QED Astoria Kambri Crews

Today, I am excited to shine the spotlight on a unique venue which has just opened in Astoria, Queens: Q.E.D. – A Place to Show and Tell!

I first met Q.E.D. founder Kambri Crews in 2012, when she attended TrivWorks’ trivia fund raiser with Pat Kiernan benefiting Hurricane Sandy relief (her husband, comedian Christian Finnegan, opened the show – he has since been announced as a TrivWorks “Special Host” for NYC team building and corporate entertainment events).

Kambri and I share a similar background, in that we both not only come from the PR/events world, but also worked in programming at the 92nd Street Y – me as Director of Adult Education, Kambri booking comedy at the former 92YTribeca space. This past fall, Kambri combined all of her unique skills & experiences to launch Q.E.D., a venue she playfully describes as “after-school for grown-ups.” I recently sat down with her to talk shop, and learn more about this exciting new event space:

1.     At what point did you recognize the need for quality adult education/recreation programming in Astoria?

I mentor a young girl and often pick her up at her after-school program. The kids are always participating in awesome activities: they paint, learn new languages, watch movies, they go on field trips, and I thought, “Why can’t grown-ups have that?”

2.     Why do you think a place like Q.E.D. hasn’t opened in Astoria until now?

I have no idea – there are so many creative people living here! Maybe because we have SUCH an easy commute to Manhattan people figure it’s just as easy to go into the city or just stay after work?

3.     Adult enrichment is such a broad area – are there specific programming areas you are focusing on initially, and why?

Arts & crafts (painting, crocheting, calligraphy, etc.) and DIY projects like gardening, composting, canning and pickling. We also offer writing and performing classes. Really anything where we can be creative since Q.E.D. is about art forms of all types.

4.     You must receive a lot of inquiries from experts seeking to present at Q.E.D. – what is your programming criteria?

If you’re passionate about something and want to teach it, chances are someone is interested in learning it. We want classes to be affordable and accessible to everyone in Queens which is the most diverse place on Earth. Less time commitment is a bonus, too, since our lives are so busy! A two hour class for $20 where I walk away with something I made with my own hands? Yes, please!

Now, Kambri has a trivia question to ask YOU:

Which rock legend took time off in the mid-2000s to pursue a career as a New York City paramedic?

To answer, leave a comment below, send a tweet to @QEDAstoria or write on Q.E.D.’s Facebook wall!

Kambri Crews is the creator/founder of Q.E.D. Astoria. A veteran stand-up comedy producer/promoter, she served as the Director of Marketing & PR for the comedy club Comix, during which time she also created and managed the 50-seat venue Ochi’s Lounge.

Kambri lives in Queens, NY with her husband and proud Q.E.D. investor Christian Finnegan.