Facebook Twitter Instagram
718 426 7200
Facebook Twitter Instagram

Karaoke Fridays at Ocean Prime in Maspeth

BQE Admin on July 3, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of belting out your favorite hits in front of a cheering crowd—or just a few supportive friends with cocktails in hand—Ocean Prime in Maspeth, Queens has your Friday night plans covered.

Every Friday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Ocean Prime transforms from a sleek seafood hotspot into a late-night karaoke lounge where anyone with the guts (and a little liquid courage) can take the mic and let loose. Whether you’re a Beyoncé-in-the-shower type or a seasoned karaoke king, this weekly event welcomes all voices, vibes, and vibes-only performances.

Located right in the heart of Maspeth, Ocean Prime is already known for its elevated American classics and seafood dishes, chilled martinis, and stylish, lounge-like ambiance. But after hours on Fridays, the lights dim, the speakers turn up, and the mic goes hot. It’s karaoke night—and it’s quickly becoming one of Queens’ best-kept nightlife secrets.

“We wanted to give our guests a reason to stay late, sing loud, and make memories,” says Ocean Prime owner, Jose. “Karaoke night started out as something fun for our regulars, but it’s taken on a life of its own. People come from all over Queens and even Brooklyn to sing.”

For locals in Maspeth and beyond, Ocean Prime’s karaoke night offers the perfect blend of entertainment and elegance. It’s ideal for birthday parties, late dinners that turn into dance parties, or just letting off steam after a long week. Guests are encouraged to come early, enjoy dinner, then stay for the show—or star in it.

Ocean Prime is located at 64-14 Flushing Ave. in Maspeth, Queens, with plenty of nearby parking and easy access from major Queens roadways.

No cover, no minimum, and no experience required—just good vibes and a willingness to sing your heart out. So if you’ve been searching for the perfect Friday night mix of food, friends, and falsettos, you’ve found it.

Ocean Prime Karaoke Fridays
🎤 Every Friday | 10 PM – 2 AM
📍 64-14 Flushing Ave in Maspeth, Queens
🍸 Great food. Strong drinks. Bad singing. (In the best way.)

Mic drop.

Pol position: Get His Name Right, It’s Mamdani

webadmin on July 3, 2025

Andrew Cuomo continues to get his name wrong, but Zohran Mamdani clearly thrashed Cuomo in the primary election for the Democratic Party for mayor last week. Cuomo called him ‘Mandani,’ as he conceded the election. Meanwhile mayor Adams refers to Mamdani as a ‘shake oil salesman’ who will say anything to win. The win for Mamdani was initially seen as a big boost for Mayor Adams, who is running on the independent line in November. People in the Democratic Party who don’t buy the ‘movement’ will now have Curtis Sliwa, Eric Adams and even Cuomo, who, as of now has not taken his name off the ballot. He had until last Friday to do so, and didn’t.  The three are expected to split the vote for the more conservative leaning voters out there. If someone convinces Curtis to lose the beret’, he’s got a shot. The general election is not ranked choice, so their votes could cancel each other, leaving a no path to victory. 

The shocking candidacy of Mamdani went from 2% in the polls to victory in just four months. We had Zorhan in our office for an interview quite early in the show and he unveiled his campaign logo to us. “What do you think,” he said. We think that whatever you did, it worked! What worked for Mamdani was his relentless work on the campaign trail, 24/7. We got reports from our readers that they saw him biking on Northern Blvd. in LIC, then two hours later he was walking in Maspeth. Biking in Brooklyn Heights and even hugging Cuomo supporters wearing ‘Vote Cuomo’ attire. Biking around the city is sure a new way of campaigning. Don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. He is an agent for change more than an agent of socialism.

Hanif Holds Seat in Slope

In Brooklyn’s Park Slope, Palestine supporter Shahana Hanif easily defeated challenger Maya Kornberg in that race. We noticed widespread support for Hanif, with posters on doors of homes and even inside apartment buildings throughout the district.

Prayers in Middle Village Race

This is something you will only read here; PS 49 in Middle Village is where all the contenders, Democrats and Republicans in the local council primary happen to be personally polling before heading to their respective election-night parties. We got word that each of them participated in a prayer “….. whoever wins,” was said, “we pray that we always think of this community we love, first.” Now that’s community solidarity. Hats off to those candidates. That’s precisely why the 30th remains a great area for people to live. The 30th district, also covering Maspeth, Ridgewood and Glendale happened to host the closest race throughout the city. The three-way race ended with all three, Phil Wong, Paul Pogozelski and Dermot Smyth, each getting about 30% of the vote.  Wong had a slight edge after the first ballot. The ranked choice drop-down is in play. 

Rajkumar Even Lost in Her Own ED

Most thought Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar might give Jumaane Williams a run for his money for the public advocate’s race. Jumaane Williams had a decisive 80% of the vote and it was noted that the Queens Assemblywoman didn’t even beat him in her own Woodhaven, Richmond Hill Assembly district. You see, Rajkumar was that woman in the red dress in just about every picture Mayor Adams was in during the first two years of his mayoral bliss. In fact to some say it was even a bit creepy. We heard the chatter …. “Why is this red dress in every photo with the mayor?” Well it seems to some of our ‘undercover’ Albany trolls claim the red dress was always seeking higher office, not really paying too much attention to her district. Rumblings of a rival run for that Woodhaven Assembly seat is now in play.

Ramos Challenger

It seems another Queens Assemblywoman is looking to make a move. Assembly representative Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas is planning to look at a run for the State Senate seat currently held by Jessica Ramos. Ramos recently supported Cuomo for Mayor, which angered most on the left and sparked encouragement for a run against the Senator.



Matt Freese Displays PK Heroics in Gold Cup

webadmin on July 3, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

Penalty heroics by New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese sent the United States through to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals over Costa Rica. After a dramatic 2-2 match, the American shotstopper came up with a series of stops in the shootout.

The first to step up was Freese’s teammate Alonso Martinez, the leading goalscorer back in New York. Martinez was calm and collected, winking before slotting his spot kick down the middle. It would end up being the only shot Freese didn’t get a hand to.

Freese saved the second shot, this time diving to his left. On the third he went left again, but his touch couldn’t keep the shot out. Sebastian Berhalter followed that up with the first miss for the US, leveling the shootout after three rounds.

Freese came close to another save to his right, but again wasn’t able to keep the Costa Rican penalty out. This time Alex Freeman converted for the Americans to keep it tied entering round five.

With the game on the line, Freese came alive. With the Minnesota crowd behind him he made his second save of the shootout against Francisco Calvo, who had opened the scoring for Los Ticos from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. This time legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas answered with a save on John Tolkin to extend the match.

By this point, Freese was in the zone. The whole stadium knew what was coming and sure enough “Matty Ice” pounced to his right for a definitive stop against Andy Rojas. Damion Downs converted the final penalty for the US, ending an enthralling quarterfinal match.

On Wednesday night, the US took the field against semifinal debutants Guatemala. La Azul also advanced in a shootout, stunning Canada in an all-time Gold Cup upset. The other semifinal matchup pinned cup-holders Mexico against El Salvador, seeking their first appearance in the final since 1981. The CONCACAF Gold Cup Final is Sunday, July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kickoff will be at 7pm on Fox.

Back in the Northeast, New York City FC will be eagerly awaiting the return of their top goalscorer and shotstopper. They sit in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as the season enters the final 15 matches. There is still plenty of time to secure a postseason berth, but NYC needs to build some momentum quickly in order to secure a top seed.



Liberty Open 8-Game July Homestand vs LA

webadmin on July 3, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

The Liberty limped their way to the end of June, dropping five of their final seven after starting the season 9-0. Without star center Jonquel Jones, they’ve had a tough time on both slides of the floor with their lead in the East shrinking to half a game.

It seemed New York was going to begin righting the ship with a late win against the Valkyries in Golden State on Friday, but momentum swung right back with their largest margin of defeat this season in Phoenix and a tough loss to 2nd place Atlanta. In Phoenix, the Liberty had six players in double-figures, but Breanna Stewart’s team-high of 17 wasn’t enough to match Satou Sabally’s 25 for the Mercury. Satou’s sister Nyara Sabally added 16 for the Liberty.

In Atlanta, New York couldn’t stop the Dream’s shooting touch as they hit 53% of their shots, led by Brionna Jones’ 21 points and 20 from Allisha Gray. Natasha Cloud picked up her second 20-point game of the season and Stewart put up 21 in the losing effort for NY.

Some good news for New York is the return of Leonie Fiebich from international duty with Germany in the EuroBasket tournament. Fiebich averaged 14.8 points and 6 rebounds in her 6 games with Germany. The forward has been absent for New York’s entire seven-game skid and will provide shooting and playmaking on offense with size and versatility on the defensive end.

On Thursday night the Liberty will begin a vital homestand spanning nearly the entire month of July. They host the LA Sparks in the first of eight consecutive games at the Barclays Center. Los Angeles is one of five teams under the .500 mark, and New York will hope that they provide the spark needed to get back on track.

Following the game on Thursday, the Liberty will host the Seattle Storm on Sunday, July 6 at 1pm before taking on the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday July 8 at 8pm.

In other Liberty news, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart were both named starters for the WNBA All Star Game later this month. In their 12 games together they have both averaged over 20 points per game, the first time in Liberty history and fifth time in the W that two teammates have done so. The selections are Ionescu’s fourth and Stewart’s seventh, and the two will hit the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19.



Nets Set NBA Record With Five First Round Picks

webadmin on July 3, 2025

Cam Johnson traded to Denver for 2032 pick

Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets held onto all five of their first round draft picks in last week’s 2025 NBA Draft, setting a league record at the Barclays Center on Wednesday. Their top pick was BYU playmaker Egor Demin at #8, followed by French guard Nolan Traore, UNC wing Drake Powell, Israeli guard Ben Saraf, and Michigan big man Danny Wolf.

General Manager Sean Marks and Head Coach Jordi Fernandez have made their vision clear. They want a fast-flowing offense with playmakers who can slot into different positions and set up scorers. 

While they may have been hoping for Ace Bailey or Jeremiah Fears to drop to the 8th pick, Brooklyn seems quite pleased with their selection of Demin. His size and passing ability made him one of the top playmakers of the draft class, and although players like Khaman Maluach, Noa Essengue, and Derek Queen were available, Brooklyn stuck with their gut.

Brooklyn followed up their pick with the selection of Nolan Traore, another foreign-born, playmaking guard. With Saraf and Wolf also prominent playmakers, many wonder if these selections could be a bit redundant.

Only Drake Powell breaks Brooklyn’s 1st round mold, with North Carolina standout bringing athleticism and “3&D” potential at the #22 pick. In addition, Brooklyn added Alabama big Grant Nelson to a training camp deal to compete for a two-way contract.

With the start of the NBA offseason, the Nets also made a few big moves. On Monday Brooklyn dealt top trade asset Cameron Johnson to the Denver Nuggets for a 2032 unprotected first rounder and sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. The move lands a valuable future pick and a young star scorer while giving Johnson a chance to contend for a ring with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Former Net Bruce Brown previously won a championship with Jokic and Denver in 2023.

Brooklyn also retained wing Ziaire Williams and center Day’ron Sharpe on two-year deals. Both provided valuable depth despite a difficult season and will return as the Nets continue crafting their team for the future. Young guard Cam Thomas was also extended a qualifying offer, with Brooklyn hoping to bring him back on a miulti-year deal.



St. John’s Standouts Sign NBA Deals After Draft

webadmin on July 3, 2025

Luis Jr., Richmond, Scott, and Smith sign with Utah, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta

By Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

Four recent Red Storm stars are headed to the NBA. St. John’s basketball standouts RJ Luis Jr., Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith have all signed NBA deals following last week’s 2025 Draft. 

No Johnnies were selected in the two rounds of the draft, but they were quickly picked up before the end of the week. Luis Jr., the former Big East Player of the Year, signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. Richmond signed a two-way deal with the Washington Wizards, while Scott and Smith signed Summer League deals with the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks respectively.

Luis Jr. was projected to be a possible late second-rounder, but remained on the board after the final day of the draft on Thursday. While undrafted and on a two-way deal, he joins former Rutgers star Ace Bailey, NCAA Champion Walter Clayton Jr., and Wisconsin sharpshooter John Tonje in a loaded Jazz draft class.

Brooklyn-born Kadary Richmond will be adding depth to a retooling Wizards team fresh off a trade for CJ McCollum and top-10 pick in Tre Johnson. Like Luis Jr., his two-way deal will help him pick up valuable G-League minutes amid strong competition.

For both Scott and Smith, they’ll have to prove their value in Summer League, which tips off later this month. Scott will be with the Celtics, who are searching for gems in the wake of Jayson Tatum’s achilles injury. Smith will be with the Hawks, hoping to land a pro deal to play near his hometown of Decatur, GA.

Meanwhile in Queens, St. John’s has crafted an elite transfer class as they prepare to follow up their strongest season in 40 years. After falling in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament, Rick Pitino has picked up Ian Jackson, Bryce Hopkins, Joson Sanon, Oziyah Sellers, and Dillon Mitchell to replace his graduating players and transfer departures.

It’s sure to be a fascinating season both for the Johnnies alumni in the NBA and Pitino’s St. John’s squad when both seasons tip-off this Fall.



Haliburton Hurt as Thunder Win First Ring of OKC Era

webadmin on July 3, 2025

NBA Offseason and Draft Officially Underway!

By Noah Zimmerman | noah@queensledger.com

The Larry O’Brien Trophy is heading to Oklahoma City for the first time, as the Thunder fended off the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7. It was the 20th Game 7 in Finals history and first since 2016, capping an all time classic series. 

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won a triple-crown with the regular season MVP, scoring title, and Finals MVP. Across the court, Tyrese Haliburton put on a postseason for the ages, with last-second game-tying or winning shots in every round of the playoffs. 

Unfortunately Haliburton’s dream was cut short, as a torn Achilles tendon cut his night short, likely sidelining him for the entire 2025-26 season. Without him the Pacers were unable to get past Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, both with terrific defensive nights for the Thunder.

In the wake of the dramatic season finale, attention shifts to the offseason and Draft. Moves have already started, with Kevin Durant traded to Houston. The Rockets now hold Durant and the picks Phoenix originally traded Brooklyn for him, but gave up the #10 pick in the deal. Phoenix will likely continue to be aggressive in trades, though it’s unclear what direction they’ll choose.

Brooklyn’s four first round selections gave them the most in the draft, also holding the 6th pick in Thursday’s second round. The Nets will also look to the trade market, as they are a probable dumping ground for bloated expiring contracts.

Across town, the Knicks didn’t have much to do in the draft. After parting with most of their picks in trades, New York only held the 50th overall pick in Round 2. The Knicks have their work cut out for them, as they still have a head coach to hire following their firing of Tom Thibodeau.

Next season is sure to be a fascinating one, especially in the East. With Achilles injuries to Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, the Bucks, Celtics, and Pacers will all be missing their first guard option, likely for the whole year. It’s a perfect opportunity for the Knicks to go all-in, as most contenders will be hailing from the Western Conference.



Fill the Form for Events, Advertisement or Business Listing