FOREST HILLS STADIUM
Built in 1923 to host the U.S. Open’s center court matches in
conjunction with the nearby West Side Tennis Club, Forest Hills
Stadium had its first heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, when it
was also an iconic concert venue. Not only did Arthur Ashe and
Chris Evert win Grand Slam tennis championships there, but the
Beatles played two consecutive sold-out shows there in 1964.
The Doors and Simon & Garfunkel, graduates of Forest Hills
High School, did a double bill in 1967. Even Frank Sinatra,
Barbra Streisand, and Diana Ross performed there before the
venue shut down in the mid 1990s due to financial concerns. (In
1978, the U.S. Open took place at Flushing Meadows Corona
Park for the first time.)
As West Side Tennis Club continued operation, Forest Hills
Stadium lay dormant until undergoing a roughly $3 million
renovation in 2013 that included a complete structural overhaul,
seat replacement, and the installation of a state-of-the-art stage.
The site re-opened in August of that year with a concert by
British rock band Mumford & Sons. Since then, it’s attracted
a wide range of musical performers, including The Who, Van
Morrison, and Carlos Santana.
Inside scoop: The stadium is located right off the E, F, M, R
subway lines as well as a Long Island Rail Road stop. Because
it’s in a residential neighborhood, public transportation is
definitely the best way to go as parking is very limited.
Address: One Tennis Pl., Forest Hills,
and www.foresthillsstadium.com.
GREEK CULTURAL CENTER
The Greek Cultural Center offers music, theater, folk dance,
puppetry, and educational workshops. Founded in 1974, it strives to
preserve the Greek language and culture through art and education
while also providing a space for artists to present their work.
Inside scoop: Productions are usually in Greek with simultaneous
translation in English.
Address: 26-80 30th St., Apt. B2, Astoria, and www.
greekculturalcenter.org.
JAMAICA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Jamaica Performing Arts Center has double vision. Some
see a multi-functional, state-of-the-art, 400-seat theater that hosts
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