ROCKAWAY GOOD TIMES
By Kami-Leigh Agard
Welcome to 2024! New year, new canvas to create new memories, and support Rockaway’s rich cornucopia of dining and entertainment establishments—both old and new. So, how to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening around town? Keep reading The Rockaway Times! See this week’s round up below. Happy New Year!
LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY, January 5
6:30 p.m.
Country sweetheart Lauren Jaimes brings you into the weekend with some sweet tunes at bayside views at Bungalow Bar.
377 Beach 92nd Steet
FRIDAY, January 5
7:30 p.m.
From barbecue, burgers and brews—pack it all in at Smoke & Barrel, plus sides of rock, soul, pop, folk and country with acoustic mix master—Frank Persico!
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
FRIDAY, January 5
8 p.m.
Continue your New Year celebrations with singer/songwriter Gerald Bair at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club, and by the end of the night—you’ll be encoring for more Bair!
533 Beach 126th Street
FRIDAY, January 5
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Rogers serves up the ultimate night of libations and shenanigans with this priceless team-up of local music men—Kyle Wade and Chris Solo—pourin’ out the ultimate soundtrack for your Friday night craic!
203 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, January 6
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Good vibes, delicious bites and music by the Comic Tale Duo, all happening at Thai Rock.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, January 6
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Taps are a-flowin’ and music is a-brewin’ at Tap That with acoustic music man, Dennis Toscano, jammin’ hits from yesterday and today.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, January 6
8:30 p.m.
Local music maestros, John Simonelli and Patsy Carroll, return to The Rose Den for a night of acoustic alchemy and mysticism.
174 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, January 6
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Grabs your mates and barge into Rogers for another unforgettable night with The Brooklyn Bards, injecting emerald pride with classic and contemporary Irish war marches, rebel and love songs.
203 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, January 6
With Kennedy’s temporarily closing for two-week-long renovations, get your fix of the Breezy restaurant’s sublime sunset views and unforgettable fine dining experience this weekend! Plus, Joe Perisco serves up sweet acoustic tunes. Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations. *After this weekend, the restaurant is closed until Tuesday, January 23.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SUNDAY, January 7
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
It’s the first Sunday of 2024! So, make it a memorable Sunday Fun! Day! with Gerald Bair at Rogers.
203 Beach 116th Street
ONGOING
Tunesday TUESDAYS
Going to Rincón a.k.a. Rockaway-South? Squid Squad plays every Tuesday at popular authentic Mexican spot, Nacho Libre. Also, at Uma’s Playa Jobos and Calypso on selected nights. For more info, follow: guynev6106 on Instagram.
4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tuesdays are that odd day of the week, in which you got through Monday, but still not over hump day. Well, why not declare Tuesday—Fun-Day—with your crew at Sayra’s Wine Bar with half-price bottles of wine, charcuterie boards, and live music!
91-11 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Thirsty THURSDAYS
7 p.m.
Head to Margie’s at The Rockaway Hotel for a heavenly dining experience as Phil Kadet serenades with classics and standards from the American Songbook. For reservations, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/dining/margies
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
7 p.m.
Think you’re smarter than your friends? Checkmate at Bungie’s Trivia Tent Thursdays with music by DJs At Work. For weekly themes, follow: bungalowbarny on Instagram. Reservations recommended; call: (718) 945-2100.
377 Beach 92nd Street
7:30 p.m.
Calling all wannabe rockers and proud croakers—grab your fans and head to Smoke & Barrel for a pitch imperfect karaoke night!
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Fab FRIDAYS
9 p.m.
DJ Baroque spins an eclectic vibe with the best of acid jazz, electro funk, instrumental hip hop, rare grooves, and classics at The Rose Den.
174 Beach 116th Street
Slammin’ SATURDAYS
4 p.m. until late
You don’t have to be a Swiftie to shake it off and party to the hottest beats waxed by popular deejays on the Rooftop at The Rockaway Hotel. Plus, enjoy craft cocktails and bites while soaking in views of the Atlantic and Manhattan skyline. For reservations, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/dining/the-rooftop
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
Sweet SUNDAYS
1 p.m.
Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner—Margie’s has got you covered all Sunday at The Rockaway Hotel—plus, live acoustic jams at 1 p.m. For reservations and more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/dining/margies
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
MOVIE NIGHT
FRIDAY FEATURE AT TAP THAT: “LARS AND THE REAL GIRL”
FRIDAY, January 5
8 p.m.
Friday nights are Movie Night at Tap That, so, snuggle in to watch indie movie knockout, Ryan Gosling in 2007, rom-com, “Lars and the Real Girl.” For weekly movie listings, follow: tapthatrbny on Instagram.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
THEATER (Yes, Rockaway has its own theater company!)
RTC PRESENTS “MEAN GIRLS JR.”
Starting on JANUARY 12
2 p.m. / 7 p.m.
Rockaway Theatre Company’s Young People’s Theatre Workshop presents, “Mean Girls Jr.” Adapted from SNL star, Tina Fey’s 2004 blockbuster film and Broadway smash hit, this “fetch” 60-minute production tells the hilarious story of how high-schooler Cady Heron learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung! Show dates are Fridays and Saturdays: January 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m., and Sundays: January 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org/
Post Theatre, Building T-4, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point
THEATER AUDITIONS
RTC PRODUCTION,
“URINETOWN”
SATURDAY, January 6 — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
& SUNDAY, January 7 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Calling all actors, singers and dancers! The Rockaway Theatre Company is holding auditions for its 2024 season opener, “Urinetown.” If selected, auditioners must be available for all performance dates: April 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. For further info., including character descriptions and audition requirements, visit: https://www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org/urinetown
Post Theatre, Building T4, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point
SPECIAL MENTIONS
CHARCUTERIE & CHILL
AT THE ROCKAWAY HOTEL
January dates available
The holidays have come and gone, but why not continue the family and friends’ special gatherings by making The Rockaway Hotel your home for a night at one of their bungalow apartments. Be the hostess with the mostest by serving up an evening of overflowing cheese and meats, wine and any fun you drum up! Open to parties of eight or more. For bookings, email: hello@therockawayhotel.com
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
