Audra McDonald, Chess And 'The Red Violin'

Legendary performer Audra McDonald makes her Queens debut at the Colden Auditorium at Kupferberg Center for the Arts Saturday at 8 p.m. 

Joined by a jazz ensemble, McDonald, a two-time Grammy Award winner, will bring an intimate evening of favorite show tunes, including songs from her new album, “Go Back Home.” Having starred in ABC’s “Private Practice,” McDonald has also won a record-tying fifth Tony Award for her performance in The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess.

Chess Challenge

Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts presents its seventh annual Usdan Chess Challenge on Sunday at its specially designed Hexter Chess Center on Long Island.  Open to grades K-12, the tournament is US Chess Federation-rated, and will be directed by Usdan Chess Instructors Brian Karen and Joel Salman. To Register, call Usdan AT (631) 643-7900, write to info@usdan.com, or visit www.usdan.com. On-site registration is from 11:15-11:45 a.m. the day of the tournament, and the first round is at 12 p.m. Learn more. 

'The Red Violin'

Musica Reginae Productions presents “The Red Violin,” featuring American soloist Elizabeth Pitcairn playing the “Red Mendelssohn” Stradivarius, with pianist Barbara Podgurski. Together, they will perform a program of Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 454, Beethoven’s Sonata No.7 in C Minor, Richard Danielpour’s "River of Light," Massenet’sMeditation from Thaïs, the Inicu/Heifetz “Hora Staccato,” and Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs).

The concert will be held at Musica Reginae’s home at The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Avenue. A reception will follow the concert. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Craft and Gift Fair

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce will be holding its second Annual Craft and Gift Fair on Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Plainview Library parking lot at 999 Old Country Road in Plainview.

There are more than 40 vendors expected who will feature jewelry, homemade glass figurines, clothing and food.  Children will enjoy free face painting, courtesy of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce. Tickets can be purchased at the fair for bounce house rides, various carnival games, and cotton candy. Learn more.