This Weekend in Astoria (08/05/11)

Sad news this week with the closure of M. Wells at the end of the month, but no fear -- rumor has it that they're setting up shop elsewhere, where you can enjoy some delectable Québécois-American delights, but no poutine (apparently, the owners believe that it's only worth having in Quebec).

Speaking of restaurant, Why Leave Astoria?! now features the Restaurant Grades of many of the restaurants listed on our website! Just search for the restaurant you're interested in or search for it in our Directory to find the restaurant (and the grade) of your choice. If you have trouble loading the page, try again--we're currently getting a ton of traffic that's crashing our Directory server.

Speaking of things to enjoy, we've got a Weekender jam-packed with events! Take a look...

FRIDAY

In the mood for live music tonight? Come on out and enjoy the familiar covers and clever originals from singer/songwriter Dan Reardon. You'll also get to enjoy a "$5 Friday's" deal: $5 Classic Cocktails and Bar Plates all night long.

This evening, we've got something familiar, something peculiar, something for everyone: a comedy tonight! Discover Shakespeare's earliest comedy, "The Two Gentlemen of Verona", as Beyond Theatre Ensemble presents its seriously playful production, combining fine Shakespearian acting with the inventive spirit of improv comedy to create an explosively funny and poignant telling

of this Shakespeare classic. The production will feature critically  acclaimed and Astoria-based comedy company Face Off Unlimited, described by the New York Times as "Really Funny" and crowned a 2011 Voice Choice by the Village Voice as well as a 2011 Critics Pick by Time Out New York. Try it out!

Kick off the weekend right with Happy Hour tonight! Take advantage of some great specials featuring $3.50 Bar Drinks, $3 Bud Lite Drafts, $1-Off All Craft and Bottled Beers, $10 Pitchers or Bud Light, $12 Pitchers of Yuengling, 2-for-1 Nacho Supremes, 50-cent wings (10 Wing Minimum, any style), and a Wheel of Fortune where you can win a prize every hour.

SATURDAY

Head out to this outdoor series that continues its tradition of introducing audiences to the best in experimental live music, sound, performance, and DJs.  Today's lineup features: Omar-S / FXHE Records / Detroit, MI; Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set) / Delicacies / Wichita / London, UK; Steve Moore / Zombi / L.I.E.S./ Kompakt / New York, NY; Beppe Loda / Typhoon / Cosmic, Italy; Forma / Spectrum Spools / Brooklyn, NY.

It's going to be a rainy weekend, so if you're going to keep the kids indoors, you might as well keep them entertained. Take them to a Sculpture Model and Clay class for kids.  Kids will have fun tackling the different assignment. And they'll have a great instructor: Ms. Rouska Valkova is an internationally renowned designer and sculptor with over 15 years of experience teaching kids. Allow her to share the joy of creation with your kids in her studio!

Wanna be in a fun music video? The Astoria Music & Arts group is looking for extras to play various roles on an improv publicity video leading up to the fest on Saturday. Pizza will be served (first come first serve). Bring instruments that can be played while walking through the streets and dress as if you're "in a band" or "some kind of groupie."

All Saturday Events

SUNDAY

Sundays become "Sunday Fundays" this month with the third annual Astoria Park Shore Fest on August 7th (as well as 14th and 21st, so make a note of it!). As usual, there'll be local vendors and businesses, family activities, a food tasting (on August 14) featuring many local, ethnic restaurants and an extensive lineup of local musicians brought to you by Astoria Music & Arts. (Go on August 21st to see the Astoria Music Now! IV Festival for a day of music by local artists.)

It's the brunch deal EVERYONE  has been talking  about. Check out the Unlimited Sunday Brunch  this weekend, where all brunch meals are made to order and are served with unlimited Bloodies, screws and mimosas! It's a can't miss. I mean, it's referred to as "the BEST deal in Queens!" for a reason...

Sunday might be rainy, so what better day to curl up with a movie...albeit in a theater. Go to the Rural Route Film

Festival and see an eclectic array of shorts featuring a low-budget  Footloose, a New Zealand girl’s dream of the American South and Canadian creativity! Centering on all things non-urban, Rural Route boasts an exciting, quality line-up of progressive green/agriculture films, indie fiction, ‘world’ docs, and a fun/diverse array of shorts.

All Sunday Events

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