BBQ Events: BBQ and Ragtime in Queens

This just in from the Queens Gazette....

‘Ragtime’ Composer Joplin To Be Honored At Annual BBQ

On Saturday, May 22, St. Michael’s Cemetery located at 72-02 Astoria Blvd. in East Elmhurst will hold its fifth annual barbecue and celebration of the music of early 20th century composer Scott Joplin. Edward Horn of St. Michael’s will act as host. The event is open to the general public.

The son of former slaves, Joplin wrote more than 50 piano compositions, most in the form of popular music known as ragtime, during the early years of the 20th century. His popularity faded toward the end of his life and he died in obscurity at age 49 in 1917. He is buried at St. Michael’s, with a simple bronze marker bearing the legend which reads: Scott Joplin/American Composer/Nov. 24, 1868/Apr. 2, 1917.

Joplin’s music was adapted for the soundtrack of the 1973 movie “The Sting” and brought about the resurgence in the popularity of ragtime, the early 20th century music form in which Joplin wrote most of his compositions. “The Sting” would go on to win an Academy Award for its musical score. He was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1976. On Apr. 5, 1985, 68 years after Joplin’s interment, the Brooklyn Opera Society honored his last wish by performing his “Maple Leaf Rag” at his grave. The event was broadcast on PBS radio and reported in the New York Times.

For more information, call Edward Horn at 718-278-3240 or e-mailehorn@stmichaelscemetery.com. —Jason D. Antos

Pig Out - Czech Style

I just got this in my email. Seems our friend Stacey Ornstein over at Just Braise has discovered a great yearly pork festival held at Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, Queens, NY.

Check it out, but you better hurry. It's today and tomorrow only. It sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the heads up Stacey!

Pig Out Astoria Pt. 1 — Pork Fest Returns
Stacey Ornstein

“If you want a subject, look to pork,” said Charles Dickens. The Czechs listened and we have all benefited.

In the Czech Republic, the annual celebration of traditional food, music and dance is known as Winter Festival. Locally and lovingly, it is simply dubbed Pork Fest.

After a year’s hiatus, the Bohemian Beer Garden is bringing back the bacon to Astoria Feb 15 18. The weekend long event is sponsored by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, whose mission is to promote Czech and Slovak culture in the United States. Regardless of one’s family stock, all are welcome — just bring a penchant for pork. The main festivities will take place in the large upstairs gymnasium with picnic style tables for large groups and families, and activities throughout the building. The stage will showcase traditional music and dance performances, including the society’s own children’s dance troupe.

Most importantly, there will be plenty to pig out on. New Head Chef Martin Maly is planning a solid menu of Czech Slovak pork dishes. As in years past, Otto Kupka will make his famous (to those in the know) sausage. Mrs. Kupka will forgo her “mean strudel” this year to prepare her signature dumplings.

If the weather is mild, there will be a heated outdoor dining area with a suckling pork roasting nearby. If it’s too cold, roasting will take place in the kitchen. Headcheese and fried pig ear lovers should be sure to return at the end of the festival on Sunday, when the pork heads will be raffled off.

Pork Fest will be held at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29 19 24th Ave., Astoria, this Thursday and Friday 6 midnight; Saturday 2 p.m. 4 a.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. midnight. Admission is free; expect to pay about $12 for a meal and $14 per pitcher of Czech beer. Call ahead for performance schedule (718) 274-4925.