FLUSHING — A Grammy Award-winning jazz musician and a 10-year-old piano prodigy are scheduled to play this fall at the historic Flushing Town Hall performing arts center, which recently underwent an extensive renovation.
The events, starting in September, are diverse and represent the goal of providing "global arts for a global community," according to Ellen Kodadek, executive director of the more than 150-year-old center.
A $1.2 million renovation last spring upgraded the theater, improving flooring as well as the air conditioning, she said.
Shows kick off Sept. 3 with a monthly jazz jam, where local musicians can play with professional artists.
Arturo O'Farrill, who won a Grammy in 2006 for best Latin jazz album, will perform with his quartet on Sept. 19.
Another highlight is a recital by 10-year-old Huang Tiange, a music prodigy who made his performing debut at 5 and has been playing around the world since.
The Bejing-born pianist will perform three Mozart sonatas as well as his own compositions.
Now based in Brooklyn, he performed at the Flushing Town Hall's announcement of its fall shows and said he is "very excited" to play his Oct. 5 show.
"It is a lot of fun," he said. "It's kind of like toys. Instead of playing toys, I play the piano. I like the sound."
The events also include a drumming workshop to celebrate the Harvest Moon, a canning workshop for families, and a winter holiday festival that includes storytelling and wreath-making.
Flushing Town Hall reopened in 1999 after an $8 million restoration lead by the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, which operates the building.
The building, which dates to 1862, includes a 308-seat theater, gallery and garden, which was revamped last year.
In addition to the recent upgrades, the arts council has been challenged to raise $35,000 by the winter, which will be matched by an anonymous donor, Kodadek said.
For more information on shows and events, visit Flushing Town Hall's website.
