Big Name Pop, Jazz and Alternative Rock Bands to Play in Queens on Friday

On Friday, Queens will demonstrate that it has the cachet to attract three big musical acts on the same night, the top-notch venues to host them, and the appreciative fan base to make it all worthwhile. The hard-working Jason Mraz, who went from the San Diego coffee house circuit to international tours in the world’s biggest stadiums, will perform at the Colden Auditorium at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts. This two-time Grammy winner (and six-time nominee), whose probably best known for “Love Someone,” will jam with the eclectic rock-folk band Raining Jane. Two more concerts and two more photos after jump.

In the same neighborhood, Flushing Town Hall will host a night of hot Latin jazz with Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and educator Arturo O’Farrill and his quartet. Born in Mexico, O’Farrill shines with his own light, but he is also the son of legendary Cuban jazz musician, arranger and bandleader Chico O’Farrill. Arturo honors his father’s legacy while adding his own spice.

Skip across town to the Forest Hills Stadium to check out The Replacements. This pioneering alternative rock group was known for its “heart-on-the-sleeve” songs with self-deprecating lyrics and members’ propensity to trash their instruments during live gigs. They broke up in 1991, but got back together in 2012, and they’ve been touring and amazing ever since.

Mraz details: Jason Mraz and Raining Jane in All Five Boroughs, Colden Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, September 19th, 8 pm, prices vary.

O’Farrill details: Arturo O’Farrill Quartet, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, September 19th, 8 pm, $25.

Replacement details: The Replacements, The Forest Hills Stadium, One Tennis Place, Forest Hills Gardens, September 19th, 6:30 pm, $59.50.

Top photo: Philly Brentnall; middle photo: Arturo O’Farrill; bottom photo: Rich Fury