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Annual Court Square Block Party Scheduled for June 19

The Court Square Civic Association is holding its third annual block party next month. Pictured are attendees at last year’s block party. (Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

May 25, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

The Court Square Civic Association is holding its third annual block party next month.

The family-friendly event, which attracted more than 1,000 people last year, will feature musical performances, kids games and other fun-filled activities.

The block party is being held on Crescent Street, between 43rd Avenue and 44th Road, from noon until 7 p.m. on June 19. The street will be closed off to road traffic.

M Wells Steakhouse, which is located on the same stretch as the block party, is co-organizing the event and will be offering hot food that attendees can enjoy on the street. The restaurant will also be serving beverages such as cocktails and beers.

“It’s a perfect way for the community to get together and hang out,” said Frank Wu, the president of the Court Square Civic Association.

“It will be super chill, it’s on a Sunday and it also coincides with Father Day. There will be activities for people of all ages.”

A band performing at the 2021 Court Square Block Party (Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

Kids enjoying a show at the 2021 Court Square Block Party (Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

The block party will include a pop-up playground, kiddie pools, puppet acts, an arts and crafts stand as well as a comedy show.

There will be live music performances by 75 Dollar Bill Little Big Band, which plays experimental music, and Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, an improvisational big band that combines a range of genres including funk, jazz, rock, reggae, heavy metal and 20th-century classical music.

Meanwhile, the L Train Brass Band, a collective of dozens of musicians, will blast out everything from pop and hip-hop to funk and traditional New Orleans-inspired jazz.

Among the other artists to perform will be a group known as Tape Hiss which consists of musicians such as Ernie Brooks, the bassist with Modern Lovers, Steve Shelley, drummer of the iconic alternative band Sonic Youth, and David Nagler of the electronic pop group Nova Social. The festivities will also include the western swing band Smokey’s Round-Up.

Attendees, Wu said, will be able to purchase tacos, burgers and corn dogs–among other items—from M Wells. The restaurant will also serve ceviche, a dish typically made with raw fish cured in citrus juices.

The Queens Public Library will also have a stand to educate attendees about Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. The block party is being held on the same day as Juneteenth.

Wu said that there has been considerable interest in the event already with nearly 400 people registering to attend. The event is free, however, revelers are asked to register in advance by clicking here.

Organizers want the party to be laid back, with attendees encouraged to bring along lawn chairs. According to Wu, there will be an area set aside for groups and families who bring their lawn furniture to unwind.

Musicians playing at the 2021 Court Square Block Party (Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

Kids enjoying the pools at the 2021 Court Square Block Party Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

An arts and crafts stand at the 2021 Court Square Block Party (Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

Kids enjoying a show at the 2021 Court Square Block Party (Photo provided by the Court Square Civic Association)

M Wells Steakhouse, located at 43-15 Crescent Street, is co-organizing the event and will be offering a special food menu for the block party that attendees can enjoy on the street. The restaurant will also be serving beverages such as cocktails and beers. (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

 (Photos by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

The block party is being held on Crescent Street, between 43rd Avenue and 44th Road, from noon until 7 p.m. on June 19. The street will be closed off to road traffic (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

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