LONG ISLAND CITY — An empty lot in Queens is getting a second life this summer.
The space on Crescent Street at 44th Road is becoming a movie and music venue this summer, hosting outdoor screenings and shows accompanied by food from the team behind foodie favorite M. Wells Steakhouse, which stands next door.
Though a set menu is not in place yet, the eatery is planning to serve a variety of small plates — including goodies cooked up in the restaurant's new outdoor wood-burning oven — and flavored popcorns for movie-goers during film nights.
Screenings for The Lot LIC Music & Film Series start Thursday, Aug. 7 and feature a mix of independent, foreign and animated flicks, including the 2004 Academy Award nominee "The Triplets of Belleville" and 1983's hip hop classic "Wild Style."
The live music lineup — which will kick off Saturdays starting Aug. 2 — includes Sudanese multi-instrumentalist Sinkane, blues and soul duo Fredericks Brown and Queens-based folk rock band Hollis Brown.
The events are sponsored by Rockrose Development Corporation, the developer that owns the lot and the building that houses M. Well Steakhouse, who has been looking to draw more retail and nightlife options to Court Square.
The landscaped lot where the series will be held had previously housed an architectural installation from Socrates Sculpture Park.
Petrit Pula, who curated the live-music portion of the series, said the festival aims to extend through the summer, taking place in August and September after many outdoor event series typically end.
"We thought it would be a good idea to do it a little later," he said. "It's a really exciting lineup."
The events are free. For a full schedule, visit the Lot LIC Music & Film Series website.
