They’re trying to strike a new chord for live music in Queens.
The chic Z Hotel in Long Island City is kicking off a summer concert series on its 14th floor outdoor rooftop Thursday night.
“It’s always DJs and clubs,” said Lisa Gneo, sales director at the boutique hotel on 43rd Ave. “It’s time to bring back some old school rock and roll.”
The live music will be held every Thursday — and if its successful it could extend into the winter months, Gneo said.
The opening act will be acoustic artist Walter Finley, 50, who has performed at venerable venues such as the B.B. King Blues Club in Times Square.
“I’ve been talking to my friends and telling them I’ve got to get my career to a higher ground,” joked the musician. “I’m excited about the show.”
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Finley said he’s going to lure musicians that he knows from his Manhattan performances for future shows.
“This is such a great artistic town,” he said of Queens. “Everyone thinks they need to go to Brooklyn or Soho.”
But the impending forecast may start Gneo’s rooftop concert series on a sour note.
The “rain or shine” performance would be pushed to a downstairs lounge if the thunder storms come as expected.
Gneo plans on outfitting the 300-person capacity roof with live feeds of the artists playing on televisions scattered throughout the space.
“I’m hoping it grows,” she said. “I wanted to bring something different to the neighborhood.”
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Queens isn’t particulary known for its music venues — especially the elevated variety, noted cultural afficionados.
“We’re a low altitude music place,” said Rob MacKay, head of the Queens Tourism Council.
Numerous one-story pubs and beer gardens host live music, which helps boost business, MacKay said.
Music venues play on the cult-like following that some acts wield to pack their doors.
“The band will have it’s own followers,” he said. “They’ll bring fans from wherever they are.”
The Z Hotel Concert Series, 11-01 43rd Ave. at 11th St. in Long Island City, (212) 319-7000, Thursdays starting June 13, 7 p.m. For info, visit www.zhotelny.com.
