breathtaking…literally 😮‍💨 be safe out there tonight!

Jess is our jam! 🤘🏼🎵 And this week’s #WHASundaySpotlight! “Hi! I'm Jess Nacinovich, an educator, performing artist and occupational therapist, but most of Astoria knows me as Jesse Jams (@jessejamsmusic). I'm a Queens kid whose roots run deep. Born, raised and educated in Queens, I come from a long line of Astoria entrepreneurs, educators and music lovers. As a vocalist and guitar player, there is nothing more I love than a sing-along which is why I started jamming with kids. My music and movement program is a high-energy, multi-sensory experience that features familiar kids songs, original tunes and nostalgic pop music that's fun for everyone. My philosophy is to always be child-led, but make sure the adults are equally entertained. Jammers are invited to touch the guitar and other instruments, to use their voices, listen actively and to participate in the way that works best for them. I've been jamming across NYC for two decades, but Astoria has always felt like home. I host a popular pop-up class in Astoria Park, collaborate with local small businesses and I'm ready to jam at your private events and birthday parties! Fun fact: I'm a karaoke fanatic and @karaokeshout is my spot. Back in the day, I was crowned Hip Hop Karaoke Champion of NYC, by the legendary Big Daddy Kane. That experience inspired me to create a series of rap-alouds that pair rhyming picture books with classic hip hop beats to spread my love of hip hop to a new generation and they've been a staple of Jesse Jams classes ever since. In 2016 I became an occupational therapist, blending my passion for play with a focus on facilitating functional, developmental skills in children. As an OT practitioner, I'm a passionate advocate for disability rights, equity and inclusion. This summer, my partner Bianca Vazquez, OTR/L and I are launching We Play NYC (@weplaynyc) children's enrichment classes and therapies. Get in touch to learn more about how our programming can work for you or your space!” We ❤️ our neighbors!

🏷️ tag your weekend tag sale buddy 🏷️ @nyshowplace is back! New York Showplace Astoria Tage Sale Fri, Sat, and Sun — June 23, 24, and 25 10AM - 5PM 36-01 35th Street (off 36th Ave) Search for treasure in this giant local warehouse filled with vintage, second hand, and estate sale items! 👀 You’ll find designer clothes, handbags, jewelry, home decor, glassware and fine dining, silver platters, framed art, knick knacks, books, and more. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon. 🛍️ . . . . This post is sponsored by @nyshowplace. 🪩🕺🏽 To advertise on our page, email us at weheartastoria at gmail.com.

Get ready to elevate your skincare game at Levitate Beauty & Skin Studio’s brand new location! 🎉🌟 Their mission is simple: exceptional skin treatments and empowering education. They’ll guide you through every step of your facial journey, giving you the knowledge and tools to achieve long-lasting results both during your treatment and in your daily skincare routine. Best of all? No intimidating spa vibes! They’re all about modern, fun facials that make you feel right at home. Come as you are and indulge in personalized skin treatments that are as welcoming as they are relaxing. Ready to glow like never before? Book your next facial online now ✨ LevitateBeauty.com 💗 @Levitate.Beauty 📍29-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105 . . . . . This post is sponsored by @levitate.beauty. 🪩🕺🏽 To advertise on our page, email us at weheartastoria at gmail.com. ♥️

Somewhere over @31staveopenstreet, that’s where you’ll find me. 🌈🎵 🌈🎵 WOW. 31st Ave just got a makeover ✨💄 thanks to Talisa Almonte—of the beloved @almontestudio—and her team of volunteers! The mural is part of the @nyc_dot Artventions program and you can find it on 31st Ave and 34th St. 🙏🏽 Pay it a visit this weekend, and leave Talisa and the crew a message in the comments! ✏️❤️ 📸: @almontestudio, @newtownhq

why @sekendsun is our weeknight go to for dinner, drinks, games, and good vibes—a memoir. 📝 Our favorite local hangout just got a menu glow up and we can’t stop talking about it. Chef Roger’s new seared salmon is at the top of our list with a ton of other new dishes, like the black bean burger and flatbread pizza, to try. Pro tip: Go on Tuesdays for dinner, then stay for cocktails and Mixed Tape Bingo. It’s neighbors belting out 80s and 90s classics with drinks, delicious food, and prizes. 👀 Sign up for a membership card and get in on deals and members only events. Put a @sekendsun weeknight on your list! 📍32-11 Broadway

Meet Anne of @pastriesbyanne, on Ditmars and this week’s #WHASundaySpotlight! “I am originally from Bangkok, Thailand. I didn't grow up baking because we didn't have an oven. I moved to New York and I did not start baking right the way because I don't know how to use the oven until my roommate taught me. After long days at a corporate job, I would come home and bake as a stress reliever. I started baking from boxed mixes and eventually tried scratch recipes. The more I baked, the more I loved it. When I realized, I might want to pursue baking, I didn’t think anyone would hire me. My boyfriend Dennis encouraged me to bake professionally and even enrolled me in a Sweet Bread Class at the Institute of Culinary Education. With his support, I signed up for the eight-month baking course. I worked all week at my corporate job, baked at night, and took classes on the weekends. To complete Pastry Chef certification, I also had an externship added to my already-busy schedule at Daniel, a Michelin Star Restaurant, working nights after work. After completing the program, I continued to work night shifts and weekends as a pastry cook/baker at Locanda Verde. During the pandemic, I made and sold some of my baked goods online. Then, I decided to open my own bakery, and Dennis found an ideal storefront in Astoria where he lives. Pastries by Anne, an artisanal bakery where everything is made from scratch and where flavor and texture, not sugar, are the main ingredients. I am grateful for everyone who supports small local woman own business. Stop by anytime to say hello and try my baked goods.” ❤️ Thank you, Anne! Now, go try her treats! They’re soooo good. @pastriesbyanne 23-18 Ditmars Blvd

do your daddy’s day with dave’s! 🌈🏳️‍⚧️🍻 hey astoria! our pals at @daveslesbianbar and @singlecutqns are throwing a big fun party this sunday to celebrate the daddies and zaddies of the queer community! Sunday, June 18th 1-7pm SingleCut Beersmiths QNS 19-33 37th Street, Astoria *NO TIX AT DOOR* get them now 🎵 Live performances by: 2PM @lovetransmissions 3РМ @africanarchy 4PM @valentinesdaynb 5PM @themme_musics 6PM *surprise guest* 👀 🌈✍🏽Gay flash tats by: @goodjujutattoos @vmontes_ @dontbeso_jaded 👏🏽Label art by the talented cold.extremities c u there! 🥳

Mark your calendars! The Astoria Park Fireworks are back Thursday, June 29th, with festivities starting at 7:30pm and fireworks going off at dark. Grab a group or stroll solo, just get there early to snag a spot! 📍Great Lawn, Astoria Park 👀 @centralastorialdc for updates

saturday 👀 the @wellingcourtmuralproject block party is back! 🎨🖌️🎵🕺🏽 Saturday, June 10 11am-4pm 30th Ave and 12th St, then just wander Muralists, live art, DJs, neighbors 🕺🏽

imagine hanging out with cute stationery all day was your job? 🌈📝🥹💭 @lockwoodshop is hiring with three highly coveted spots available at their Astoria Paper and Home & Gift shops! 🌼 Paper Stock Associate: A detail oriented person, 4 days a week (full-time) including one weekend day to work at our Paper location in Astoria. Extra bonus points if you love Stationery as much as we do! 🌼 Home + Gift Stock Associate: A detail oriented person, 5 days a week including one weekend day to work at our Home + Gift location in Astoria. 🌼 Home + Gift Sales Associate: A warm/friendly Sales Associate for our Lockwood Home & Gift location. Go to Lockwoodshop.com > Join Our Team ❤️

GOOOOOOD MORNING, ASTORIA! Meet the man behind the famous @comfortland wake up call—and this week’s #whasundayspotlight—@jamesavatar! “As a native New Yorker for six decades, I must admit that Astoria, Queens is one of the best places in NYC that I've ever lived in. It is a unique and eclectic mix of cultures, styles and flavors that fit nicely within the frame of an active borough, tucked in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. I have been privileged to have hosted many "Open Mic" showcases and performed with a local band at neighboring venues. I have also been lucky enough to be employed by one of the best restaurants (@Comfortland) in the area. (Sesame Street filmed "R" IS FOR RESTAURANT there...Google it.) I look forward to coordinating more events with local businesses like the @licbeerproject and contributing more creative content with local groups like @astoriafilmfestival. We ❤️ our neighbors! 📸: Queens Scene