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J is for Jazz to make the holiday swing As trumpets blast and great divas sing. Queens has a history of rolling and rocking While kids boogie down hanging up every stocking. Jazz For The Holiday If snow hits Long Island City before Dec. 9 it’s sure to melt as soon as Vanessa Rubin takes the stage and heats the air with her sultry voice for La Guardia Performing arts Center’s sizzling “Jazz for the Holiday” series kick off. Rubin will belt out a slew of holiday favorites and touch on some of the works of jazz luminaries like Cole Porter and Duke Ellington. To catch this songbird in action and witness potential snow around the college’s Little Theatre liquefy call (718) 482-5151 for tickets. Judaica Art Is… Judaica Art Is, a delightful shop at 80-12 Surrey Place in Jamaica Estates offers many great handcrafted items in a variety of artistic styles. Whether it’s a wine holder, a fancy Menorah, or a comical little statuette, Judaica Art Is offers many great gift ideas that will evoke smiles. For a few quaint little gift ideas, try out the hockey player wine bottle holder, a ceramic sculpted vase or a swiveling wood menorah. Head on over to the store, give them a call at (718) 820-0888 or see them online at www.judaicaartis.com. Jerusalem Sky Queens native Mark Podwal, who is a successful podiatrist, is also an acclaimed Judaica artist, published author and occasional editorial cartoonist for the New York Times. His latest book, “Jerusalem Sky,” is meant for kids ages 6-12. Jerusalem–ancient home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims–is blanketed by a sky like no other. According to legend, the Jerusalem sky held off the rains for seven years while King Solomon built his temple. In the Jerusalem sky, the Bible tells us, a rising star announced the birth of Jesus. Through that same wondrous sky, Islamic belief holds, Muhammad climbed to heaven. In our own times, the Jerusalem sky fills with the sounds of worshippers praying for peace in the synagogues, churches, and mosques below. And each year new voices rise up to the Jerusalem sky, where so many miracles have been witnessed. Podwal’s book is a great gift idea for Chanukah, and can be purchased at amazon.com. JCAL Toy Drive The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning and Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) have collaborated to hold a toy drive for the children of families that have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. According to JCAL Consultant Michael Savino, more than 100 families affected by Hurricane Katrina are currently residing in New York City, many in Queens. “JCAL and Councilman Comrie are conducting this drive in order to help these families through a difficult time,” said JCAL Deputy Director Anita Segarra. “As the holidays come upon us, it’s important to provide these children with as much love and support as we can offer.” The toy drive will go on until Dec. 3. Donations must be new items, in their original packaging and unwrapped. Organizers are asking donors to refrain from donating toys that require batteries or major assembly and to bring toys that are appropriate for boys and girls ages 2 to 12. Donations can be dropped off at JCAL at 161-04 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call JCAL at (718) 658-7400, Ext. 117, or Margaret Denson at Councilman Comrie’s Office at (718) 776-3700. |
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