Experience the vibrant legacy of jazz in the heart of Queens this summer! Inspired by the iconic Queens Jazz Trail Map, this free concert series brings the borough’s rich jazz history to life in beautiful community parks—where legends like Armstrong, Coltrane, Fitzgerald, and more once called home. Presented by Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Flushing Town Hall, and Louis Armstrong House Museum in partnership with NYC Parks, the Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series honors Queens’ extraordinary jazz legacy and community spirit. 

Trombonist, composer, and arranger John Yao and His 17-Piece Instrument band push modern big band jazz into bold new territory, blending swing, Latin, funk, and contemporary influences. Their latest release, Points in Time, celebrates Yao’s 20-year career in NYC and the band’s long-awaited return after a decade hiatus. A 2023 DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star, Yao has performed with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and collaborated with artists including Paquito D’Rivera and Kurt Elling.

This concert will take place at Bowne Park in Flushing. It’s free—just show up! Bring a blanket, lawn chair, picnic, friends—even your dancing shoes—and join us for an evening of live jazz in the park!