BORO readers Instagrammed their pet pics

LIC Dental LIC Dental 18 SCULPTING SUCCESS

Associate

Socrates Sculpture Park looks to next 30 years

20 SPRING SING

Check out these local bands

32 A MATTER OF HEART

Pet care businesses in western Queens

38 SONGS OF ICE

Astoria composer fights global warming with music

40 LIC FLEA & FOOD

Outdoor market opens for the season

DEPARTMENTS 12 APRIL 2017 EVENTS

44 NEXT STOP 26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of April in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

Your go-to guide for the best shops, food, art, nightlife and more in western Queens

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

New subway-themed restaurant in Astoria

50 COZY LITTLE HOME IN QUEENS

Interior design in a small space

54 DANCE REVOLUTION

Resident opens performing arts studio

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov // GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nirmal Singh WRITERS Hayley Bridgewater, Gina Conteh, Sean Curry, Ruthie Darling, Lora Grillo, Marie Grillo, Angela Matua, Katrina Medoff, Estie Pyper PHOTOGRAPHERS Ruthie Darling, Bridget Kenny, Marie Torio SALES REPRESENTATIVE Graziella Zerilli // PUBLISHED BY Joshua and Victoria Schneps All materials Copyright © 2015 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. BORO Magazine reserves the right to publish any images without providing photo/image credit. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

APRIL 2017

ssociates

RE-INVENTED. RE-INVENTED. Tooth 1 Tooth + Dental Visit Visit 1 Dental _______________ _______________ (byAge Age1) 1) (by

Cavities 0 Cavities

50-02 5TH 5TH STREET, STREET, SUITE SUITE BB | | LONG LONGISLAND ISLANDCITY, CITY,NY NY11101 11101| |718.530.6539 718.530.6539 50-02 APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

STREET STYLE

CHILLING IN STYLE

“I

BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

t was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” - Charles Dickens I can only assume that Dickens wrote that line after spending a freezing afternoon in Astoria! But this month’s biting chill did not stop the chic Astorians from emerging from hibernation. Coffee had to be drunk and rehearsals had to be attended, as I learned one freezing Sunday afternoon as I was out scouting the streets for style. Take a look at these dapper gents and elegant women, battling the elements beautifully. Joshua is a commercial hip-hop dancer, and he was looking so sharp standing outside this cafe. What can I say — I love a man in a hat!

Marissa works at V Magazine and was looking adorable in her soft pink coat and black and white scarf. Perfectly paired with converse sneakers. Weekend wardrobe goals.

Pascal was on his way into the city to meet his father, who was going to cut his hair. The elegant blue coat looked really dapper. Sunday style to the max.

APRIL 2017

Dita is originally from Jakarta, but moved to Astoria two years ago. “It feels like home,” she said. I loved her layered look: socks over tights, sweater over turtle neck. Chic and warm!

Anneliesa is an opera student at Julliard. “I’m on my way to rehearsal,” she told me, and she looked every inch the opera star in that ensemble. Bravo!

Twins Awa and Toqa have had their whole lives to master this complementary style, and it totally works. The oversized scarfs look so stylish, especially when paired with skinny jeans and ankle boots. Double the fun.

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES THAT BENEFIT YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS NEEDS

• Multiple LIC Office Locations • One Stop Shopping • Over 25 Years of Professional Experience • Special Offers and Promotions Available • All Services Guaranteed

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: For Individuals… • Income Tax • Tax Planning • Audit Defense • Bookkeeping • Insurance

• • • • •

Financials Estates/Trusts Net Worth Statements Budgeting Offer-In-Compromise

FOR BUSINESSES… • • • • •

Income Tax Sales Tax Payroll Tax Retirement Accounting

• • • • •

Investments Audit Defense Tax Planning Valuations Formation/

JOHN SAVIGNANO CPA, CGMA

Our Certified Public Accountants are here to serve clients in a variety of industries. Whether you are looking for tax preparation services, risk management advice, or assistance with a retirement plan, the team at SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors is here to help.

www.LIC-CPA.com • www.savignano-cpa.com bestaccountantinlic.com 47-46 Vernon Blvd., 2nd Fl.

41-18 Crescent St.

LIC, NY 11101

(F) 718.707.0959

(F) 718.707.0259

718.707.0955

APRIL 2017

718.707.0295

PLEASE CALL OR VISIT US FOR FREE CONSULTATION

Thinking About Buying Your First Home? • All applicants must be first time home buyers • Property must be an owner occupied 1-4 family residence • No application fee • 30 year fixed rate mortgage • Current rate is 4.250% fixed for 30 years*. Annual percentage rate (APR) is 4.284%* • Initial P/I payment for each $1,000 financed is $4.92 per month. Excludes PMI or any escrows

For more information, visit one of our local branches and speak to our expert mortgage loan officer or just go to www.sussexbank.com

Let’s get moving!

Toll-Free:

(844) CLOSE-2-U | (844) 256-7328

sussexbank.com

* Rates subject to change without notice; effective date for this rate is 1/15/17. All loans subject to credit and collateral approval. APR is fixed for the term of the loan. Property insurance is required; flood, PMI and title insurance may be required. Payment amounts do not include escrow for taxes and/or insurance. Your actual payment obligation may be greater. NY residents must pay a mortgage recording tax at closing. Payment amounts do not include escrow for taxes, physical damage insurance, flood insurance or PMI. Interest may be tax-deductible, consult with your tax advisor. Loan amounts up to $625,500. Minimum of 5% cash down with PMI (private mortgage insurance) required Loan to Value (LTV) up to 95%. Escrow account will be established for the payment of property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums. Other mortgage products available.

NO FEE — 1 MONTH FREE

I M AGINE O V E R

30,0 00 F T.

STARTING PRICES: STUDIOS $2,280 ONE BEDROOMS $2,885 TWO BEDROOMS $4,070 *Net effective prices shown

SQ.

O F A ME N ITI E S

1 STOP FROM MANHATTAN C E N T R A L L O C AT I O N ENDLESS VIEWS U N PA R A L L E L E D A M E N I T I E S

43-25 HUNTER STREET | LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 | 718.606.6677 | HAYDENLIC.COM

HAYDEN_AD_BORO_031317.indd 1

3/13/17 5:41 PM APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

PETS OF QUEENS

MODEL PETS

@ laneythepuppy

By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF

@KATYA_M22

ith the weather warming up, the streets of western Queens are filled with residents walking their pups. It’s enough to make any wannabe pet owner jealous! We asked our readers to take pics of their pets and tag us in them on Instagram, and they did not disappoint. Here are some of the cats and dogs who call Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside home. Maybe you’ll spot some of them playing in Astoria Park or walking the local sidewalks this spring.

@ danzig_the_bulldog

@ ashoconnornyc

@ nyccanadiansam APRIL 2017

@ lily_bowbino

@ karmibny

@ this_is_not_big_baby

@ mister_massimo

@ ginab1117

@ wrosen21

@ shibamcentire

@ crystal.kalish

@ nickystyles007

@ lil_sebastian73 APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

APRIL EVENTS OPENS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BEGINNING APRIL 8 THROUGH OCTOBER Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekend Event Title: LIC Flea Opens Cost: FREE Location: LIC Flea Phone: 718-224-5863 ext. 235 Address: 5-25 46th Ave., LIC URL: www.licflea.com SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event Title: City Owlet's 1st Annual Easter Eggstravaganza Cost: $30 Child - $10 Siblings Location: City Owlets Phone: 718-786-OWLS Address: 10-42 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: www.cityowlets.com/events SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Time: 7 p.m. Event Title: Tribute Screening Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll Cost: $15 Location: Museum of the Moving Image/Redstone Theater Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.movingimage.us/ visit/calendar/2017/04/09/detail/ chuck-berry-hail-hail-rock-n-roll THURSDAY, APRIL 13 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Event Title: Press Conference/Kevin Froleiks & Sam Bourne Cost: $7 Location: QED: A Place To Show and Tell Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ collections/shows/products/pressconference-2 THURSDAY, APRIL 13 Time: 9 to 10:30 pm Event Title: Go Ricki! Cost: $8 Location: QED: A Place To Show and Tell

mag.com/Events Find more events at www.BORO-

Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/products/br-go-ricki FRIDAY, APRIL 14, AND SATURDAY, APRIL 15 Event Title: Richard Baratta & the All-Star Quintet Cost: $20 entrance fee. 1 drink minimum Location: Astor Room Phone: 718-255-1947 Address: 35-11 35th Ave., Astoria URL: astorroom.com/events/specialevents/ SATURDAY, APRIL 15, THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Event Title: People Preserving Place: A Film Festival Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.movingimage. us/programs/2017/04/15/detail/ people-preserving-place-a-filmfestival/ SUNDAY, APRIL 16 Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Event Title: Trivia For A Cause With Trivia NYC Cost: $5 Location: QED: A Place To Show and Tell Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ collections/events/products/ trivia-for-a-cause-with-trivianyc-6 TUESDAY, APRIL 18 Time: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Event Title: Drink n' Draw Cost: $8 Location: QED: A Place To Show and Tell Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ collections/events/products/drinkn-draw-43

APRIL 2017

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Event Title: LAB – Textured Sights Cost: $10 Location: Queens Council on the Arts Phone: 347-505-3019 Address: 37-11 35th St., entrance on 37th Street, Astoria URL: http://www.queenscouncilarts.org/calendar/2017/4/19/ lab-presents-textured-sights FRIDAY, APRIL 21 Time: 8:30 to 10:30 pm Event Title: Beecher’s Fault live at LIC Beer Project Cost: Free Location: LIC Beer Project Phone: 917-832-6840 Address: 39-28 23rd St., Long Island City URL: http://www.beechersfault. com/tour THURSDAY, APRIL 21, THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Time: Check website for times on each day Event Title: Jimena Paz – Yello Cost: $20 Location: The Chocolate Factory Theater Phone: 718-482-7069 Address: 5-49 49th Ave., LIC URL: http://www.chocolatefactorytheater.org/redesign/event/ jimena-paz/ FRIDAY, APRIL 28 Time: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Event Title: Clubbing Party at the Studio Square Beer Garden Cost: $5 limited early bird/$10 online/$15 at the door Location: Studio Square Phone: 718-383-1001 Address: 35-33 36th St., Queens URL: https://quietevents.com/ events/5-party-at-studio-squarefree-shot-2/

FRIDAY, APRIL 28, AND SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Time: April 28 at 8 p.m./April 29 at 3 p.m. Event Title: Miki Orihara Solo Concert Resonance II Cost: $20 Location: LPAC/LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-482-5151 Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC URL: http://www.lpac.nyc/event/c7d8cbf0cfdbce6fc80f954177225d4d SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event Title: Everything Kids Expo/ Healthy Kids Day Cost: FREE Location: YMCA Long Island City Phone: 718-392-7932 Address: 32-23 Queens Blvd., LIC URL: http://www.longislandcityqueens.com/experience-lic/events/ healthy-kids-day/ SATURDAY, APRIL 29–SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Event Title: Teen Art Salon Fundraiser: Open Studio Views Cost: $25 Location: Arris Lofts Teen Art Salon Contact: team@teenartsalon.com Address: 2728 Thomson Ave. WS6, LIC URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ teen-art-salon-fundraiser-openstudio-views-tickets-33062945159 SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Time: 8 a.m. to noon Event Title: 14th Annual SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon Cost: $75 - $85 Location: Central Park URL: http://www.nyrr.org/races-andevents/2017/shape-womens-halfmarathon

Quality Care And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting

32-41R Steinway Street, Astoria Right by the R and M subway stop

718-728-2822

www.steinwaycourtvet.com info@ steinwaycourtvet.com

7,000 SQ FT OF SPACE · 12 HD TV’S

DRINK EAT @breakastoria

18 DRAFT BEERS FULL KITCHEN · BILLIARDS PING PONG · AIR HOCKEY · DARTS

COMPETE

BIRTHDAY PARTIES PRIVATE EVENTS WWW.BREAK-NY.COM 32-04 BROADWAY, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11106 PHONE: 718.777.5400 APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

Free House Wine Red or White with the purchase of the family style menu Minimum 2 guests

FAMILY STYLE

APPETIZER: Fried Calamari, Fried Zucchini, Caprese Salad ENTREE: Chicken Parmigiana Fried Chicken Cutlets with Marinara and Melted Mozzarella Cheese Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Sautéed in a Garlic, Oil and White Wine Sauce Skirt Steak Sautéed with Mushroom Demi Sauce DESSERT: *Includes Coffee, Juice, Soda and Tea* “Make Your Reservations Now Limited Seating”

Available 7 Days! Starting April 6th, 2017

76-08 21st Ave. East Elmhurst, NY 11370 (718) 728-9200

www.antoniosny.com

APRIL 2017

On sale now More than

presents

a collection of tickets good for free beer at more than

QUEENS 2

Over

BEERS AT MORE THAN

30 BARS

30 fine bars The original pocket guide and beer passport to bars, restaurants and breweries in Queens, New York

Cheers!

30 CRAFT BEERS at

30 of the BEST QUEENS BARS,

BEER HALLS and BREWERIES

$30

For Only

The limited edition annual Queens Beer Book Is available for Purchase at

www.QNS.com

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

APRIL 2017

Prix Fixe Three Course Menu $18.50 Mon - Fri 11:30am - 3:30pm

Fine Italian Cuisine Long Island City

Come Celebrate

Mother’s Day With Us And Enjoy Her Special Day Here!

Sunday May 16th open from 3 PM – 9:30 PM 21-50 44th dr., Long Island City, NY 11101 p: (718) 707-0009 or (718) 707-0023 • f: (718) 707-0031

e: info@ilfalcolic.com • www.ilfalcolic.com

A Complimentary Glass Of Prosecco Wine To All Moms

Happy Mother's Day Valet Parking Private Room Available For All Types Of Parties/Functions/Events We DO Catering Of All Types

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

EXPLORE YOUR BORO

ocrates Sculpture Park is not your average neighborhood playground. It’s a museum, movie theater, event space and, yes, a park, all rolled into one. This 5-acre space, located on the banks of the East River at the intersection of Broadway and Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, just celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. 2017 marks the start of the park’s next 30 years. It’s come so far from where it started, and there are still big plans for its future.

APRIL 2017

SUCCESS By ESTELLE PYPER

@ESTIEPYPER

Looking at it now, it’s hard to imagine the park as anything less than lush and green, but it certainly didn’t start out that way. “The interesting and wonderful thing about that park is that was started as a sculpture park by the people for the people,” said Audrey Dimola, director of public programs at Socrates. Its founder, artist Mark di Suvero, was working in Astoria at the time when he came across this empty, desolate space — essentially a landfill. Dimola, who grew up not too far from the space, described the site before its transformation an “illegal dumpsite.” But di Suvero had a vision to reinvent the neglected area. He gathered a group of artists and people in the community and they started turning the space into a park. It took a lot of landscaping to tame the wild land, but eventually it was named an official New York City park.

@ESTIE_PYPER

Since the opening 30 years ago, the landscaping has greatly progressed. They planted plenty of trees and now have a “grove,” which they continually add to. All different kinds of plants thrive, and many gardens were created — the perimeter of the space is now lined with gardens. The park is always adapting to cater to its ever-evolving audience. Although originally created to be a space for public enjoyment and for artists to showcase their work, Socrates hosts numerous events catered toward all age groups — and the best part is that all events are completely free. The park itself is free and open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to sunset — plenty of time to enjoy its wonders. As event specifics may change, an event calendar lives online, and information is always posted on the front gate. There are always two exhibitions held each year, and no exhibit is permanent.

Photos courtesy of Socrates Sculpture Park

SCULPTING

Photos courtesy of Socrates Sculpture Park

“Socrates is always a place of regeneration and transition, so there’s nothing that’s permanent in the park ever,” Dimola said. This year, they are trying something new: for the first time, they will be dedicating the park exhibition space to one artist: Nari Ward. “Ward’s artistic practice echoes the park’s community-driven philosophy, and his solo show will integrate the public at every stage,” said Katie Horowitz, director of external affairs. Ward’s exhibition, “Nari Ward: G.O.A.T., again” features six commissioned outdoor pieces created onsite. It will be on display April 29 through Sept. 4. Dimola said that because Socrates Sculpture Park is outdoors and always open to the public, the installation process is unlike that at most museums. “The thing that’s really unique about Socrates in comparison to other art institutions is that it’s an institution without walls,” Dimola explained. “So when we are installing or de-installing sculptures, the whole process is open to the public and everyone can watch. There’s no like ‘gallery is closed; installation in progress’ wall that we can put up. It’s a really transparent and wondrous thing for someone to behold.” The fall exhibition is more of an open call: anyone can propose a project to appear in the park and the artists chosen will have the full support of the Socrates staff.

Besides walking around the grounds and viewing exhibitions, there are numerous art workshops for adults held Sundays from May-September such as jewelry making, soap making, and screen painting, as well as a family-friendly sculpture workshops on Saturdays. Their “Healthy Living” program offers tai chi on weekends and various other outdoor activities. During the summer, the “Outdoor Cinema” program — an international foreign film festival — screens movies every Wednesday in July and August, with a different country or culture showcased each week. Finally, numerous concerts like the Met Opera and many jazz and dance performances occur throughout the year, and festivals and parades are regularly held. There certainly seems to be something for everyone at Socrates. Looking toward the next 30 years, the team at Socrates hopes to continue its growth and uphold its mission to serve its community. They hope to bring in more cultural organizations and artistic mediums and expand their audience. Dimola said that the goal is “for everyone to see themselves represented in Socrates and see it as a place that they can belong — no matter if they grew up here or just moved here, what income what background, what ethnicity.”

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Photos by Jared Jeffery Photography

SPRING

SING By LORA GRILLO AND MARIE GRILLO

APRIL 2017

“We call our style Americana and write songs that affect them on an internal level,” said McCoy. “We like to tell stories about injustice that everyone can relate to and also about everyday longings, as well as those little moments in your day that just happen that sometimes stay with you.” McCoy focuses on the lyrics, while Dunn is the “groove master.” “[Dunn] is great at writing hooks and melodies that give our songs a nice movement and feel,” McCoy elaborated. “Other times we write it all together, or all separate. Once we are happy with the structure and lyrics, we will bring it to the band and really tighten up the groove and feel out the dynamics.”

Photos by Jared Jeffery Photography

Two Thirds Goat

Annalyse McCoy and Ryan Dunn are the main songwriting pair that make up two-fourths of the Astoria-based group Two Thirds Goat. The band’s blend of country and pop music gives its music a down-home yet soulful sound. “Annalyse is from Inez, Kentucky, a small town in the hills of Appalachia,” Dunn explained. “An actual descendant from the McCoys who feuded with the Hatfields, she brings a lot of the ‘country’ feel to the music.” The duo, joined by Jason Liles on bass and Neil Nunziato on drums, make up the core group, while the band rotates lead guitar and fiddle players, “as the good ones are always working!” McCoy said. After living in Astoria for roughly 10 years, both Dunn and McCoy consider it home. “The small town feel that still defines Astoria, especially the Ditmars area, is what we love most about the neighborhood,” said McCoy. We almost mislabeled Two Thirds Goat’s genre as bluegrass, but the band doesn’t consider themselves that.

Photo by Peter Ward.

After an unexpectedly strong last act of winter, the weather is finally starting to thaw, and with the warmth of spring comes porch swinging and music listening. Always on the hunt for new local music to check out, we asked Miguel Hernandez — a member of the Astoria Music Collective who books local music gigs — for some recommendations. Here are five of our recent favorites that we believe will accompany the new season splendidly.

They’ll be playing at Hill Country Barbecue on April 27 at 9 p.m.; The Quays on April 28 at 9:30 p.m.; and Rockwood Music Hall on May 9 at 8 p.m. If you get a chance to catch them, Two Thirds Goat will be sure to charm you with their entertaining and lively songs.

FACEBOOK: TWOTHIRDSGOAT TWITTER: @TWOTHIRDSGOAT INSTAGRAM: @TWOTHIRDSGOAT TWOTHIRDSGOAT.COM

Photo credit: Patrick Merino

The Bumper Crop Boys Once upon a time (in 2004) The Bumper Crop Boys began their musical collaboration during summer stock in the Black Hills of South Dakota, playing “pit-parties” for the theater and local bars. By the summer of 2006, The Bumper Crop Boys landed in Astoria, Queens. “We put together a group with enough confidence in their musical abilities that we started playing any local dives that would have us, namely McLoughlin’s, Sunswick,” explained vocalist Emily Fellner Zeig. Five years later they settled on their current lineup: Gene Caprioglio on vocals and guitar; Emily Fellner Zeig on vocals, accordion and trumpet; Doug Strich on vocals and harmonica; Laura Nesson on vocals and trumpet; and Joel Darelius on upright bass. If you are wondering why The Bumper Crop Boys have “boys” in their name despite having some women in the band, it is because “In the very beginning, there were only boys in the band,” Fellner Zeig explained. “After Laura passed her audition on the spoons and was inducted as a Bumper Crop Boy, we asked if she minded the name. She did not. And no female ever playing in the band since has minded the name. We’re pretty gender fluid in that way.” The Bumper Crop Boys have created a “concoction comprised of equal parts blues/country/jazz/rock ‘n’ roll and gospel,” said Caprioglio.

The Bumper Crop Boys can be found bumping the first Friday night of every month at The Quays with lofty musical goals for their audience: “We want to take them down to the deepest pits of the inferno, up to celestial heights and everywhere in between, and it wouldn’t hurt if we brought a smile to their lips and a tear to their eye,” Caprioglio said. With their wild mix of musical styles, they are a sure fire fun night. Catch the Bumper Crop Boys at the Penrose on April 30. For even more shows make sure to check out and like their Facebook page. FACEBOOK: thebumpercropboys

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Photo by Jessica Norwood

Rare Futures Rare Futures is an Astoria-based “groove rock” band that combines a strong pop sound with deep hooks. With their unmistakable ‘90s influence, we couldn’t help but envision the band rocking out at the Bronze in the first or second season of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Well-known artists like Tears for Fears and Radiohead mixed with obscure bands like Jellyfish influence Rare Future’s sound. “I’m inspired by a lot of styles of music, so I try to connect these influences within my own songs with strong and thoughtful melodic and rhythmic ideas, and that really stems first from the masters, The Beatles, and then from Motown music for me,” explained lead singer Matt Fazzi. “I tend to gravitate toward bands and artists that really care about the richness and depth of their compositions, where you can always keep digging into their songs and find something new.”

Beginning as a solo project in 2010 under the moniker of Happy Body Slow Brain and self-releasing a few records, Rare Futures formed in late 2015 after Fazzi needed a “spiritual refresher,” he said. Having recently released a new space-rock record “This is Your Brain on Love” in March of 2016, Fazzi is very much the main driving force behind the band. However, the current lineup is solid. “The band has always had a revolving cast of amazing musicians over the years, but now it seems like we’ve settled with a core that works well and is multi-talented,” Fazzi said. The band now includes Rich Bozek (Gavin Castleton Band, Saber Tooth Trio) on drums, Ari Sadowitz (Heavy English, Model Decoy) on guitar and Alex Marans (Atlas Genius, Gospels) on bass. “All top-notch humans and seasoned veteran musicians,” Fazzi added.

Living in Queens, and New York in general, influences the band on a daily basis. “Growing up in the rock and punk scene in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, there were a lot of influential bands coming out of this area and Long Island that were a huge part of my musical development,” Fazzi explained. Although a typical rock format centered around drums, bass, guitar and keyboards, Rare Futures adds subtle electronic sonic layers of sounds, especially on their most recent record. “On our latest album, ‘This Is Your Brain on Love,’ we implemented a lot of space-y sound effects in the form of satellite bleeps, NASA radio transmissions and airy synthesizers that help to paint a more specific and intentional image for the listener,” Fazzi said. “Space and time was very much an important theme for the album, so it made sense to add these little touches to help push that further.” The band is not going to be touring again until June, when they will team up with Gavin Castleton from The Dear Hunter.

RAREFUTURES.BANDCAMP.COM FACEBOOK: RAREFUTURES TWITTER: @RAREFUTURES

Farewell Gusto

Photos by Meredith Begl

22 22

A APPRRIILL 22001177

Farewell Gusto is an Astoria-based band that came together over wings at Blackbirds on 30th Avenue. Longtime friends Greg Lum (drums) and Sean Begley (rhythm guitar and vocals) have been playing in bands together since high school. They met the rest of the band through mutual friends around the neighborhood. With all the genre-bending going on, it’s rare to find a pure indie-rock band around town these days, but the group takes their unadulterated version of indie, complete with steady drums, a sturdy bass, crunchy guitars and heartfelt lyrics, to shows all across the city.

Like Jimmy Eat World, Farewell Gusto has a heart-on-their-sleeve approach to songwriting that made us ask the band what they thought of the sometimes controversial term “emo.” Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sean Begley doesn’t seem to mind the term one bit. “I grew up listening to bands labeled as emo,” Begley said. “Most of those bands were heavily influenced by the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate and Weezer. I feel the term can often be interchanged with ‘indie.’ That influence certainly spills into our songwriting. I realize that the term has been used to deride some bands, but I do not really care about that. I like what I like.”

Photo by Jessica Norwood

Wild Magnolia

Photo credit: Patrick Merino

Wild Magnolia is a six-piece multicultural bluegrass band based in Queens. How did Wild Magnolia’s Rebecca Aparicio (vocals, washboard) and husband Stephen Elkins (vocals, guitar) meet their band mates? “Craigslist! No, seriously we met on Craigslist,” Elkins explained. “Growing up in Alabama, I used to play bluegrass with my dad and older folks out on the porch in the summers. I really missed that in NYC, so when asked to program a concert for church — I thought, ‘Let’s do a bluegrass concert!’ So, I put out a notice and lucked out with Sana Nagano (fiddle) and a mandolin player who recommended Cesar Moreno (mandolin, vocals).” As card-carrying Queens natives, we of course had to ask the band how the hood influences their scene and sound. “Being Queens-based has really shaped our band in so many ways,” Elkins said. “There’s a genuine appreciation for music in Queens that is truly unique. Especially in Astoria, there’s such a vibrant music scene and a supportive community of musicians. Our very first gig at the Bonnie led to a spring residency there which led to a Monday night residency at Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails in Manhattan.”

You can catch them at Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails (367 Third Ave.) every Monday at 8 p.m. With members hailing from Poland, Japan, Alabama and Connecticut all coming together, we asked if there was any drama around songwriting. Elkins assured us there is not. “Surprisingly, we actually don’t have any drama — knock on wood, I don’t want to jinx it! We are all incredibly supportive of each other,” he said. “We are all individual songwriters, so it’s awesome to bring a song to the band and have five other people help shape the

song with their own interpretations and support.” Like the timely bloom of the magnolia tree in April, Wild Magnolia will be working on, and performing, all new material in the upcoming spring. The band just had its first-year anniversary, and the band members are focused on pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in the upcoming months. We at BORO look forward to seeing and hearing what that will entail.

FACEBOOK: WILDMAGNOLIABAND WILDMAGNOLIAMUSIC.COM

Photo by Helen Lee

What does the band think of their western Queens base? “It is a special place,” D’Agostino said. “There are a lot of emotions in this neighborhood for us. It has been a great place to collaborate and work together.” Begley adds, “We were proud to record our latest EP, ‘Interchanges,’ at the Buddy Project here in Astoria.” With recent shows at Arlene’s Grocery, Bar Matchless and Gussy’s, look out for the band as they continue to play some local shows soon.

SOUNDCLOUD: FAREWELLGUSTO FACEBOOK: FAREWELLGUSTO APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

Japanese knives and Japanese chinaware

since 1990

Seito New York

Aritsugu

Taiji

We sharpen knives

4126 27th St., Queens, NY 11101

(7,N,W we are just 2 minutes from the station)

718-472-5413 seito-newyork.com

EARN EXTRA INCOME

The Queens Courier is looking for experience Telemarketers to work in our Bayside Office. MORNING & AFTERNOON SHIFTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

SALARY + COMMISSION CALL FOR INTERVIEW

718-224-5863 ext. 228

QNS.com iS the New deStiNatioN for everythiNg QueeNS! BreakiNg NewS free claSSifiedS iNteractive eveNtS caleNdar coNNect with your commuNity oN NeighBorhood PageS

APRIL 2017

BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through MARCH 2017. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.

$500 SAVINGS

SAVIGNANO FOR NEW LIC accountants & advisors

BUSINESS CLIENTS

$50 SAVINGS FOR NEW LIC INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES THAT BENEFIT YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS NEEDS

718-707-0955 / 718-707-0295 JOHN SAVIGNANO CPA, CGMA WWW.SAVIGNANO-CPA.COM

• Multiple LIC Office Locations • One Stop Shopping • Over 25 Years of Professional Experience • Special Offers and Promotions Available • All Services Guaranteed

HAPPY HOUR

M-F 12-7 SA/SU 3-6

A REDKEN CONCEPT SALON

$5 Select Drafts $6 Red, White, Rose Wines $7 Dirty Pickle Martini, Summer Old Fashioned, and Sangria 29-12 23RD AVE. ASTORIA, NY 11105

$25 FOR A WALK IN BLOWDRY!

DOES YOUR DOG NEED A WALK?

SIGN-UP FOR 4 WALKS & GET 1 FREE OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: For Individuals… For Businesses… • Income Tax • Income Tax • Tax Planning • Sales Tax • Audit Defense • Payroll Tax • Bookkeeping • Retirement • Insurance • Accounting • Financials • Investments • Estates/Trusts • Audit Defense • Net Worth Statements • Tax Planning • Budgeting • Valuations • Offer-In-Compromise • Formation/Structures

20% OFF with this ad.

47-46 Vernon Blvd., 2nd Fl. LIC, NY 11101

718.707.0955 (F) 718.707.0959

1 FREE HOUR www.LIC-CPA.com OF POOL WITH www.savignano-cpa.com bestaccountantinlic.com THE PURCHASE OF 41-18 Crescent St. PLEASE CALL LIC, NY 11101 OR VISIT US ANY ENTRÉE. 718.707.0295 FOR FREE

CONSULTATION

(F) 718.707.0259

VALID SUNDAY - WEDNESDAY

LOCKED - ESCAPE ROOMS NYC

22-56 31st Street, 2nd floor Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 274-9700 10% OFF www.escapelocked.com CODE: “Gift Cards also available for purchase BORO10 at www.escapelocked.com

WALKING ASTORIA AND SUNNYSIDE WE DO CAT SITTING TOO!

$6 BEER & SHOTS

WWW.MYDOGNEEDSAWALK.COM

EVERY THURSDAY DURING THE LIVE JAZZ BAND.

347.323.4549 NEW CLIENTS ONLY

Mention the ad get a free dessert with a purchase of a full main course (does not include pocket pita sandwich). WWW.ZENONTAVERNA.COM

20 PERCENT OFF ONE ARTWORK PURCHASE

(not including any framing/shipping costs) limit one per customer. ROGALLERY.COM - fine artworks & auctions

VITE Bar | 25-07 Broadway, Astoria | 347.813.4702

Featuring freshly made Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream

20% OFF

LIQUID NITROGEN ICE CREAM

Wine & Espresso Bar

HAPPY HOUR Serving Light Fares, Panini’s & Salads HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Friday,4pm-7pm

$5 RED & WHITE PROSECCO $5 WELL DRINKS & COCKTAILS ESPRESSO MARTINI SANGRIA – BELLINI WWW.VITEBAR.COM 347-813-4702

TEA PLUS Liquid Nitrogen IceCAFÉ Cream 37-10 31ST AVE, ASTORIA, NY 11103 (917) 832-7445 ASTORIA DOG WALKING 20% OFF FIRST WEEK OF SERVICE

vitebar.com

VITE BAR ITALIAN TAPAS

Authentic Italian Cuisine LUNCH & DINNER: 12pm-Midnight BRUNCH: Saturday & Sunday 11:30am-4:30pm Catering for all Occasions

TAKE A $100 OFF REGISTRATION FEE

31-05 34TH ST ASTORIA NY, 11106 | 718.278.8483 | vitevinosteria.com

7-10 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 • (917) 832-7445

WWW.NYCPETNANNY.COM

Open 8AM - 8PM Mon-Thurs; 8:AM - 9PM Fri; 9:AM - 9PM Sat; 9am- 8pm Sun

20% OFF EACH SEAT The Paint Place NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio

31-21 31st St. Astoria www.thepaintplaceny.com 929-522-0086

ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com

718.224.5863

www.BOROmag.com/advertise APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

144 6 205 204 7 5 8

ALOBAR RESTAURANT (A,4) 718-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.alobarnyc.com ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com

BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com

150

OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

BRICK CAFE (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com

DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com

220 169 170 18

NEW YORK DOG HOUSE 718-274-3647 37-06 30th Ave., Astoria www.newyorkdoghouse.com

NUMBER 5 718-361-6930 35-43 37th St., Astoria www.no5nyc.com

CRESCENT GRILL (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com

125

124

213

176

MONIKA’S CAFE BAR 718-204-5273 3290 36th St., Astoria www.monikascafebar.com

BOTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com

CAVO (C,2) 718-721-1001 42-18 31st Ave., Astoria www.cavoastoria.com

112

VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com

NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com

181

200

182

BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com

202

MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com

BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com

159

148

DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com

20 45 61 22

74 183

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com OVELIA (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com

THE BRASS OWL (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.thebrassowl.com

VITE VINOSTERIA 718-278-8483 31-05 34th St., Astoria www.vitevinosteria.com

INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

210

WARIQUE 718-726-5555 47-17 30th Ave., Astoria

LIC: LIVING (A,4) 718-361-5650 535 51st Ave., LIC www.licliving.com

WILLIAM HALLET (C,2) 718-269-3443 36-10 30th Ave., Astoria www.williamhallet.com

LOCKWOOD SHOP (C,2) 718-626-6030 32-15 33rd St., Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com

198

WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd., Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

LOVEDAY 31 (B,2) 718-728-4057 3306 31st Ave., Astoria www.loveday31.com

108 32

YAJAI (B,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com

BAKERIES

201

CHÂTEAU LE WOOF 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.com

CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.cityvetnyc.com

ASTORIA COFFEE 30-04 30th St Astoria, NY, 11102 (347) 410-7399

NYC PET NANNY 25-74 36 St. Astoria NY 646-298-5301 www.nycpetnanny.com

206

STEINWAY COURT VET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

174

IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria

LIC VETERINARY CENTER (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.licvets.com

RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

190

S PRIME STEAK HOUSE (C,2) 718-707-0660 35-16 36th St., Astoria www.sprimenyc.com

OK CAFÉ (B,1) 718-440-8789 22-04 33rd St., Astoria www.okcafeastoria.com

SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC

FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

195

FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

211

MET FRESH AND ORGANIC SUPERMARKET Located in the heart of Astoria on 34-14 Steinway St.

168

ADMIRAL LOCK AND KEY (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com

167

YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

178

ASTORIA 35 LAUNDRY & FINE DRY CLEANING (B,2) 718-392-9692 3505 34th St., Astoria Astoria35laundry.com

119

ASTORIA CENTER OF ISRAEL 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria www.astoriacenter.org

SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com

FOOD SHOPS

160

OFF BROADWAY FLORIST (B,2) 718-728-2828 3204 31st St., Astoria

44 137

FLORESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC 4-85 47th Rd., LIC

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

130

PETALS AND ROOTS (B,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St., Astoria www.petalsandroots.com

SERVICES

MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com

55 153

MAIZAL RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Ave., Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com

SNOWDONIA PUB (B,2) 347-730-5783 34-55 32nd St., Astoria www.snowdoniapub.com

116

SUGAR FREAK (C,2) 718-726-5850 36-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.sugarfreak.com

216

THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com

ASTORIA BIER & CHEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria

ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com

177

ASTORIA CLEANERS (B,1) 718-545-0680 28-19 Astoria Blvd., Astoria astoriacleaners.com

219

THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com

ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

209

AVENUE CHEMISTS PHARMACY 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria

GRAND WINE AND LIQUOR (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com

129

BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.manducatisrustica.com

191 19

MEXIBBQ (C,2) 718-626-0333 37-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.mexiqny.com

MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com

VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

184

VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com

MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com

26 26

199

TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com

JANUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM APRIL 2017

WINES & SPIRITS

187

SHOPS 143 21

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com BABYNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.babynoir.net

180

FLORISTS

SKINNY’S (A,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd., LIC

MALAGUETA RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Ave., Astoria www.malaguetany.com

MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www. mydogneedsawalk.com

189

SHI (A,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd., LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com

196

218

BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com

224

ASTOR BAKE SHOP (A,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

34 138 139

223

QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com

SAGE GENERAL STORE (B,4) 718-361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave., LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com

121

194

161

60 BEAN COFFEE & TEA (C,1) 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

218

RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria

PETS

173

115

PENTHOUSE 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com

MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net

133

186

207 114 77

BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES SPARKLELINK 718-812-9616 3537 36th St., Astoria CRESCENT APOTHECARY (B,1) 718-777-1110 25-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.crescentapothecary.com DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.drpagonismd.com

122

175

157

134

147

173 161 90

E.C.g. dEbT SETTlEmENT (b,1) 718-932-9300 29-15 Astoria Blvd., Astoria ENERgEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com

198 56

hERo ComPUTER REPAiR NyC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net

224

SAvigNANo accountants & advisors 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com

196

ThE lEARNiNg STATioN moNTESSoRi iNC. (C,2) 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com

mAThNASiUm (C,1) 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.mathnasium.com/astoria

180

moNTESSoRi kidS of liC (b,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com

mPN lAW fiRm (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com

206

my dog NEEdS A WAlk 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com

174

QNS CollECTivE (C,3) 718-280-5122 36-27 36th St., 2nd floor, Astoria www.qnscollective.com

122 62

fERRARi dRiviNg SChool (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. goThAm lASik 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com

223

158

RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag

fAT CAT TATToo (b,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st St., LIC www.fatcattattoos.com SUPER NovA TATTooS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

bEAUTy 164 195

EURoPEAN WAx CENTER liC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com

188

REdkEN SAlooN SAloN (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.redkensalon.com

bREAk (b,2) 718-777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

SCUlPTURECENTER (b,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St., LIC www.sculpure-center.org

192

ShAdE oRgANiC SPA ANd SAloN (C,1) 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria shadebarspa.com

bRiCk bAR (b,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com

SoCRATES SCUlPTURE PARk (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org

197

112

212

STUdio NovA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com

ThE bREWERy bAR & kiTChEN 718-777-8007 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc

TEN10 STUdioS (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd., LIC www.ten10studios.com

domAiNE WiNE bAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.domainewinebar.com

ThE ART hoUSE (C,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St., Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com

217

domiNiES of ASToRiA (C,2) 718-706-6531 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.dominiesnyc.com

ThE PAiNT PlACE (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 929-522-0086 www.thepaintplaceny.com

SCUlPTURE SPACE NyC (C,3) 718-806-1709 47-21 35th St., LIC www.sculpturespacenyc.com

ThE SECRET ThEATRE (b,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com

bRidAl boUTiQUE 185

ThE CoTToN bRidE (b,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com

145

ANThEA yogA & hEAliNg ARTS CENTER (C,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th St., Astoria www.antheacenter.com

kATCh bREWERy & gRill (b,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria www.katchastoria.com

222

loCkEd -ESCAPE Room NyC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com

111

moSAiC CRAfT bEER & WiNE bAR (b,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com

203

PASSAgE iRiSh bAR ANd kiTChEN 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com

fiTNESS 58

ClUb fiTNESS (b,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com

165

CRANk CyCliNg STUdio (A,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.cranknyc.com

STUdio SQ. bEER gARdEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

SWEET AfToN (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St., Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com

TANTRA loUNgE (b,2) 718-937-4574 35-50 31st St., Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com

RENAiSSANCE EvENT hAll (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com

NExUS NyC (C,3) 718-204-2091 36-58 37th St., LIC www.nexusnyc.com

TEAliCioUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com

PNT fiTNESS (A,4) 347-396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave., LIC www.pntfitness.com

TATToo ShoPS

147

body lANgUAgE TATToo 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com

Q.E.d. 347-451-3873 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Qedastoria.com

110

215

PRimP ANd TEASE SAloN (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave., LIC

CRoSSfiT dyNAmix gym (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com

z NyC hoTEl (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

QUEENS CoUNCil oN ThE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org

bohEmiAN hAll & bEER gARdEN (b,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

ELINK

149

foUNdRy (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info

RAvEl (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com

NogUChi mUSEUm (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria www.noguchi.org

ThE fACE & body ShoP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com

131

RogAllERy.Com (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com

EvENTS

134

NighTlifE/bARS

mUSEUm of ThE moviNg imAgE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us

146

Cko kiCkboxiNg (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com

foUR PoiNTS ShERAToN (b,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com

ShAdE oRgANiC SPA ANd SAloN 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

bARoQUE (C,1) 718-274-2777 19-44 Steinway St., Astoria www.baroquenyc.com

120

hoTElS

REjUvENATE fACE ANd body (b,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

momA PS 1 718-784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.momaps1.org

vARdimAN EyEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

157

hAPPy dAy NAil SPA (b,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St., Astoria

199

gigi SAloN (C,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com

154

voiCE mUSiC STUdio (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria

151 81

ASToRiA ComPlEx (C,2) 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com

vESPA QUEENS (b,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com

yogA AgoRA (b,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com

SPAS

CARl ClARkE AESThETiQUES (b,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria www.defineyourlook.com

TUCk-iT-AWAy SToRAgE (b, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

175

214

REAl ESTATE

ThE RoCk hEAlTh & fiTNESS ClUb (b,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria www.therockhealthandfitness.com

100

ASToRiA fiNE ARTS dANCE (C,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com

156

PERSoNAlizEd PilATES (A,4) 347-563-3933 10-13 47th Ave., 2nd floor, LIC

128

142

SAgE STUdioS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria www.sagefit.com/astoria-home

ASToRiA PERfoRmiNg ARTS CENTER @ThE good ShEPhERd UNiTEd mEThodiST ChURCh (C,2) 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent St. (@30th Road), Astoria www.apacny.org

136 60

ThE yogA Room 718-274-0255 38-01 35th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 718-786-7962 10-14 47th Rd., LIC (A,4) www.the-yoga-room.com TighTAN gym 718-274-1606 31-21 31st St., Astoria www.tightan.com

kAUfmAN ASToRiA STUdioS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

113

lAgUARdiA PERfoRmiNg ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org

127

liC SChool of bAllET (b,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com

AmoRElli REAlTy 718-204-2828 3601 30th Ave., Astoria www.amorellirealty.com bEAUdoiN REAlTy gRoUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.com doUglAS EllimAN (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com

101 140 141

modERN SPACES 718-784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave., LIC (A,4) 47-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC (A,4) 29-20 23rd Ave., Astoria (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com

103

WEllS fARgo homE moRTgAgE (C,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave., Astoria www.wfhm.com

172

goThAm lASik 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria http://www.gothamlasik.com/

135

moUNT SiNAi QUEENS (b,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC

ThE bEAST NExT dooR CAfÃ© & bAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com

166

105 30

ART

217

hEAlTh & WEllNESS

221

STEiNWAy fAmily dENTAl CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com

bANkiNg

104

QUoNTiC bANk (b,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com

102

SUSSEx bANk (b,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com

2727

AO GM .COM AJ A P RNI U L A2R0 Y1 72 0I 1B7OIRBOOMRAOGM. C

2 2

Heligate Field Heligate Field

mAp IT

26 Av

Rainey Park Rainey Park

Astoria Parks 26 Rd

W e l li n g

201

172

198

d 26 Rd 26 R Rd 26 65 33 vd Bl ria o t d As Blv ria W e llitnog As

Socrates Sculpture 97 Park Socrates Sculpture Park

e 27 Av

27 Av

e 26 Av

Ditmars B lvd Ditmars B . lvd. 23 Ave 22 33 RdAve 114

35 Ave

33 33 Rd Ave 34 Ave 33 Rd 35 34 Ave Ave

37 Ave

33 Ave Broadway

Broadway

31 Rd

30 Dr 31 31RdAve

31 Ave

30 30 Dr Rd

30 Rd

28 27 Ave Ave 29 Ave 28 Ave 29 Ave

38 37 Ave Ave

170

218

215

206

194 16

218

189

Athens Square Athens Square

Playground e Dutch Kill dg Ri Playground Old

216

151

158

104

32 S3t 2 St

31 Ave49

192

115

188

178

112

186

163 46

217

138

108

Blv

100

212

149 161

154

204

221

168 125

19 109 12 29 34 116 35

207

57 139

124

71 103

127

36 Ave Washington Ave104 78 202 174 N d 88 36QAve v202 l B 78 174 Washington Ave104 ern NQ d orth

179

Broadway NBroadway Q 83 73 3 Broadway 83 52 N169Q 147

150

Broadway

30 30Ave Ave NQ 30 Ave 84 N Q Ave 5 31

30 Ave 61

28 Rd Ave 28 28 Rd

199 34

ASTORIA 28 Ave

153

190

21 Ave 21 Ave

Ditmars Blvd. Astoria NQ Ditmars Blvd. 134 Astoria NQ 219

166

42 164

143

130

187

217

145

23 Rd

82 23

39 Ave

160

148 141

222

167

Hoyt Playground Hoyt Playground 102 173 Astoria Blvd NQ 177 Astoria Blvd NQ

36 Ave Dutch Kill

36 Ave

142

183 130

128

135

Newtown Ave.

119

182

Hoyt Ave

HHooytytAAve ve N

Hoyt Ave

111

d Astoria Blv toria Blvd Newtown Ave. A 27sAve

25 Rd

2233 Dr Rd 2233TeDrr r ace 224 Ave 3 Terrace 2244rd Ave 24 rd

157

191

Astoria Parks

14 PI14 PI

12 St 12 St

1 1

ASTORIA PARK ASTORIA PARK

4 St 4 St 8 St 8 St Blvd Blvd ShoreShore 12 St 12 St 14 St14 St

1 St 1 St 2 St 2 St 3 St 3 St

18 St18 St

14 St 14 St

33 St33 St

19 St19 St

13 St 13 St 14 St 14 St

21 St 21 St

27 St27 St 28 St28 St

34 St34 St

31 3S1t St 32 St32 St

35 St35 St

23 St23 St

36 St36 St

21 2A1veAve 22 St 22 St

Crescent Crescent

36 St36 St

a 37 St37 St

37 St37 St

26 St26 St

29 St29 St

29 St 29 St

38 St38 St

24 St24 St CrescCen retscent 25 St25 St

Crescent rescent

30 St30 St

30 St 30 St

120

131

200

129

a 196

a 210

209

a 197

Steinway St a59 MR Steinway St a58 MR

203

42 St42 St

27 St27 St 28 St28 St 29 St29 St

31 St 31 St

42 St42 St

43 St43 St

38 St38 St

SteSintw eianyway St St

Steinway Steinway St St

41 St41 St

APRIL 2017

44 St44 St

28 n n ow ow wt ewt e N N

2 2

1 1

43 Rd 43 Ave

44 Ave

44 Rd 44 Ave 44 Dr 44 Rd

43 Rd

t t 21 S 21 S

John F. Murray

95 St 23rd 127 Ely Ave 96 E M St 23rd Ely Ave EM

41 Ave

41 40 Ave Ave

185

40 39 Ave Ave

39 38 Ave Ave

38 37 Ave Ave 175

122 134

t t 11 S 11 S

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

h As ox B

ski ski Pula gPeula ge Brid Brid

ve 54 A

Ave

113 Community College La Guardia Community College

ND ISLA

SLA

Rev iew

XPR ND E

Ave

ve er A Bord

ve er A

v 43 A

146

Bra dley Ave Bra dley Ave

48 Ave

33 St-Rawson 7

AY ESSW AY ESSW R P X E

208

105

Rev iew Ave Rev iew Ave

l vd ns B e e Qu l vd ve ns B 47 A e e Qu 33 St-Rawson ve 7 47 A

LOng ISLAnd CITy

LONG

Paidge

Ave

I LONG

Bord

LIRR

27 St 27 St

Paidge

S er

tch K n mpsillos Pu110 o h T rves t n 8 Hu Cou son 180 rT t homp Co urt 132 Cou Pea rt 25 rsCo onu rt Dav 199 Cra P is ne ears Pea rso o n Dav n Cra LIRRis ne Pea rso n

ell

eyw

Hon

36 St EMR Hon 36 St eyw ell S E M R t

lv nB

ve 54 A

er orth

212

e 51 Av

39 Ave NQ 39 Ave NQ

195

139

e idg

207

36 Ave Washington Ave104 78 202 174 N d 88 36QAve v202 l B 78 174 Washington Ave104 ern NQ d orth

179

St Queens Plaza 45 224 N Queens Plaza EMR Queens Plaza N 42 Rd Queensboro Queens Plaza EMR Plaza Que ens 7NQ D utch 42 Rd Queensboro Kil Plaza St Pur Quee ls r n e7 N Q v La Guardia t s e D s n u

176

30 St 30 St

Playground e Dutch Kill dg Ri Playground Old

29 St 2

36 Ave Dutch Kill

t t 23 S 23 S

45 Rd ve 45 A Playground 44 Dr Court House d R M 45 John F. Murray Court Sq G E 457Rd veAve 45 4A6 Playground Court House d d 45 R 46 Re Court Sq 7 G E 6 A4v7 Ave 4 51 7 G d 46 R 165 d R 47 e 7 7 Av ve 7 G 144 18 4 195 48 A Hunter e d 205 v 220 A 47 R 4 989 136 Point Gantry Plaza 54 137 140 48 Ave 28 7 State Park Hunter 68 55 39 223 e 181 v A e Vernon v 9 A 30 Point 50 4 101 Gantry Plaza Jackson 7 79 State Park 7 121 7 e Vernon v A 0 85 5 Jackson e72 7 44 51 Av

37 Ave

170

22 St 22 St

36 Ave

S PI 3D2 am Dam

4 4

3 3

Vernon Vernon Blvd Blvd

23 St23 St 24 St 24 St

Crescent Crescent

25 St 25 St

35 Ave

22 St 22 St

21 St F 21 St F F Queens Plaza S 43 Ave Queens Plaza S

10 St 10 St

Queensbridge Park Queensbridge Park

9 St

27 St 27 St 28 St 28 St

Rainey Park

PPI l 3311 t St S 31 31 Pl 0 Pl 3 30 St 0 St 3 30

n n Va Va

5 St

Sk Sk i l lm illm a n Av Av e e

St 365 St 5 St 3 3 St 4 St 3 34 St 3 St 3 3 3

Cevdnter Blvd Center Bl

9 St 10 St 11 St 12 St 13 St

9 St 10 St 11 St 12 St 13 St 12 St 12 St

Jac Jac ks ks o o n Av n Av e e

J JJ B JB Br yrneBr yrne idg idg e e

St 40 t t I P 9 PI 39 S 39 S 3 39 St St 38 t 38 t S S 37 37 St

Van Dam Van Dam

4 4

3 3

T STUDIO EVENT STUDIO

2000 sq ft indoor 1200 sq ft outdoor

38-01 23rd Avenue Astoria, NY 11105

Film Photo shoots Meetings Weddings Bridal & Baby Showers – Simply Make It Your Own.

866-NY-CATER @tstudioeventspace

The Brewery Bar & Kitchen Family owned & operated

Serving Serving aa Pre-Fix Pre-Fix 33 course course menu menu for Easter Sunday $32pp Reservations Accepted

“Your friendly neighborhood local”

• Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm • Lunch Monday thru Friday 11am to 3pm

UFC HEADQUARTERS! NBA & NHL Regular Season and Playoffs @ The Brewery Bar

34-10 31st avenue Astoria, NY 11106

(718) 956-0133

Catering Available For Your Own Big Game Party. Wings, Ribs,hotdogs, Shrimp, Sliders, Burgers, Lamb Chops

TAVERNA | PRIVATE DINING | CATERING

49-18 30th Ave (btwn 49th & 50th st) • Woodside, NY 11377 Tel. 1-718-777-8007 • www.thebrewery.nyc info@thebrewery.nyc

zenontaverna@aol.com

APRIL 2017

And More.. Call Or Email For Details....

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

Caring for your furry friends:

PETS OF QUEENS

A MATTER OF HEART By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER @HAYLEYREE3

Spring is finally here and with it the desire to break out of that winter hibernation mode, expend some energy and spend quality time in the great outdoors! And this couldn’t be more true of the companion animals with which we share our lives. Western Queens has continually grown throughout the past 10 to 20 years to become a very petfriendly community. Beautiful parks, open spaces, dog runs and pet-welcoming businesses now make taking your “best friend” along on your excursions second nature. But what to do when you find yourself with long work hours, travel plans, and/or unexpected emergencies that pull you away from home? Don’t stress. The small business movement is alive and well in the local pet services industry. Let us introduce you to three businesses working to make your furry companions their number one priority!

APRIL 2017

Photos courtesy of Lily’s Pad cared for while they go out and make sure the bills are paid. There is a wonderful awareness about pet care now that didn’t exist 10 to 20 years ago. If it wasn’t for those thoughtful pet care owners, my business wouldn’t be here.”

P ad

LILY’S PAD Devoted to happy homes for our furry friends! Last year, after losing her job, Astorian Jen Bowman sat in Madison Square Park at 9 a.m. crying alone on a park bench when a dog pulled away from her walker and stuck her nose in for a sniff and a lick. Before she knew it, she had started up a conversation with the cheerful walker and canine companion and realized the crying had stopped. A simple lick had soothed her disappointment. “I’d like to say that was the moment I made the decision to start my own pet care business, but it wasn’t,” Bowman said. “After grueling for weeks over what to do next, I focused on what makes me happy. Then it hit me. Fostering had always made me happy. It gives me purpose. I’ve always loved working with animals, so why not dive head first, all in? So I did. That is how Lily’s Pad was born.” Bowman had long adored the fostering process, something that she did accompanied by her therapy dog, Lily.

They were an energetic and purposeful team, often visiting nursing homes, bringing residents comfort and cheer. Deciding that she wanted to do more, she connected with several rescue groups, nurturing her passion for helping dogs find their forever homes. “It was something meaningful to me, and it certainly helps that the local rescue community is incredibly supportive,” she said. “Now my life revolves around rescuing and pet care. I am currently enrolled in Animal Behavioral College (ABC) to eventually become a certified dog obedience trainer, so that will be an added service in the future.” Bowman was born and raised in Astoria, so she has watched the neighborhood evolve over time and become more pet friendly. “The change in the neighborhood has … helped me find the clientele that I have today,” Bowman said. “People who love their pets and want to make sure that they’re well

SERVICES OFFERED Dog Boarding: “Your dog comes to stay in my home and becomes a temporary part of our family!” Pet Sitting: “I come to your home and care for your pet, whether that involves me spending an hour with them or staying in your home overnight.” Dog Walking: “This is pretty selfexplanatory. However, we do offer free meet-and-greets so you can meet the person who will be visiting your home and caring for your dog while you’re away. We also try to lightly work on basic obedience commands that you may have taught or are teaching your dog during the time they spend with us.”

LILYSPADNYC.COM EMAIL: JENNIFER@LILYSPAD.COM FACEBOOK: LILYSPADPETSERVICES INSTAGRAM: @LILYSPADNYC

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

KAPOOCH

Photos courtesy of Kapooch

APRIL 2017

Driven by therapy, philanthropy and a desire for community! A lifelong animal lover, Briana Scharborough came to her pet services business through 15 years of training, riding and caring for therapy horses. A detour through the corporate world led her to embrace her passion and experience with animal behavior and K9 rehabilitation and create Kapooch! The business offers training/ canine rehabilitation, pack walks and boarding. “My goal is to give back and bring people together, a kinder world where you actually know your neighbor,” she said. “I offer free pack walks on select weekends for my clients around Astoria Park. It is a calm, leisurely walk around the park, where the dogs get to socialize, and so do the humans! During the walk, I offer tips specific to the needs and issues of the dogs.” Scharborough and her team of five also know how important it is to give back to less fortunate pups: “We also invite different rescue organizations to join us on the pack walks to showcase some of their adoptable pups, as well as to get them socialization and training by myself, my team and my dog/lovely assistant, Dexter, who is also rehabilitated from a shelter,” Scharborough said. “Most of my clients have come by word of mouth and my events draw lots of people, so I definitely feel embraced and appreciated by the community.” In addition to Kapooch’s other services, Scharborough conducts free agility events in the park, and anyone can let their dog try out the different obstacles. She said that the commu-

nity really enjoys these events. Five percent of all proceeds from Kapooch go to an organization called K9S For Warriors. They provide service canines, which were formerly rescue dogs, to servicemen and women who suffer from traumatic physical injuries and PTSD.

SERVICES OFFERED Training/Canine Rehabilitation: Kapooch works with dog-to-dog aggression, dog-to-human aggression, fearfulness and anxiety. In addition to rehabilitation, Scharborough offers basic and agility training. “My training style is nonformulaic as each dog requires its own unique approach based on the energy of the canine and dog guardian,” she said. Dog Walks: The Kapooch walks consist of structured pack walks of various lengths, where a small group of pooches walk calmly on leads without pulling. “During the walks, my staff and I conduct leash training to help the dogs stay balanced and happy. Pack walks are healthy, safe and natural for dogs because dogs are pack animals and love being around their own kind,” she said. “Pet guardians receive daily updates of their dog’s walk.” Boarding: When boarding with Kapooch, all dogs are boarded at an experienced handler’s residence in a warm and loving environment and receive four walks a day with one hour of exercise at minimum. “No more than four dogs are boarded in any one location at a time; therefore your dog gets full attention and love while you are away,” she said. “Plus, we send a daily update and photo of your dog.”

KAPOOCH.COM EMAIL: INFO@KAPOOCH.COM FACEBOOK: KAPOOCHNY INSTAGRAM: @KAPOOCHNY

BARK & BONE

for so long, I know what it’s like to stuck out in the rain, snow and heat, with nothing but a bicycle and a backpack full of doggy gear,” Bruno said. “There are so many services out there that have very high turnover rates for their staff, which not only reflects poorly on the business owners but it’s also upsetting to the animals to have a revolving door of random handlers.”

SERVICES OFFERED Dog Walking: The company offers both small group and solo walks. “We walk small, personal groups of two to three dogs with similar temperaments,”

Photos courtesy of Sunnyside Plays

Photos courtesy of Bark & Bone

Tech-savvy convenience with personality! Having worked for two small companies during her first three years in the business before launching Bark & Bone in 2013, Olivia Bruno developed a unique perspective to create a business model that’s technologically savvy while also providing excellent service to all of the precious pets in her care. “The pet care industry has really blown up with several large and well-funded tech companies gaining a lot of market share in the last couple of years,” she said. “The problem with those types of services is that they may have great interfaces and customer support, but the quality and level of expertise of the actual sitters taking care of your pet is totally inconsistent. “What I’m working to accomplish in western Queens and north Brooklyn is a service that combines the ease of use of a tech startup with the personability and compassion of a local business.” Bark & Bone has an online system that allows clients to create profiles for their fur kids and write as many detailed instructions as they would like. They have online scheduling, a very lenient late booking and cancellation policy and an online and mobile-friendly communication system. The company, a team of 10, also provides report cards for every dog walk/cat sitting visit completed. “My goal is to really create a business model that’s fair and compassionate to one of the most ignored parts of the pet care industry — my walkers — as well as the animals! Because I walked dogs

she said. “Solo only walks can be requested for an additional fee.” Pet Care Visit: “If your puppy is too young or energetic for a traditional walk, our sitters will come to your home for a play date, feeding and potty visit.” Cat Sitting Visit: Feeding, playtime, medication, brushing and litter scooping are involved in this feline-friendly visit. Overnight Dog Sitting: “Our team members will stay with your dog in the comfort of their own home overnight.”

BARKNBONE.COM EMAIL: INFO@BARKNBONE.COM FACEBOOK:BARKNBONENYC INSTAGRAM: @BARKNBONENYC

MA P RR CIH L 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

APRIL 2017

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

SONGS of ICE By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

Astoria film composer and French horn player Mike Sayre is releasing his first album, “Music for Icebergs,” around Earth Day. The music — a fusion of ambient music, sound design and contemporary film score — creates a “sound world,” he said, that he hopes will transport listeners to Antarctica and spark an interest in climate change. “Most of us will never go to Antarctica, but it’s one of Earth’s treasures,” he said. “As more people develop an emotional connection with that landscape, I think we’re all more likely to protect it.” We spoke with Sayre about the inspiration behind his album and how art can change the world:

BORO: What inspired you to write “Music for Icebergs”? Mike Sayre: It was one of those rare instances where an idea came to me fully formed. I was sitting at a conference last summer, the OZY Fusion Fest, when I saw a presentation by a visual artist named Zaria Forman. She makes these enormous drawings of icebergs and ice formations and such. When she showed her art and described what it felt like to be there, I was immediately drawn to what it might sound like. I started jotting down ideas like crazy. It’s such an evocative, dramatic environment, and I wanted to give people a way to immerse themselves in that world wherever they happen to be. Zaria also pointed out — and I absolutely agree — that we often talk about climate change in a sterile, scientific way that simply doesn’t affect people who aren’t already activists. When you talk about a two-degree global temperature change, you can just feel everybody’s eyes glaze over. Even though that’s cataclysmic from a climate point of view, it simply has no bearing on their lives. But if you give them an emotional experience, if you can somehow make it real, then they can relate. Also, it was fun to make.

BORO: When I listen to tracks from “Music for Icebergs,” certain nature sounds such as wind, droplets and trickling water stick out to me. I am also struck by a sense of urgency. What instruments and other techniques did you use to create this sound? MS: Some of the sounds are instruments I play — some French horn, some guitar, some keyboards. There’s a little of my voice hidden in there too. A few of the sounds, like running water, are actual recordings. But most of the elements are things I created using a variety of synths and sound design tools. For example, the sound of the wind is actually a synthesizer that I manipulated to simulate wind, because real wind is

Photos: Marie Torio/BORO

Whale Bay, Antarctica no.4, 84”x144”, soft pastel on paper, 2016 Courtesy of the artist Zaria Forman

APRIL 2017

pretty random and noisy, and it’s hard to shape it to make it go in a particular musical direction. It was more important to me to get the drama and emotion right than it was to make things sound exactly as they do in the real world. One of the sounds I needed was the calving of an ice shelf. That’s when thousands of tons of solid ice crack off and fall into the ocean. It’s one of the most dra-

matic and terrifyingly beautiful things in nature — so much so that you have to be really far away to record it safely. All the recordings sound distant and wimpy. So I cooked up my own version of it using various percussion and synth elements. Like a foley artist might for a film. BORO: As I listened to the album’s tracks in order, one of my personal takeaways was a progression from a feel of impending doom to a feeling of hope, despite a sense of danger that still persisted. What messages are you hoping to convey to those who listen to your album from beginning to end? MS: Thanks for saying that. That’s actually exactly what I was going for! There is a narrative arc to the album that people will get if they listen to it in order. It begins with the formation of the glaciers long ago, then passes through human discovery and the consequences of that, and ends with a reflection on the current state of things. The hopeful tone at the end also reflects that we are at something of an inflection point. Activists and responsible politicians have had a lot of success making climate change part of the national conversation. Whatever the politics of the moment, there are millions of Americans who are paying attention and changing how they live to protect the planet. There is reason to be hopeful. BORO: For you, how do music and activism go hand in hand? What would you tell artists of all kinds who want to use art to change the world? MS: Here’s how I see it: artists traffic in ideas, and popular ideas are eventually made real. When you change what people think about and talk about, you might start to change their choices. The current administration seems hell-bent on setting back environmental policy by a few decades. People should definitely protest, organize and engage with their representatives. But as artists I think we also have a special role to play when the politics aren’t going our way, by holding vigil for what we know to be true and good. This administration will be gone in a few years, but we — and the ideas we share — will still be here. “Music for Icebergs” will be released by Teknofonic Recordings in early May and will be available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Tidal and other digital outlets. Sayre is planning on donating a portion of the album’s proceeds to organizations that combat climate change. Visit musicforicebergs.com or like Sayre’s Facebook page (facebook.com/mike.sayre. composer) for more information. APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

LIC FLEA & FOOD

Photo courtesy of LIC Flea & Food

LIC Flea & Food launches its fifth season on the waterfront LIC Flea & Food opens its fifth season on the weekend of April 8-9 on the Long Island City waterfront.

pen every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through late October, the market features entrepreneurial chefs serving the best in global cuisine. There are also plenty of flea vendors offering artwork and handcrafted, vintage or curated items. Visitors can also enjoy the LIC Flea Beer & Wine Garden, which will be serving up local craft beers from breweries right in

APRIL 2017

Queens. The beer and wine menu will expand with varied special events throughout the season, including the annual Queens Beer Festival, the Taco Takedown Fest and the Wine & Sweets Festival. Located at 5-25 46th Ave., at the corner of 46th Avenue and Fifth Street, the LIC Flea is always looking for more unique and extraordinary vendors to build their businesses and become a part of a vi-

brant community of artists. Those interested can apply at licflea.com. You can also visit licflea.com to learn more about new vendors, special festivals and unique deals; you can also sign up for the marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly newsletter. Additional information can be found by following LIC Flea & Food on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages (@licflea).

FLEA TIME RETURNING OUTDOORS EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY STARTING APRIL 8TH & 9TH

Photo courtesy of LIC Flea & Food

FLEA FOOD

Global Food • Vintage • Art • Fashion • Handcrafted ALL-QUEENS BEER GARDEN Now Accepting Vendor Applications Build Your Business With Us!

To Apply Call 718.224.5863 or Submit Application Online 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

LICFlea.com APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

TEALICIOUS INC. OPENS T-Studio event space in Astoria By GINA CONTEH

storia catering and event company Tealicious Inc. has a new home: TStudio, an event space at 38-01 23rd Ave., and the Merendino sisters are ready to introduce even more people in their hometown to their extensive knowledge of tea. Tealicious Inc. specializes in afternoon tea, high tea and cocktail parties for events such as bridal and baby showers as well as corporate and fashion events. With this company, founded in 1997, sisters and certified tea sommeliers Robin and Geniene Merendino have put a modern spin on the age-old tradition of afternoon and high tea. The Merendino family has been in the business of tea for quite some time. Robin Merendino said that she and her mother worked in the

for the Merendino sisters to offer dairy-free and gluten-free options, since many of their customers are seeking out healthier options. “This is what Tealicious does,” Robin Merendino said. “We made it healthier because a lot of people overdo it on the cakes with their afternoon tea. We’re diet conscious.” After traveling the world and studying the multiple uses for tea for the past five years, Robin and Geniene Merendino decided they

D O

tual process of rolling tea when manufacturing it for consumption. After visiting multiple tea producing factories and plantations, Robin Merendino is determined to address the human rights issues surrounding women and children workers at tea plantations around the world. “We want to make the world a better place,” Robin Merendino said. The sisters only conduct business with manufacturers who treat their laborers fairly. The Tealicious company has found a home in the historic Astoria Silk Works building. T-Studio is an indoor and outdoor loft space that is available for booking catered tea or non-tea events. To Robin Merendino, it’s the perfect blank space to create any type of event for her clients. “I’m very excited to be in Astoria because I feel a connection to it,” she said about

Qu Ma in 20

Photos courtesy of Tealicious Inc.

tea room of the iconic Mayfair Hotel for over a decade. When the hotel was sold, the Merendino family already had an illustrious list of clients when Robin and Geniene decided to start their own business. Tealicious’ menu is filled with tea-infused items ranging from ice cream to mini sliders with tea-infused barbecue sauce. The inspiration for these menu items stemmed from Robin Merendino and renowned Chef Julian Medina creating a tea-infused cocktail menu for an event for Ryan Serhant of Million Dollar Listing. Because Tealicious Inc. doesn’t supply typical full-service sit-down meals, customers who seek out Tealicious Inc. for their catering needs are looking for lighter bites. That made it natural

APRIL 2017

wanted to get back to the tea as opposed to their signature tea events. “We really learned a lot, especially about different cultures,” Robin Merendino said. “There’s so much more to the world of tea.” The two sisters learned to pick, prepare and manufacture their own tea. With their extensive knowledge, they decided to introduce their own signature tea line, Rolling Leaf, which stems from the ac-

choosing Astoria as the home of her business. “I can bring something to the community. … There’s something about welcoming people in your home.” Tealicious has just begun to take bookings into 2018 for their new event space. Robin Merendino also announced that T-Studio is will be hosting different events centered around tea in order to educate Astoria residents on how to properly consume it. “Tea is very popular around the world, specifically afternoon tea service,” Robins Merendino said. “We’re really trying to introduce it to the neighborhood.” For more information on Tealicious Inc. or to book an event, contact Robin Merendino at tealciousny@aol.com.

Bo to Co co an de tra in pl wi

To co do

CI CO BO BA CU GU

DREAMING OF CARNEGIE HALL Nisan Ak

Queens College Master of Music Performance in Orchestral Conducting, 2016

HER STORY

Photos courtesy of Tealicious Inc.

Born in Turkey, Nisan Ak came to Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music for a conducting workshop in 2014 and stayed for a master’s degree. “I want to combine traditional and modern music in a way that the audience, the players and I, as the conductor, will love it.”

GOAL To be a role model for women conductors in this maledominated field.

cuny.edu/welcome

CUNY★AMERICANDREAMMACHINE

CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK-1847 HUNTER COLLEGE-1870 BROOKLYN COLLEGE-1930 QUEENS COLLEGE-1937 NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY-1946 COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND-1956 BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1957 QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1959 CUNY GRADUATE CENTER-1961 BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1963 KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1963 JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE-1964 YORK COLLEGE-1966 BARUCH COLLEGE-1968 LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1968 LEHMAN COLLEGE-1968 HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1970 MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE-1970 CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW-1983 MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE AT CUNY-2001 CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES-2003 CUNY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM-2006 GUTTMAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-2011 CUNY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH POLICY-2016 CUNY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE-FALL 2016 APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

FOOD + DRINK

NEXT STOP By SEAN CURRY @THESANDWICHENTHUSIAST

You’re standing beneath the girders of an elevated subway track with an iron manhole cover beneath your feet. The sounds of the subway announcer — “Next stop, 30th Avenue” — ring out from overhead while the unceasing footsteps of a city’s hustling population pound in your ears like a heartbeat. Determined workers rush past you on errands between points A and B while bridges of the East River can be seen in the distance.

APRIL 2017

Are you standing on 31st Avenue just beneath the Broadway NW station? No — you’re standing about three blocks east in front of the kitchen in Joe Brown’s latest Astoria offering on Broadway and 34th, The Trestle. The Trestle. After finding success with Rocky McBride’s and PJ Leahy’s, Brown wanted to create something with a different ambiance. And since the Trestle’s opening on Feb. 10, he’s succeeded. From the moment you walk in, Brown’s commitment to the incessant humming of our city’s veins is present in every detail of the shop. It’s in the ceiling, a steel-appearing wooden facade that was custom made and painted by an artist to look like the underside of New York’s elevated subway tracks. It’s in the walls, all covered in beauti-

Chef Shawn Hewitt (left) and owner Joe Brown

ful photographs of the East River’s bridges taken by a local photographer. It’s even in the toothpicks, all 6 inches long and shaped to look like industrial screws. Walk into The Trestle and you won’t see people fussing over their Instagram lighting or what culinary trend they’re currently riding. You’ll see people who love good food working hard at making, serving and savoring good food. Everything is geared toward the celebration of those who get work done — and when the work is putting delicious food into your mouth, it’s best to remove every obstacle possible. Executive chef Shawn Hewitt, originally from a Montauk family deeply rooted in restaurants and food, has taken everything he’s learned from his decades in the restaurant game, stripped out everything APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

FOOD + DRINK

but the basics, and turned it all on its head. He met Brown through their mutual involvement in cancer charity events in the neighborhood, and Brown was eager to get him in one of his restaurants’ kitchens ever since. In Brown’s words, “You give Shawn a bag of garbage, and he’ll make it taste amazing.” Hewitt has spent time working with both David Burke and Bobby Flay, and he’s put that experience to good use here. It’s his appetizers that he’s proudest of. First up was an assortment of his favorite starter plates, all made in house. The kale salad was delicious, with a housemade balsamic dressing that gave the hardy kale leaves a delightful playfulness I wasn’t expecting. Along with the greens were crai-

APRIL 2017

sins and goat cheese, whose sweetness and tartness balanced excellently. The pulled pork and jack cheese dumplings were next, and while the pulled pork was the right amount of tender, the dough itself was a bit tough.

But that was made up for with the loaded spring rolls full of mashed potatoes, bacon and scallions and served with sour cream. The mashed potato filling was an excellent twist on what I’ve come to expect from spring rolls, and easily made this my favorite treat of the night. Entrees were supposed to be next, but Hewitt saw how much we loved his appetizers and insisted on bringing out more. We sampled his meatball and garlic bread dish next, which he described as “not your mama’s meatball.” This was a 50/50 pork/sirloin blend with garlic and various “seafood ingredients,” which he said he couldn’t tell me without killing me. Say no more; I’m happy to live in this delicious mystery. To round out his appetizers, he brought out what will, in my opinion, become one of the highlights of The Trestle’s offerings: the Pig Wings. Scrumptious little pork ribs dipped in a housemade cheerwine BBQ sauce and served up like buffalo wings, these bite-sized morsels exploded in my mouth as I gently tore them off the bone. Make sure you dip these in the blue cheese. Entrees were up next, starting with a porkchop thicker than any I’ve ever seen in my life. Hewitt and Brown both were adamant about their distaste for pork that dries out, and this textbook-sized cut of pig certainly kept its moisture. His (again, housemade) Firecracker Apple Sauce marinade certainly lived up to its name. Cinnamon and jalapeno cranked the heat up while notes of pineapple and vinegar kept it interesting.

Our night at this restaurant homage to New York City took a surprising turn as a traditional Philly cheesesteak came out next. I know my way around a good cheesesteak — as an alumni of Trenton State College, I know firsthand what makes a 3 a.m. trip to Philadelphia worth the hassle. The Trestle’s offering doesn’t disappoint, with perfectly appropriate gooey cheese and a bread that’s the perfect balance between toasted and slightly greasy. They’ve paid attention to the work that goes into the food, and it shows in the final product. We ended the night with cheesecake, key lime pie, cookies the size of my face, and cocktails. I can’t say firsthand how the Key lime stacks up against the real stuff from Key West, but I can say that this was some damn fine Key lime pie. The crust on this and the cheesecake were both fantastic, and I can say that from firsthand experience. I love cheesecake crust, often more than the cheesecake itself. It’s the best part of the cheesecake, folks. Head out to the Trestle for loaded spring rolls, a pork chop as thick as your forearm, or cocktails crafted with care. Go after a day of your own grind, or go on a weekend to watch a dedicated crew get a job done well themselves. With a new brunch menu having just debuted and outdoor seating coming as soon as the weather allows it, there’ll be ample opportunity to come share in this culinary celebration of the day-to-day work involved in making a city run. APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

In conjunction with !

Bank Anywhere You See NYCB! (877) 786-6560 • myNYCB.com

All services not available at all locations.

APRIL 2017

Brought to you by:

LONG ISLAND CITY YMCA’S

HEALTHY KIDS DAY

th !

COMMUNITY DISTRICT EDUCATION COUNCIL 30

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 30

SATURDAY, APRIL 29th, 2017 10:00AM-3:00PM

FREE

Long Island City YMCA

Healthy Kids Day is part of the Y’s promise to strengthen communities. HKD is a kick-off event for a sustained initiative that helps kids stay healthy and achieving all summer long. Combine that with the fun and excitement of Queens Courier’s Everything Kids Expo and expect a fun-fill afternoon for the whole family.             

Family Wellness Fair Over 50 youth and family -focused health and fitness vendors from around NYC Complimentary healthy snacks Raffles of fun prizes from vendors and local businesses Free activities for the entire Family Family Bootcamp Family Yoga Family Zumba Demonstrations of karate, ballet, salsa, guitar, keyboard, and youth sports Connect 4 Tournament Adult Scavenger Hunt Parent/Child Dance-Off for YMCA Membership And More!

More info:

ymcanyc.org/lic or call 718-392-7932

Long Island City YMCA 32-23 Queens Blvd. LIC, NY 11101 (Off the 33rd/Rawson stop on the 7 Train)A P R I L

2017 I BOROMAG.COM

INTERIOR DESIGN

Cozy Little Home IN QUEENS

APRIL 2017

BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

hen artists Lauren Redding and Brett Harvey came to New York, they knew they needed an apartment to live in and a studio to work in. However, loaded with student debt and faced with the high prices of New York, they soon realized that two rents might not be an option. The solution they came up with is quite amazing, not to mention cost effective and highly creative. Like any true artists, they made their home their project and even named it their “Cozy Little Home in Queens,” dedicating a website to their efforts (cozylittlehomeinqueens.com). We went inside their home/studio in Astoria to see how Redding and Harvey are living big, by living small. “We moved in three years ago,” Redding told me. “We realized we couldn’t afford

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

INTERIOR DESIGN

a separate art studio, so we started researching the tiny house movement. We thought about living on a houseboat or in an old shipping container, but we settled on an apartment and studio in one!” The apartment is a one bedroom with the front room being used as an art studio, packed with tools, clay and a life-sized sculpture. The living room is also the bedroom, though that is not apparent at first. “We built a Murphy bed,” Redding explained. “You pull the handle and it folds

27 017 A PARPI LR I2L0 1

down for us to sleep on, and by day it goes back into the wall and becomes our sofa. It has to be a really multi-functional space, because we exhibit around the country and travel to teach, too. We are running a small business out of this place, so it also has to be an office.” Considering all of the different roles the space takes on, it was incredibly organized and did not feel in any way cluttered. “We had to downsize,” Redding said. “It forces us to really think about what we buy now. It’s budget friendly and it’s also

Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

environmentally friendly because we are not as wasteful.” I asked Harvey how he knew how to build the bed. “Well, at work I’m a fabricator and chief installer for Jeff Koons,” he said. “I make things all day. We also watched a lot of YouTube videos for design ideas for the bed. I also made a 3-D model of the entire apartment before we moved into it so we could see what we had room for.” (Such a great idea!)

“I built one closet for us,” Harvey continued, “but most of that space is for Lauren, so my clothing is rolled up into these boxes. I just used L brackets and shelves. Nothing is permanently installed, to make sure we get our security deposit back!” In the kitchen, a breakfast bar is set atop some Ikea cabinets, creating a kitchen prep area, a breakfast bar and a pantry all in one. Appliances are neatly stacked on top of each other, rather than spread along the work surface, adding to the streamlined feel. As we wandered through the apartment, I had to ask about the drawing resting on an easel in the corner of the living room. “This is a pre-Renaissance Italian drawing method called silverpoint,” Redding explained. “You use a piece of silver wire to make a drawing. It’s very exacting. You are limited to the tip of the wire, so you build the drawing up through tiny, tiny lines. I’m pretty neurotic, so it works. I try to make portraits of my Cuban family to memorialize them, and Brett deals with

more monumental issues concerning humanity. Most of the art in the apartment is made by us and our artist friends.” All around the space, there are mini sculptures made by Harvey, but in the studio, an incredible, life-size piece is being worked on. I asked Harvey to tell me about his art. “All of my work is about trying to figure out my place in the world,” he said. “Exploring ideas of masculinity and what it means to be a man. The frustrations that exist being young. It's difficult trying to get your life off the ground. I’m inspired by the sculptures of ancient Greece. A lot of them are lacking a certain humanity. I am trying to take that language of form and insert vulnerability and intellectual feeling about what it means to be a man now. How to balance all of those things.” Balance is the key to it all in this cozy little home. With imagination and creativity, Redding and Harvey have created two spaces in one. The space maybe small, but the impact is huge.

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

By ANGELA MATUA @ANGELAMATUA

Suzana Stankovic, who grew up in western Queens, has been dancing since she was a child. The professional dancer, choreographer and teacher recently opened a studio in her hometown and is hoping to help her fellow dancers, many of whom have recently moved to Astoria, refine their skills.

Stankovic began teaching dance to 3and 4-year-olds when she was 17 years old and said it “felt very natural” to do so. “I love communicating. I love supporting people in their growth,” she said. “I love

Photos courtesy of Suzana Stankovic

APRIL 2017

Photo by Rachel Neville

MIND + BODY

DANCE REVOLUTION

encouraging them to question their limiting beliefs and keep reaching higher and further, and I love sharing what I have learned in my own life as a dancer and choreographer and everything I continue to learn.” Wild Hearts Performing Arts Studio officially opened on Jan. 26 at 32-32 Steinway St. It is the first dance studio in western Queens that focuses on adult classes, though Stankovic will soon introduce classes for children. Stankovic said she’s always wanted to open a studio and decided that Astoria was a great location, especially since many dancers, musicians and actors have recently moved into the neighborhood. She teaches ballet, pointe, lyrical and Ballet Nymph Workout classes. Other classes include contemporary and classic jazz, which Stankovic said will be taught by professional dancers who are currently working. She added that she is selective with who she hires because bringing in dancers who are still in the business and not retired is “a huge and important detail.” “Teachers who are still active artistically and professionally bring fresh energy and insight,” she said. “They’re not stale in their teachings.” She also wants to change the way dance classes are conducted. Usually,

Photos courtesy of Suzana Stankovic

studios cram as many dancers into one room as they can for financial purposes, she said. Stankovic aims to personally know each dancer and what his or her specific goals are. “When you’re training to become a professional dancer, you’re tested emotionally and physically,” she said. “You’re getting your ass kicked every day. I am training dancers in way that empowers them and in a way that leads to awareness and authenticity and fearlessness.” In addition to classes for adults and children ages 3 and up, Stankovic’s husband, Andy Altmann, will teach guitar classes, music production classes, sight-reading and more. Altmann is a professional musician who has his own studio in Manhattan. Actors will be able to take scene study classes, monologue prep, Shakespeare 101 and movements for actors. Stankovic will also invite playwrights to workshop their material at the space in front of an audience, choreographers to showcase their new work and any other artists who want to show their material in front of an eager audience. Stankovic sees her studio as “an artistic and creative salon” and hopes to show people that “great art can happen anywhere.”

“I think we’re spending too much time on our phones,” she said. “I’m a performing artist, so this to me is very alarming. I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, you’re watching a dance performance on your tiny little phone.' That's good, but you should really be seeing it live. Great art can happen anywhere, any time. You don’t need a huge stage. That is the power of live art: it speaks to our humanity.” Stankovic predicts the studio will be fully operational with adult, children, music and theater classes up and running by September

2017. She also hopes to attract people who just like to dance for fun or danced when they were younger but gave it up. “The motto of Wild Heart Performing Arts Studio is no label, no limits,” she said. “All great achievements begin on the inside, in the mind. If you’re labeling yourself as this or that, that might be your biggest impediment. We were born to shatter stereotypes [and] myths. If you think you’re too old to dance, question it and be a trailblazer in your life.” For more information on classes and rates, visit wildheartpas.com.

Photos courtesy of Suzana Stankovic

APRIL 2017 I BOROMAG.COM