John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument live in Queens County

Experience John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument live on August 30th

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument will perform a concert at Travers Park in Queens County, New York, on August 30, 2026. Yao’s musical project is characterized by large-scale, intricately arranged compositions blending elements of jazz, contemporary classical, and experimental music. The ensemble features a diverse instrumentation beyond typical orchestral setups, utilizing prepared piano, unconventional percussion, and electronic processing alongside traditional instruments to create layered and dynamic soundscapes. Yao's work often explores themes of memory, urban landscapes, and the interplay between acoustic and electronic textures.

Travers Park is a public park located in Jackson Heights, Queens. Established in 1948, the park occupies a 5.48-acre space bounded by 78th Street, 34th Avenue, 79th Street and 37th Avenue. It serves as a community gathering place and recreational area for residents of Jackson Heights and surrounding neighborhoods. Historically, the park has been a venue for local events including cultural festivals reflecting the diverse population of the area – notably celebrations related to the Bengali and Tibetan communities – as well as recreational sports leagues and community gardens.