Day: April 17, 2024

Neil Young, Pitbull, and the Marley Brothers are among the big acts set to play Forest Hills Stadium this summer.

The landmark arena nestled in Queens announced an electrifying lineup Wednesday for the inaugural season of its second century. 

The stadium is known for its old-world charm and rich musical legacy, continually drawing some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industry. Originally constructed in the 1920s as the venue for the U.S. Open tennis tournament, it transitioned to a new cultural epoch in the 1960s when it began hosting concerts.

The 2024 season is set to feature around 30 spectacular music performances. Highlight acts include Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Khruangbin, The Avett Brothers, Goose, IDLES, Pitbull, Tiësto, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Dom Dolla, The National, The War on Drugs, Gryffin, The Walkmen, and a record-breaking four sold-out shows with Hozier. Additionally, the Head in The Clouds New York Music & Arts Festival will make a much-anticipated return.

In a nod to its storied past, the Stadium will host the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in late August, featuring top-10 tennis players vying for a $1,000,000 prize on the iconic center court. 

The crowd covered in blue light at the Head in the Clouds Festival at Forest Hills StadiumPhoto by Bryan Kwon/Provided

Mike Luba, the visionary behind the Stadium’s revival, emphasized the venue’s dedication to preserving its heritage while offering a unique experience to today’s audiences.

“We are stewards of tradition and legacy,” Luba said. “From the first show with Mumford and Sons in 2013, it was clear that this place needed thoughtful care and systemic collaboration. We strive to honor the past and also provide a singular experience for our patrons.”

Adding to the allure are the Speakeasy Suites, which offer whimsical themes and exclusive amenities. These unique spaces, including one accessed through a discreet port-a-potty entrance, provide an exceptional experience for groups seeking a distinctive concert experience.

Forest Hills Stadium is easily accessible via multiple subway lines and the Long Island Railroad, promoting public transportation as the preferred means of arrival.

The venue also continues its commitment to the community and environmental sustainability. Initiatives include supporting local projects like QueensWay and Queens Community House, as well as partnering with Anheuser-Busch to enhance sustainability efforts throughout the season. 

Tickets and further information are available on the official website at foresthillsstadium.com.

Forest Hills Stadium lineup 2024.Provided

A Trauma Recovery Center opened in Coney Island on Wednesday, promising support and services for local crime victims and their families. 

The Mermaid Avenue center, part of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, will offer free counseling and “fundamental assistance” for people grappling with the aftermath of assault, domestic violence, hate crimes, and more — with the ultimate goal of “Post-Traumatic Growth.”

“JCCGCI’s Trauma Recovery Center is changing the landscape of mental health care in underserved communities, improving access to resources for Brooklyn residents impacted by trauma and violence,” said Dr. Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of JCCGCI. “With the incredible support of Speaker Adams and the New York City Council, we have been enabled to save and improve lives across the borough, and we are just getting started.”

Dr. Dulande Louis (left) showed Council Speaker Adrienne Adams around the center. Photo courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit

The center is headed by Dr. Dulande Louis, a social worker who previously served as the Associate Director at Global Trauma Research — a group focused on providing culturally-responsive trauma services to the city’s Caribbean population. 

Louis said she and the JCCGCI team are “humbled and grateful for the opportunity to fill a tremendous service gap for a notoriously overlooked and underserved population.”

“We are thankful to City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and all our devoted government partners for their commitment to ensuring comprehensive mental health services for survivors of violent crime and trauma and for supporting our intentional efforts of meeting our participants where they are,” Louis added.

A total of five Trauma Recovery Centers — including the new Coney Island center – have opened in New York City this year, funded by a $5 million investment by the City Council. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said TRCs serve violence survivors who often “fall through the cracks” of traditional support services.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (center) said the city should allocate additional funding for TRCs. Photo courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit

The Council is calling for $7.2 million in baseline funding to permanently maintain the TRCs — and to open two new locations – in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

“Trauma recovery centers should be a pillar of our public safety infrastructure to support underserved crime victims and communities harmed by the trauma of violence inflicted in our neighborhoods,” Adams said in a statement. “With the opening of the new TRC in Coney Island, Brooklyn residents will have improved access to critical services that help them recover from trauma and stop cycles of violence.”

Guided by the National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers, TRCs are intended to reach survivors who struggle to access traditional mental health and social services. 

In addition to mental and physical health services, TRCs offer legal assistance, and can help survivors file for victims’ compensation and support them as they work with law enforcement after a crime. Counselors can also help their clients communicate with their landlords and bosses, to ensure they stay safe and housed while working through a traumatic event. 

The TRC will offer myriad services for survivors and their families. Photo courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit

Southern Brooklynites have long called for additional mental health and anti-violence services in their neighborhoods. Though overall crime is down in the Brooklyn South patrol, the latest NYPD data show that the community has seen 60 rapes, 913 felony assaults, and 17 homicides so far this year. 

Local Council Member Justin Brannan said in a statement that the city cannot rely only on more police to address crime, and should focus on holistic approaches with long-term benefits. 

“Even as more people seek out treatment for mental health issues, many don’t immediately recognize the connection between their current struggles and their history of unprocessed traumatic experiences,” Brannan said. “Indeed, cycles of violence continue when trauma goes unchecked and victims lack the services and support they need to heal. Removing barriers so people can access culturally competent, trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health care is crucial, especially in communities of color.”