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August 21,
2017
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Deals & Promos
Announcements
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Services & Links
City of Boston Services
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This Week's Featured Event
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The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience at City Hall Plaza August 23rd
Natural Wonder, the ultimate Stevie Wonder cover group, will perform at City Hall Plaza on Wednesday, August 23rd.
This concert is part of the Dorothy Curran Wednesday Night Concert Series. This is a free concert open to all. The concert starts at 7 pm. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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City of Boston Vision Zero Data Challenge Final Presentations at
CIC Boston August 23rd
The finalists of the City of Boston's Vision Zero Data Challenge will deliver presentations on Wednesday, August 23rd at CIC Boston (50 Milk St., 5th Floor). Learn how you can help Boston install speed feedback signs, curb speeding and build safer streets.
This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information about the Vision Zero Data Challenge. This event is from 6 to 8 pm. |
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Metro Meeting Centers' 5th Annual Lunch to Support Cradles to Crayons
Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal St., 4th Floor) is hosting its 5th Annual Lunch to Support Cradles to Crayons on Thursday, August 24th.
Please bring one of the following: school supplies, clothes, shoes, sneakers, new or gently used books or hygiene products.
RSVP by emailing Maureen Ridings at mridings@metromeetingcenters.com. This event is from noon to 2:30 pm. |
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Screenings of Royal Shakespeare Company's 'The Tempest' Starts September 1st
ArtsEmerson is presenting four screenings of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "The Tempest" starting September 1st. The screenings will be at the Paramount Center (559 Washington St., Bright Family Screening Room).
Simon Russell Beale returned to the RSC after 20 years to play Prospero in this production directed by Gregory Doran. Click here to purchase tickets and for showtimes. |
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New Exhibit 'The Visual Metric' in
Lafayette City Center Passageway
The Griffin Museum of Photography's new exhibit, "The Visual Metric," recently debuted inside the Lafayette City Center Passageway.
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| Rachel Barrett's photography in the exhibit |
"Anyone from a manufacturing background has a propensity for visual depictions of measurement, process and outcome. Whether it be an Excel graph for tracking a trend, a work flow diagram following a widget through production or a fish bone chart to problem solve, it is easier to analyze with a pictorial rendering than a spread sheet of raw numbers or a written description of a procedure. This is the thread of the idea that led to the exhibit," wrote Paula Tognarelli, Executive Director and Curator of the Griffin Museum of Photography.
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| Roger Archibald's photograph in the exhibit |
There are 50 photographs and 42 photographers.
The exhibit is a partnership between the Griffin Museum of Photography, the Lafayette City Center and the Downtown Boston BID.
This exhibit is free for anyone to view. The Lafayette City Center Passageway (2 Avenue De Lafayette) links Macy's with the Hyatt Regency Boston, and is open to the public 10 am to 6 pm.
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St. Paul's Lunchtime Performance Series on Mondays and Thursdays
The BID's successful lunchtime music series outside of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.) features solo artists performing on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm.
The Opera Guy will perform Thursday, August 24th. Todd Brunel, pictured above, will perform Monday, August 28th.
Seating is provided, so bring your lunch and have a seat to enjoy the free entertainment. |
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The Fountain Music Series at
133 Federal Street Plaza
The BID's Fountain Music Series at 133 Federal Street Plaza offers live free musical performances on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 2 pm.
Ben Blacnhard will perform
Wednesday, August 23rd.
Nico Rivers will perform
Friday, August 25th.
Kathleen Parks, pictured above, will perform
Monday, August 28th.
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7 Days a Week:
Live Music at The Steps on Franklin St.
There is live music at The Steps on Franklin Street above the MBTA's Downtown Crossing Station by Millennium Tower every day through the fall.
Here are some of the scheduled performances for the next week:
Code 51 on Tue., Aug. 22nd from noon-2 pm; Wed., Aug. 23rd from noon-2 pm and 4:30-6:30 pm
Box of Birds on Tue., Aug. 22nd from 4:30-6:30 pm
Left on Trio on Thu., Aug. 24th from noon-2 pm
Gypsy Jazz on Thu., Aug. 24th from 4:30-6:30 pm
Sumner & Moss Country Band on Fri., Aug. 25th from noon-2 pm
Ryan Accardi on Sat., Aug. 26th from 4:30-6:30 pm
Square Pegs on Sun. Aug. 27th from noon-2 pm
Opera Guy and Friends, pictured, on Sun., Aug. 27th from 4:30-6:30 pm
Brianna Musco on Mon., Aug. 28th from noon-2 pm |
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Berklee College of Music Series at 100 Summer Street on
Tuesdays and Thursdays
The Berklee College of Music Series is at the 100 Summer Street Plaza every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 2 pm.
Lior Tzemach
will perform Tuesday, August 22nd and Thursday, August 24th. Since he started playing the guitar at the age of 11, Lior Tzemach has had a unique perspective on music and art and the deep feeling of self-discovery through them.
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Free Yoga Classes on Friday
at The Steps by Women's Fitness of Boston
Women's Fitness of Boston (27 School St.) has partnered with the Downtown Boston BID to offer free yoga classes on Fridays. Classes will be at The Steps at Franklin and Washington streets from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
The class will be a mat workout teaching flexibility, strength and conditioning and will incorporate all styles of yoga. This is a drop-in class and no registration is needed. Please bring your own mat. |
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Downtown Boston
Bands and
Singers Strolling Streets
The Downtown Boston BID's summer entertainment season features three performance groups who are strolling throughout the Downtown Crossing area.
The Downtown Boston Dixieland Band is strolling through the area on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays twice
daily from
noon to 2 pm
and again from
4:30 to 6:30 pm
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The Downtown Boston Brass Band is strolling through the area on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays twice daily from noon to 2 pm and again from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
The Downtown Boston Singers, a quartet singing group, is strolling through the area performing on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 2 pm and again from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects and More
Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level.
Looking for the latest u
pdates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click
here.
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BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services
in Downtown
The
Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors
provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
B
ID Ambassadors
provide walking escorts when needed and
they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining! Please call 617-261-0066 if you want to contact our BID ambassador services program. You can also email help@bostonbid.org.
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping
- Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
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You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website
If you have an upcoming event you can now submit it to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event.
Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in the newsletter or on the BID social media accounts and promoted elsewhere.
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BID Internships Available
The Downtown Boston BID is seeking qualified, enthusiastic interns to assist with the following projects:
- Office administration and customer service
- Policy research and analysis
- Data collection, input and management
- Marketing
- Urban planning
- Special events
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Additional BID Services & Info
- Communication and Business Networking
- Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood issues
- Entertainment programming
- Member Advocacy
- Capital/Public Improvements
- Wayfinding
- Please click here for the Downtown Boston BID's Welcome Guide that provides a look at many of the BID's accomplishments in leading the transformation of Downtown Crossing
- For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
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You Won't See This For A Long Time:
A Total Solar Eclipse
Thousands of people took to the streets today to view a partial solar eclipse in Downtown Boston. In celebration of the solar eclipse the Downtown Boston BID purchased and distributed 300 pairs of sunglasses designed to protect eyes when viewing today's total solar eclipse.
The BID handed out the special sunglasses in Downtown Crossing and at 125 Summer Street Plaza. The total solar eclipse was to start at 1:30 pm and conclude at 4 pm. It was expected to peak at 2:45 pm. This was last seen in North America in 1979.
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Thank You to Everyone Who
Kept Our City Safe
The Downtown Boston BID would like to thank everyone who participated peacefully in this past weekend's rallies on the Boston Common. We would like to specifically acknowledge and recognize the exemplary work of the city and state agencies and organizations who worked to keep our city safe. As Mayor Martin Walsh said, "Boston stood for peace and love, not bigotry and hate. We should work to bring people together, not apart."
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BID Summer Members Meeting
Attendees Updated on
New Restaurants, Entertainment, Developments and More
The Downtown Boston BID held its summer members meeting at Convene (One Boston Place) on August 16th. More than 140 people attended to learn about the BID's upcoming initiatives, as well as to hear updates from restaurateurs, developers and a special visit from Boston's Town Crier.
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| BID Board Chairman John "Jack" Spurr Jr. speaks at the BID Summer Members Meeting. |
BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone provided an update of the BID's recent work and the strategic plan: continuing to promote downtown Boston as a vibrant, welcoming community and creating new destination events like the Taste of Downtown Crossing, Boston Fashion Week and this year's inaugural ILLUMINUS festival.
Sansone was also "interrupted" by Boston's Town Crier James Wilson. Played by a Revolutionary player from the Boston Tea Party Museum, Wilson announced the BID's collaboration with Revolution250 to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the USA. While Wilson was speaking two Redcoats, pictured below, stormed in and removed Wilson. The audience loved the performance!
Whitney Robinette, Vice President of L3 Capital, provided an update about the company's redevelopment of 399 Washington St. (old Barnes & Noble building). She said L3 Capital plan to restore the building through an extensive renovation. It is expected that retail will be on the first two stores and office space in the upper three floors.
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Massachusetts Speaker of the House
Robert DeLeo attended the BID Summer Members meeting. |
Restaurateur Ed Kane of Big Night Entertainment provided an update about his new restaurant, Explorateur (186 Tremont St.) opening very soon inside of the Grand Lodge of Masons. "It's something that reminds me of London. It's got a grand European cafe feeling," said Kane describing the restaurant. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a California-French influence.
Other speakers included: BID Board Chairman John "Jack" Spurr Jr. of A.W. Perry; Maria Toyoda, Dean of Suffolk University's College of Arts & Sciences; Michael Pelletz, Vice President of Sales, Dreamland Wax Museum; and Lyn Burke, Co-founder of LuminArtz.
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Tickets Now on Sale for
2nd Annual Taste of Downtown Crossing!
More than 20 restaurants will showcase their culinary creations at the 2nd Annual Taste of Downtown Crossing on Sunday, September 24th.
There will be culinary demonstrations, beer and wine, live musicians, portrait artists and games for children! The Taste will be from noon to 3 pm.
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Uncorked! Taste Wine Bar & Cafe
Now Open on Summer Street
The Taste Wine Bar & Cafe (101 Summer St.) opened today, offering wine by the glass, beer, delicious food like avocado toast and charcuterie. The bar and cafe also hosts tastings, private events and more.
"We're an urban tasting room with education, a place for people who enjoy wine, beer and cheese to hang out. We believe the more you taste and learn, the more your taste and enjoyment grows. We want to help you explore with confidence, and our menu promotes sampling and 'DIY' learning. We also offer regular guided tastings, classes and we're available for private events," said Christopher Hsi.
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| Jennifer Scott and Christopher Hsi, owners of the Taste Wine Bar & Cafe |
The Taste Wine Bar & Cafe is also a sister business to the Common Vines Wine Shop (100 Summer St., Devonshire Street entrance). So it's easy to go across the street to purchase the wine, beer and cheese you had at Taste Wine Bar & Cafe to bring home.
The Taste Wine Bar & Cafe is open 11 am to 9 pm daily. After Labor Day the restaurant will be open for breakfast starting at 9 am to serve pastries, breakfast bowls, frittatas and more.
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BID Wayfinding Kiosks Touted on
Society of Experiential Graphic Design Tour
The Downtown Boston BID wayfinding kiosks were highlighted during a tour as part of a Society of Experiential Graphic Design Tour on August 17th.
"City tours are a staple of SEGD conferences. Members love to explore and examine fully implemented wayfinding programs in their environments. The Downtown Boston BID has done such an incredible job making these directories an integral part of the city landscape. We at DCL were thrilled to be a part of it. It was an honor to be able to share their story with the SEGD community," said
Mike McCarthy, Vice President of Design Communications LTD and on the SEGD Board of Directors.
Held on August 18th, the workshop included designers, makers, integrators and planners involved in the creation of signage and wayfinding systems to engage in dialogue on critical topical issues and best practices in the field.
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Tickets Available for ArtsEmerson's
'Stage to Screen' Series
Tickets are now available for ArtsEmerson's 2017-2018 film programming, including its "Stage to Screen" series. The series showcases international theater productions, including from the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre Live, Stratford Festival and more.
Screenings take place at the Emerson Paramount Center (559 Washington St., Bright Family Screening Room). Please click here for more information, a full schedule of screenings and to purchase tickets. You can also purchase tickets by calling 617-824-8400. |
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Discounts for Upcoming
BASE Course Offerings
The Boston Area Spanish Exchange's (101 Arch St., 8th Floor) next seven-week course period will begin the week of September 18th. The registration deadline is September 8th.
Downtown Boston BID newsletter readers are being offered a 5% tuition waver by using the code: BOSTONBID5. There's an additional $25 coupon available for those signing up for Portuguese and Arabic courses using the codes: PORTUGUESE or ARABIC. There'a also a $100 coupon for those signing up for an Intensive or Ultra-Intensive course using the code: IMMERSION. Click here to learn more, for course descriptions and to register. |
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New Menu Items Debut at The Merchant
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) has added several new items to its lunch and dinner menus.
New menu items include a chicken Caprese sandwich, tuna crudo, a seared tuna salad and more. Click
here for the new menus.
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Call for Artist Proposals: ILLUMINUS 2017
The ILLUMINUS nighttime public art festival has put out a call for artist proposals for this year's event happening on November 3rd and 4th. This is an opportunity for Boston's artists, designers, performers, and creative technologists to showcase their most thoughtful, innovative and imaginative works.
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| The Prudential Tower was lit to say "ART HUB" as part of ILLUMINUS 2015. |
This year ILLUMINUS has partnered with LuminArtz and the Downtown Boston BID to present the festival throughout the Downtown Crossing neighborhood. The festival will not be centralized in one location, but spread through the neighborhood streets -- taking over plazas, alleys, and building facades, creating a captivating network of installations for people to explore and enjoy.
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| Polka dots projected onto a building in Boston during ILLUMINUS in 2014 (Photo by Greg Cook for WBUR) |
Individuals and creative teams are invited to submit new or existing works for consideration. Projects being sought should be innovative, cross disciplinary boundaries and engage a diverse public audience.
Funding from $1,000 to $10,000 will be available. Submissions are due by 11:59 pm on September 1st. Click here for more information, application details and requirements. |
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It's That Time of Year Again:
Know About City of Boston
Recycling and Trash Guidelines for
Move Out Days
August and September are two very busy months when it comes to residents moving in and out of buildings. It's important that residents, property owners and managers are aware of the City of Boston's Recycling & Trash guidelines. Failure to comply with regulations may result in fines issued by the Code Enforcement Division.
Please place trash and recycling out for collection no later than 7 am on the scheduled day. Place trash curbside and put a lid on it or secure it properly. Offenses may be reported to the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500 or 311.
Click here for more information about Trash & Recycling Guidelines, and to learn about your specific Trash & Recycling Day. |
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Hyatt Regency Boston Offers
Historic Walks on Wednesdays
The Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette) offers free historic walks on Wednesdays. Tours include visiting locations like the Boston Common, Old City Hall, State House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall and more.
Tours are provided by Hyatt Regency Boston employees. Please meet in the Hyatt Regency Boston main lobby by the front desk at 5 pm.
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Take a Book, Leave a Book:
BID Little Free Library at
Walgreens Plaza
The Downtown Boston BID's Little Free Library is outside of Walgreens on Washington Street and is very popular. Readers are welcome to take a book, and encouraged to leave a book. People are also welcome to donate books by leaving them at the library or contacting Kristen Flanagan at kflanagan@bostonbid.org to organize a pickup in the downtown area.
The BID's Little Free Library is officially registered with the Little Free Library non-profit organization. There are actually more than 50,000 registered little free libraries across the country and world!
The BID's Little Free Library is open 10 am to 6 pm daily (closed during inclement weather). |
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Vendors Wanted for 2017
Downtown Boston
Arts & Crafts Market
The Downtown Boston BID is seeking vendors for the
Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market program for 2017 to sell their products. The market is at Readers Park by the Irish Famine Memorial at the corner of Washington and School streets. The market operates on Wednesdays and Fridays through September 29th.
All artwork, crafts and food offerings must be original and handmade by you or your studio or enterprise. No mass-produced goods are allowed.
The Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market accepts arts and crafts in the following categories: fiber arts, fine art (painting, photography, sculpture), Christmas ornaments and holiday items, Judaica, blown glass, stained glass, clay/ceramics, metal, wood furniture, clothing and accessories, children's clothing and toys, pet items, jewelry, artisan foods, personal products (soap and fragrances), home decor and more.
Click here for more information and a vendor application. Also please contact Kristen Flanagan, Project Manager, at kflanagan@bostonbid.com with questions. |
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