The title of this article is a Beatles reference. Those guys were musicians. Hey, speaking of musicians, there are a bunch here in Astoria. There are also filmmakers, actors, designers, dancers, and other types of artists who have recently "come together" to launch a collective fundraising campaign via Indiegogo, a crowd-funding website similar to Kickstarter.

The goal of the campaign, entitled …

Photo by Nancy A. Ruhling

What you don't see much of on Ditmars: The Front Porch.

I live in what people in the neighborhood call one of the "big houses." The lot is only 20 by 100, which, by Astoria standards,…

One of our favorite Astoria performers (and open mic showrunners) is hoping to hit the road this summer on a very unique Kickstarter adventure she's calling, Busk or Bust.

Laura Bowman and fellow performer, Jessica Ferguson are trying to raise $10,000 for video equipment and insurance to fund the equipment they'll need to document the…

Fellow Astorians. I live on 31st street in between 28th and Astoria Blvd, and I've noticed an unacceptable amount of trash strewn along the street. We're talking piles of rice in styrofoam trays, liquor bottles, cigarette boxes, and a ton of other crap. You name it and it's been tossed onto 31st…

Photo by Nancy A. Ruhling

Claudia is the voice of parents at P.S. 122.

The carrot-coconut-apple bread, just out of the oven, is cooling on a wire rack as Claudia Lieto-McKenna readies her boys…

A transit worker was fatally struck early this morning around 3:21a by a northbound E train at the 46th st. stop. More details on the tragedy are available at Gothamist.

Sad reminder of the risk transit workers take every day. Our condolences to his family and…

Okay, I'll admit, I didn't go to the opening night, but I went tonight. 

GO.

NOW.

The mezzes are amazing--that's what I had, and what most of the folks around me were having.  Very generous portions and everything is made on-premises; even the pita.  As per the staff, the only things NOT made on-premises are the ice cream and the bread put out on the tables.

For the boozehounds (myself included): The bar is phenomenal; one of the best-curated selections that I've…

Harvest Astoria CSA

Join local Harvest Astoria CSA (community supported agriculture), located on Crescent Street off of 30th Avenue. There is one more upcoming opportunity to register -- details below.

This year’s share includes approximately 22 weeks of fresh, organic vegetables straight from Norwich Meadows Farm, NY, with add-ons available for fruit, eggs, milk, and more.  Pick-up times are from 5:30 to 8 PM on Wednesdays starting in June and ending in…

Photo by Nancy A. Ruhling

Larry's made a name for himself making graffiti jewelry.

There's a matched pair of elephants on Yogi Lala's front sign. You can't miss them because each one is balancing a diamond the size…

SPRINGTIME IN NEW YORK

By:  Janet Lawler, Blog: The NY Screenwriting Life.

Ah.  Springtime. It's here after a long winter wait.

Everyone loves autumn in New York... but spring in New York has its own beauty.  What's more uplifting than seeing that first Cherry Blossom tree in full bloom in Central Park?  Or yellow daffodils?  Or tulips on Park Avenue?…

Im craving Don Coqui's Paella but I am sick and unfortunately they do not deliver! I will pay someone 10 dollars to go to 31st and newtown avenue to pick up my food and bring it to me at 18th street and astoria boulevard, it's like 8 blocks away!!! 

Anyone up for this?? email me: Keniaclimaco at gmail

A 16 year old girl was attacked recently on 43rd street in Ditmars. It was right by the LaGuardia Center mall. The man and the girl walked into an alley where he then proceeded to bash her head with a brick. The man who has not been identified yet fled the scene right after the attack.

Click here to view the surveillance video of the suspect: …

Photo by Nancy A. Ruhling

Rivka and Zev Wineberg are the founders of the Chabad of Long Island City.

It's Sunday morning, and the Chabad of Long Island City is at rest. The same…

Five years ago today, seven Astorians met for happy hour at a new gastropub called Winegasm then marched over to the Irish Rover to (somehow) win trivia night!

Today, 10,000 strong, Why Leave Astoria continues to humble me with the stories of new friends, finding old ones, and overall community enthusiasm.

Thank you to every single person who makes WLA more than a website! We love…

A Texas restaurant has successfully trademarked the term "breastaurant"--making Bikini's Bar & Grill the only official breastaurant chain in the country.

Not exactly tough news for competing restaurants with scantily clad waitresses like Hooters, Canz, and the Tilted Kilt--since none have actually embraced the term, instead leaving the description to the media.

On a side note, "over $2MM in profit in their first year"?…

If anyone is interested in a good workout and learning a new sport come join us on Randall’s Island, Field #75 every Tuesday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Men and Women welcome, no experience required

Have you heard about our children's theatre classes, but want to get to know us better?  Here's your chance!

HATCH Theatre is holding an open house with their partners at the Chain Theatre in Long Island City!  Come visit the space and meet the instructors face-to-face.  Learn more about our backgrounds and programs at the same time.  

WHEN: Saturday, April 13th from 9am - 10:30am

WHERE: The Chain Theatre (21-28 45th Road LIC, NY 10001)

Please RSVP to the…

Join us at Le Midi Bistro in Manhattan on Friday April 5th from 6:30PM - 10:30PM for a fun night experiencing French culinary delights, exquisite drinks and Karaoke. Located in the heart of Union Square on E13th Street Between 5th Avenue and University Place, Le Midi Bistro serves a modern take on hearty French country cuisine in a warm, welcoming and sophisticated setting. The vibrant bar has an extensive wine, beer, liquor and cocktail list with vintage French films being projected above.…

Photo by Nancy A. Ruhling

Manfred: Vietnam veteran and longtime truck driver.

Seventeen thousand. Manfred Edenhofer is embarrassed to admit that that's all the miles he…

St. Francis of Assisi School will be hosting an Outdoor Flea Market on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 9am-3pm. Each table is $40.  We are looking for local artisans to exhibit and sell their crafts.  Also, we are looking for vendors selling new products.
If you're interested or have any questions, please message me or e-mail SFAFleaMarket@gmail.com.

Thanks!