Dancing In The Streets – For Real! A summer-long Drive-In Concert Series in Bayside packs the house

Published: June 11, 2021

It feels like summer as hundreds of people rock and roll into The Bay Terrace Shopping Center for Bayside’s first 2021 Drive-In concert, kicking off a summer-long series of live open-air music events that run through September.

“The most successful organizations evolve, and the Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC) is no exception, delivering impactful experiences when and where you want it most! Our first concert on May 23rd, featuring the Doo Wop Project, completely sold out,” said producer Susan Agin, Executive and Artistic Director of the Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC).

PIC: These fabulous sounds of summer -- Frankie Valli, The Drifters, Smokey Robinson, and more, drove hundreds of people to the summer’s first Drive-in concert in Bayside at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center featuring The Doo Wop Project. Photos courtesy of Dominick Totino.

Video screens, a state-of-the-art sound system and everyone’s beach chairs – planted in between socially distanced cars – transformed the Center and transported concert-goers to another place and time. Four more commanding performances are on the way.

“On June 27th at 7:00PM, we’ll be dancing to the solid gold sounds of The Spinners, The Temptations, Prince, KC & The Sunshine Band, and so much more courtesy of The Sensational Soul Cruisers!” Agin says, excitedly describing the colorful five-month program from her at-home studio in Queens, where she has kept QPAC’s entertainment flowing throughout the pandemic.

There have been over 65 virtual shows presented during the COVID shutdown, with over 90,000 views. Going “virtual” has increased QPAC’s audience base between the ages of 30 and 49 by 38% and between the ages of 50 to 64 by 22%.

Broadway's Rock of Ages Band storms the stage on Sunday, July 25 for 80’s rock and metal; The Kings of Disco hustle in on Sunday August 28, 2021 at 7:00pm; and before summer ends,  Here Comes The Sun – The Music of the Beatles arrives on September 17th (check the website for any updates to this schedule).

“This is the summer of coming together, revving up our engines, and finally getting outside and celebrating. And you can bring the comforts of home with you – as long as they fit in your car!” added Agin.

A full program, more information and strictly limited tickets (which must be purchased in advance) are available at www.visitQPAC.org.

###

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.