Performing Arts Series & Programs
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning provides quality performance programming each year. Several series have been conceptualized and presented at the Center and other performing arts centers as a result of discovering new artists, artistic trends and creative outlets. The following is a short list of series created and presented by JCAL. Please check back for future updates.
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Making Moves
Making Moves Dance Festival introduces audiences to a diverse group of performers as we celebrate the ever evolving art form of dance.
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GimmeTM Series
CAL Performing Arts presents two major spoken word events: Gimme S.O.M.E.! TM (September Open Mic Evenings) and Gimme M.O.! TM (May Open mic). These sophisticated events merge music and poetry for individuals with multiple interests and talents. First, musicians and poets sign up in advance or on the evening of the event to perform onstage during the open mic. Next, special music and poetry performances are given by featured professional artists before the close of the program. Between these events and peppered throughout the year are additional Emerging Word shows that keep the appetite for soothing grooves and sultry spoken word satisfied. In the past, guest artists have included Def Poetry JamTM poet Roger Bonair-Agard, actor/poet Mo Beasley, and seductive songbird Maritri.
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e-Merging WordTM Series
e-Merging WordTM is the spoken word forum that puts an exceptional generation on blast! In a sophisticated world of technological advancements, e-blasts, pop-ups and internet, where words are spliced and delivered at record speeds online, it is time for the spoken word to emerge above the chaos of quick e-mails. The emerging word is an ever-growing communication; its expression never ends. JCAL offers the opportunity for all ages to participate and exhibit their poetic works in an intimate setting: one artist, one microphone, one audience.
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NYATM Series (New Young Artists)
This series is designed to showcase fresh, dynamic talent emerging in music entertainment. A dazzling blend of world, jazz, Latin, African, soul and contemporary music is presented during evening concerts to introduce the spring season. With spring around the corner, these notable entertainers whet the palette with fiery performances that no doubt warm up audiences overcoming a long winter. At times, dancing is inevitable.
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Gospel GaspTM Series
Breathe Again! The Gospel GaspTM concert is sure to shock each year, exposing Queens and the Greater Metropolitan area to new waves of funk, hip hop and gospel fusions that will make any listener gasp for air. But the message in the music is of love, redemption and hope-a breath of fresh air, sure to make some breathe easier again.
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Liner NotesTM Series
The Liner Notes Jazz Series, a classy, unpretentious, yet festive jazz showcase, runs in the fall and highlights some of the area's most innovative and talented jazz musicians in an intimate and soulful setting. Past performers include stellar tenor saxophonist Carol Sudhalter, the pulsating Latin Jazz Coalition, multifaceted alto sax player Rudresh Mahanthappa, and scintillating vocalist Carla Cook.
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Metro's BestTM Series
The Metro's Best TM series features some of the finest musical performers discovered under the Big Apple. All performers in our series are professional musicians who were sanctioned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Music Under New York program to give New Yorkers a bit of musical respite during their travels. Ranging from classical and jazz to world music, these musicians breathe life into New York and radiate its diversity. After fighting our way through the enthralled crowds, we invited them to perform in the JCAL theatre. Metro's BestTM is an enchanting series of discovery as musicians of the Underground come to the surface in Jamaica, Queens.
