What Happens at Jamaica Performing Arts Center?
Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) is in Jamaica, not Hollis, at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, operates the venue. JCAL describes it as a 400-seat auditorium in a renovated 1858 landmark building that formerly served as the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica.
Programming spans theatre, music, film, dance and arts education. The Jamaica Center Business Improvement District describes this range, while JCAL’s recurring programs include dance, jazz and music from African, Caribbean and Latin American diasporas.
JPAC is about a 7-minute drive from Hotel Pergola Jamaica JFK, a nearby option if you’re staying in Hollis. You can also pair a performance with a visit to King Manor Museum or a break at Captain Tilly Park.
Finding Events and Buying Tickets
Start with JCAL’s event calendar to see what is scheduled. Its listed programs include Making Moves Dance Festival, Meet the Playwright, Riddim Section and Thursday Night Jazz. Dates and individual performers change, so use the calendar to confirm what’s on when you plan to go.
Thursday Night Jazz takes place on the second Thursday of each month from October through May, with performances at 8 p.m. JCAL describes it as one of its longest-running popular programs. General-admission tickets are $10, with purchase through Eventbrite. JCAL members receive free access to the full jazz season.
The organization also offers blocks of free seats at each concert for seniors age 62 and older and students who live or work in a 114 ZIP code. To qualify, bring ID and a piece of mail showing your current address.
Riddim Section concerts run on the last Wednesday of each month from February through June. Each program explores music from African, Caribbean and Latin American diasporas. General admission is $10, performances are at 8 p.m., and tickets are available through Eventbrite. JCAL members receive free access to the full Riddim Section season.
Making Moves Dance Festival runs for a full weekend every September. JCAL says the festival has presented dance commissions and works-in-progress by multiethnic Queens choreographers and companies for 15 years.
Tickets are $10, with blocks of free seats offered at every performance for seniors and students. Check the event details for the specific eligibility and booking information that applies to your visit.
Riddim Section and Thursday Night Jazz culminate every summer in the annual Downtown Jamaica Riddim & Jazz Festival at King Manor Park. If you’re planning around a particular performer or program, confirm its date and ticket availability before setting out.
Getting to the Venue from Hollis
JPAC is accessible by subway and bus. The F train stop listed for the venue is Parsons Boulevard at Hillside Avenue. E and J/Z trains serve Jamaica Center at Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue. From the E or J/Z station, walk half a block north to Jamaica Avenue, then one block west along the avenue to reach the venue.
Bus routes listed for JPAC are Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q8, Q9, Q9A, Q21, Q24, Q25, Q31, Q34, Q36, Q41, Q42, Q43, Q44, Q54, Q56, Q65, Q83, Q84, Q85, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113, N1, N2, N3, N6, N22, N22A, N24, N26 and X32.
Check your route before leaving and allow time for the walk from the station or bus stop.
Arrival Details
For ticket questions, JCAL lists the contact number (718) 658-7400. The available information does not specify parking arrangements or venue accessibility details, so contact JCAL directly if you need those specifics before attending.
Before you go: Check the official site before you go for the latest calendar, ticket availability and event details.