Live Shows

Upcoming and past live shows

Meet “Fly By” Storyteller Robin Gelfenbien

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

It’s almost show day! Our storytellers have traded true tales inspired by this image and are rehearsing with their directors to step into their story partner’s life experience as their own.

Meet our final “Fly By” storyteller, Robin Gelfenbien below, and see you on Thursday at Grove 34.

Photo credit Jordan Matter

Robin Gelfenbien is the self-proclaimed Ambassador of Fun and an NYC-based storyteller, writer and comedian. She’s a three-time Moth Story SLAM winner who has performed on PBS, RISK!, Mortified and countless other shows. She’s also shared the stage with Hannah Gadsby, Trevor Noah and more.

Robin is the Creator and Host of the storytelling series and podcast, “Yum’s the Word,” that features her homemade ice cream cakes. The show has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and named a New York Times and Time Out New York Critic’s Pick. Guests have included Tim Gunn, Mo Rocca, Joy Behar, Jason Biggs, Jerry Greenfield (Jerry from Ben & Jerry’s) and stars from “Orange is the New Black.”

New York Magazine called her solo show, “My Salvation Has a First Name: A Wienermobile Journey,” “the highlight of the Fringe” and Time Out New York gave it 4 stars.

She’s performed her original comedy songs at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and on Sirius Radio. She’s also been featured in Marie Claire magazine and she starred in a commercial directed by Spike Lee. 

www.robingelfenbien.com

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 26, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: ,

Meet “Fly By” Storyteller Lowell Stephens

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Our storytellers’ true tales inspired by this image have been finalized and swapped. Rehearsals start tomorrow! Get your tickets here.

First, meet our next “Fly By” storyteller, Lowell Stephens.

Lowell Stephens is a talented artist specializing in drawing and painting, as well as an inspector for the fire department. Holding a degree in architectural technology from the New York Institute of Technology, he has worked at several architectural and engineering firms, honing both practical and artistic skills. Lowell has performed in choreography created by Roxane d’Orléans Juste and was a recent participant in the Artist Entrepreneur program sponsored by Flushing Town Hall and the New York Foundation for the Arts. Lowell continues to be a dynamic force in the visual and performative arts, constantly exploring and producing innovative work.

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 25, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: ,

Meet “Fly By” Storyteller Briana McDonald

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

One week until our show! Don’t wait to meet our next storyteller, Briana McDonald.

Learn about Briana below and get your tickets here for a chance to win a copy of her middle grade adventure, The Secrets of Stone Creek.

Briana McDonald writes diverse and adventurous books for young readers. She studied writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her short fiction has appeared in several literary journals. When she’s not writing, Briana lives and works in New York City with her wife and their dog, Rex. She is the author of  Pepper’s Rules for Secret Sleuthing, The Secrets of Stone Creek, and Galaxy Jones and the Space Pirates. Find out more at BrianaRoseMcDonald.com. 

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 21, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: , , ,

Meet “Fly By” Storyteller Ben Katzner

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Our “Fly By” show is next week! Our first storyteller is a stand-up comedian and author of the middle-grade graphic novel Hello, My Name is Poop.

Get your tickets today and learn more about Ben Katzner below.

A stand-up comedian and writer currently based in New York City, Ben Katzner has performed at comedy clubs and festivals across the country.

Born in Atlanta, adopted at a young age, and raised in a small-town Minnesota – Ben’s comedy finds humor in his upbringing and explores how it influenced his views on relationships, family, and everyday life.

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 20, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags:

Meet “Fly By” Artist Annie Shi

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

I never drew more planes in my life! – Annie Shi

Delighted to meet artist Annie Shi at the Astoria Bookshop during the Queens Art Fair organized by Sunnyside Arts; we commissioned her to create this animated image of Elinor Smith’s 1928 flight under four East River bridges – Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg … and Queensboro!

Our storytellers’ true tales were inspired by Annie’s artwork, and we asked her about the experience:

When Kelly Jean first told me about this project, I was ecstatic that I could take part in such an important show but also worried that I wouldn’t be able to do Elinor Smith justice as I’m not used to working with historical figures. But with the help of Kelly Jean, Tim Lindner, and Bob Singleton of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, I learned a lot about Waco planes, barnstormers, and, most importantly, Elinor. We wanted to illustrate her story and achievements, which I’ve worked into a gif and short zine. I never drew more planes in my life!

Learn more about Annie below and get your tickets to receive your copy of her Elinor Smith-inspired Zine at our show!

I’m an artist based in Queens who loves storytelling, the supernatural, and cats! I also enjoy making bite-sized, cozy gifs and participating in art fairs during my free time!

 

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 18, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: , , , , , ,

BKBF Bookend Events!

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Take a look! Our Queens “Fly By” Bookend Event is featured on the Brooklyn Book Festival website.

Click here to check out the plethora of BKBF Bookend Events that kick off Sept 24 and take place city-wide through Oct 2. Including a special Selected Shorts celebrating Willa Cather on 9/27 from our friends at Symphony Space!

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 13, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: , ,

Who is The Flying Flapper?

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

We provided this image alone to our four “Fly By” storytellers to inspire their true tales for our upcoming Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event.

What personal stories did this graphic created by Queens artist Annie Shi inspire? We’ll find out when they read each other’s drafts aloud at our first story meeting this week! Get your tickets here. 

Inspired by Elinor Smith's flight under four East River bridges, artist Annie Shi created this graphic of Smith's historic 1928 flight.

Artwork by Annie Shi

Come to the show to learn about The Flying Flapper Elinor Smith, who beat out Amelia Earhart for the title of “Best Woman Pilot in America” in 1930.

Shi’s graphic art depicts Smith’s legendary 1928 flight under not one but four East River bridges – Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg … and Queensboro!

Join us at Grove 34 on 9/28 to see more of Elinor Smith’s story illustrated by Annie Shi and hear the modern-day true tales inspired by this piece of history from the Greater Astoria Historical Society.

***

THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

September 12, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: , , , , , ,

Next Show: No, YOU Tell It! “Fly By”

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Get your tickets here for our next show!

For this special Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event, four curated storytellers are trading tales inspired by Queens history from the archives of The Greater Astoria Historical Society.

Featuring illustrations by Annie Shi. Follow @noyoutellit to learn about the storytellers, Queens history, and more.

Plus, story trivia for the chance to win fun literary prizes!

No, YOU Tell It! storytellers work together to develop true tales on the page, then swap stories to embody their partner’s culture, identity, and life experience on stage.

Featuring:

Robin Gelfenbien

Ben Katzner

Briana McDonald

Lowell Stephens

Hosted by Ellie Dvorkin Dunn.

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THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2023 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Event Information

Sep 28 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (31-83 34th St, Astoria)

August 21, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: , , , , , ,

Unforgettable “Here & Gone” Show!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our “Here & Gone” show. It was a lovely evening that we won’t soon forget.

Left to right: Olena Jennings, Rosalie Chandler, Ellie Dvorkin Dunn, Lakshmi Gandhi, Dan Jessup. Photo by Sachyn Mital

Check out the show program here and more photos on our Facebook page. SPECIAL THANKS to:
  • Our amazing storytellers for boldly sharing their words and embodying their partners’ stories.
  • Yelena Tylkina for her stunning Queens “Here & Gone” artwork.
  • Ellie Dvorkin Dunn for being the best host.
  • Grove 34 for the perfect venue.
  • The Greater Astoria Historical Society for partnering with us on this special theme.
  • Flushing Town Hall, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and New York Foundation for the Arts for your grants and support.
  • Sachyn Mital, for the photos!
  • The whole NYTI creative team for all your work behind the scenes.
And always, the birthday girl Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons for keeping this important series alive!
May 19, 2023 Post Comment Live Shows Tags: , , , , , , ,

Look! “Here & Gone” Program (In-Person and Virtual)

May 18 2023 @ 7:00PM

Our Greater Astoria Historical Society team-up show hosted by Ellie Dvorkin Dunn is tonight! In-person at Grove 34 ($10 tickets here!)

  • 7:00 – 7:30: *Reception featuring Queens “Here & Gone” artwork by Yelena Tylkina
  • 7:30 – 9:00: Switched-up Storytelling!

*Drinks and snacks available for purchase.

We’ll also be streaming the show LIVE from our Facebook page at 7:30 if you want to join virtually.

Plus, a chance to win story trivia prizes featuring Queens “Here & Gone” artwork! If you aren’t a winner, click here to purchase “Here & Gone” artwork and more on Yelena’s Fine Art America page.

For this special show, storytellers worked with producer Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons and story coaches Tim Lindner and Pichchenda Bao to engage with Queens “Here & Gone” Highlights featuring the history of the Westinghouse Time Capsule, North Beach, Astoria Pool Sentinels, and The First Photocopy to inspire their personal stories on the page.

Take a look as they swap stories to embody their partner’s culture, identity, and life experience on stage!

TONIGHT’S STORIES!

Two Continents and a Whole New Ballgame by Lakshmi Gandhi, performed by Dan Jessup, directed by Ellie Dvorkin Dunn

The Certainty of Here by Dan Jessup, performed by Lakshmi Gandhi, directed by Ellie Dvorkin Dunn

My Book About Water by Olena Jennings, performed by Rosalie Chandler, directed by Erika Iverson

Peace Through Understanding by Rosalie Chandler, performed by Olena Jennings, directed by Erika Iverson

Thank you, thank you to everyone who made this night possible!

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Special thanks to Rosalie Chandler, Bob Singleton, and Ava Vitali for helping us create these Queens “Here & Gone” highlights. The Greater Astoria Historical Society is the place to learn and celebrate Long Island City and its neighborhoods. Learn more at astorialic.org.

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

This project is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.

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  1. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter for updates.
  2. Follow us @noyoutellit and tell a friend!
  3. DONATE through our fiscal sponsor, The Field. Plus, it’s tax-deductible.

Event Information

May 18 2023 @ 7:00PM

Grove 34 (3183 34th St., Astoria)

May 18, 2023 1 comment Live Shows Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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