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May 22,
2017
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
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This Week's Featured Event
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'Mamma Mia!' Opens at
Boston Opera House May 30th
The smash-hit musical "Mamma Mia!" is opening at the Boston Opera House on May 30th.
The story is told through the music of ABBA, as on the eve of her wedding, a daughter tries to learn which of three men is her father. Set in a Greek island paradise, the musical is fun and entertaining. Click here for tickets and showtimes. The show runs through June 4th.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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The Fountain Music Series at
133 Federal Street Plaza
The BID's Fountain Music Series at 133 Federal Street Plaza is back offering live free musical performances on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Kathleen Parks will perform Wednesday, May 24th and Friday, May 26th. |
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Old Crow Medicine Show Performing at Orpheum Theatre May 25th
The Old Crow Medicine Show will be performing Bob Dylan's "Blonde on Blonde" album on Thursday, May 25th at 8 pm. Click here for tickets.
Old Crow Medicine Show is an Americana string band from Nashville, Tennessee. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on September 17, 2013
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ArtsEmerson Screenings of 'Chapter and Verse' Through May 28th
ArtsEmerson is screening "Chapter and Verse" through May 28th.
The film is about a reformed gang leader, who after serving eight years in prison, re-enters society and struggles to adapt to a changed Harlem. He's got a tough parole officer in a halfway house, and is unable to find a job that will let him use the technological skills he gained in prison. He ends up taking a job for a food pantry where he befriends Ms. Maddy, a strong and spirited grandmother.
Tickets are $10. Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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7 Days a Week:
Live Music at The Steps on Franklin St.
There will be live music at The Steps on Franklin Street above the MBTA's Downtown Crossing Station by Millennium Tower every day through the spring and summer.
Here are some of the scheduled performances for the following week:
Honeysuckle on Tue., May 23rd, 4:30-6:30 pm
Brandon Shah on Wed., May 24th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Barrett Blues on Thu., May 25th, noon-2 pm
Left on Trio on Thu., May 25th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Sumner & Moss Country Band, pictured, on Fri. May 26th, noon-2 pm and 4:30-6:30 pm
Elif Cakmut Group on Sat., May 27th, noon-2 pm
Riverside Theatre Works' Youth Showcase on Sat., May 27th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Elif Cakmut Group on Sun., May 28th, noon-2 pm
The Opera Guy & Friends on Sun., May 28th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Joe Weinberg on Mon., May 29th, noon-2 pm
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Over the Edge
Champions
Reception at Hyatt Regency Boston May 30th
The Over the Edge Champions' Reception will be on Tuesday, May 30th at the Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Avenue de Lafayette).
Attendees will be able to learn more about how to rappel off the roof of the hotel in July to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. Appetizers will be served and there will be a cash bar. RSVP to [email protected] or call 508-485-0986 x256. Click here for more info. This event will be from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
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Boston Ballet's 'Robbins/The Concert' at Boston Opera House Thru May 27th
The Boston Ballet's "Robbins/The Concert" is at the Boston Opera House through May 27th.
"Experience the perfect unity of dance and music in this program of works by Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, and Jorma Elo," says the Boston Ballet's website. The music of Frédéric Chopin, Igor Stravinsky and J.S. Bach is featured.
Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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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.) is back! Solo artists will be performing on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm.
Kathleen Parks will perform Thursday, May 25th. Todd Brunel, pictured, will perform Monday, May 29th.
Seating is provided, so bring your lunch and have a seat to enjoy the free entertainment. |
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Boston Ballet's 'The Sleeping Beauty' at Boston Opera House
Thru May 27th
The Boston Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty" is at the Boston Opera House through May 27th.
The ballet is the classic tale of a princess who is stuck in a century-long slumber and she can only be awoken by her true love's kiss.
Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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'Old South Abbey/A Downtown Experience' Dinner and Show at
Old South Meeting House June 1st
Downtown Abbey is coming to the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) in a unique evening of dinner and theater on Thursday, June 1st.
Join History At Play TM Founder and Artistic Director Judith Kalaora and her ensemble of players for an unforgettable evening where you become part of the action. Period attire (1920s-era)
is optional and encouraged!
Celebrate the engagement of Lady Mary and Matthew Reginald Crawley of the well-loved PBS series "Downton Abbey" -- transplanted into "Old South Abbey." Surround yourself with your favorite characters from the series, as you become a part of this lighthearted celebration. In the midst of the festivities, however, guests will learn that the Abbey's future is clouded in uncertainty. If only they can locate the missing will of Old South's cherished benefactor, Countess Mary Hemenway, then the estate can be saved! Lady Mary and Matthew are joined by family and staff in a whirlwind of entertainment, including songs, dancing and plenty of laughs.
Tickets include a light supper and dessert. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $40 for OSMH members. Tickets are limited so purchase yours by clicking here. This event starts at 6:30 pm. |
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'Blood On The Snow' at Old State House Starting June 1st
"Blood On The Snow" is a live, face-to-face dramatic encounter with one of the formative events of the American Revolution--staged in the very room where the real-life incident happened--in the Old State House (206 Washington St.)..The play opens June 1st and runs through August 20th.
The play is about the aftermath of the Boston Massacre, as the town's leaders desperately struggle to prevent more bloodshed.
Due to the intimate nature of this production, there will be no late seating. Only 50 seats will be available per performance.Click here for tickets and showtimes.
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The Berklee College of Music Series at 100 Summer Street Plaza Twice a Week
The Berklee College of Music Series features Berklee students on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the 100 Summer Street Plaza from noon to 2 pm.
Ethan Setiawan, pictured, will perform on Tuesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 25th. Atileo Tedoli will perform on Tuesday, May 30th. All performances are free and open to the public. |
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Downtown Boston
Bands and
Singers Strolling Streets
The Downtown Boston BID's spring 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 at
4:30 to 6:30 pm
.
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 at
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 at 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
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Workout Wednesday at The Steps with Host Jon Malone
The Downtown Boston BID's latest series, Workout Wednesday, is on Wednesdays at The Steps at Millennium Tower on Franklin Street. Jon Malone, the founder of Vive, LLC., will be hosting this weekly series at noon offering varied workout options with downtown area businesses. All events are free and participating is encouraged!
Tai chi, boxing, yoga, cycling and more --- Malone will talk with experts in these health-conscious disciplines -- and to get the audience participating.
If you are a Downtown Boston health-based business interested in being a guest during Workout Wednesday please contact Mike Testa and [email protected] or Jon Malone at [email protected]. |
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'Aviary' Exhibit at
Lafayette City Center Passageway
The free art exhibit, "Aviary," is at the Lafayette City Center Passageway and compels passersby to stop, look at the imagery, and not just fly through the hallway.
The
Lafayette City Center Passageway connects Avenue de Lafayette to Macy's
and is
open daily to the public from 10 am to 6 pm
.
The exhibit is part of the ongoing photography series at the Passageway by the Griffin Museum of Photography. This exhibit is supported by the
Abbey Group,
Lafayette City Center and the
Downtown Boston Business Improvement District.
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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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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 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
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at:
[email protected]
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Local Fashion Designers
Show Off Their Stuff at
Boston Fashion Week's Open Runway
It's not everyday that there's a fashion show in Downtown Crossing--let alone one with local designers. So it was a very special occasion last Thursday when Boston Fashion Week's Open Runway took place on the stage at the Steps by Millennium Tower.
"I created Open Runway as an extension of Boston Fashion Week programming to provide a free public platform for designers at every stage of their careers, allowing them to express themselves and get on the radar of local industry professionals as well as the public--even if that means a single outfit," said Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week (below left), who also hosted the event. "Last year's pilot surprised me both in its scope and scale. We had over 45 designers register, who ranged in age from 14 to 74. One of last year's designers went on to be a contestant on the latest season of Project Runway -- Nathalie JM. I can't thank Terri Mahn and the Downtown Boston BID team enough for making this dream a reality."
"For me Open Runway is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our local talented designers. We get to throw a spotlight on fashion designers of all ages in an open public forum," said Terri Mahn of thestylistcloset, who created the event (above right). "My hope is that the designers will use Open Runway as a springboard to continue and share their creative spirit."
Open Runway is part of the Platform Downtown series, which is a partnership between Boston Fashion Week and the Downtown Boston BID.
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Congratulations to BID Board Chairman
Jack Spurr, Jr. on Retiring from A.W. Perry
BID Board Chairman John "Jack" Spurr, Jr. was thrown a surprise party on May 17th in honor of his "semi-retiring" from A.W. Perry. He was the company's president and CEO from March 2004 until March 2017.
Spurr joined A.W. Perry in 1982 after a career as a CPA. He has a BA from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from Cornell University.
Spurr will continue to serve as the vice chair of A.W. Perry's Board of Directors while overseeing the company's South Shore residential development division. He will also continue to serve as BID Chair.
Spurr will also be busy in "semi-retirement" as an active principal of TR Advisors, a member of the board of directors and audit committee of the Independent Bank Corporation, a director of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, and the chairman of Friendship Home, Inc.
Said Spurr, "Over my career, I've been blessed to connect with many people around the missions of A.W. Perry and nonprofit organizations which I've had the opportunity to lead, including the Downtown Boston BID. My retirement celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with and thank many of the people who contributed to my success. I am grateful to my family, the A.W. Perry team and all who were there."
"We would like to congratulate Jack and thank him for all he has done and continues to do," said BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone. "Simply put, he is amazing!"
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Omni Parker House "Says Goodnight To Hunger," Celebrates JFK Centennial
Last Thursday, the Omni Parker House hosted its annual "Here Comes Omni" event honoring top clients. The theme for this year's event was "Say Goodnight To Hunger," highlighting the hotel's contributions to Feeding America and the Greater Boston Food Bank. Through this program, the hotel has donated dinners to over 7,500 families in metro Boston. The BID congratulates the Omni Parker House for its success in providing so many donations for this worthy cause.
More Omni Parker House news: through May 27th, the hotel is celebrating
John F. Kenndey's centennial with a
The Omni Parker House was, in many ways, JFK's "home away from home" throughout his life. He gave his first public speech there at age six, at a party for his grandfather. He announced his bid for Congress in 1946 in the hotel's Press Room, and hosted his bachelor party there seven years later. Call Parker's Restaurant at 617-725-1600 for more information and to make reservations.
Finally, tune in to
WCVB Channel 5's Chronicle this Friday evening at 7:30 pm to catch an episode dedicated to the legacy of John F. Kennedy, featuring footage of the Omni Parker House.
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Jewelry, Antique Maps and More:
Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market on
Wednesdays and Fridays
The popular Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market is back, with vendors selling handmade or original items at Walgreens Plaza on Wednesdays and Fridays.
This week, Recycled Glass, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Intaglio Antique Prints and Maps, Fashion for Empowerment and Fiber & Water will be at the market.
Recycled Glass offers handmade necklaces, bracelets and more made from recycled glass.
Karol Peralta Jewelry
is handmade by Karol Peralta and features Swarovski crystals in bracelets, earrings and more. Intaglio Antique Prints and Maps sells original antique maps and images.
Fashion for Empowerment
provides the "necessary skills and resources" to sell items from artists "to
prevent poverty and violence toward women and girls around the world by empowering them to be economically independent and self-sustaining." And Fiber & Water provides home decor screens printed on the coast of Maine, including framed wall art, bridal monograms, toss pillows, tote bags and custom designs.
"The Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market is a great place to get a bracelet made from recycled glass, an exquisite handmade towel, and much more," said Kristen Flanagan, Project Manager for the BID. "Vendors are changing every week so there will be new offerings all the time. Stop by on your lunch break or while on your way home from work."
The Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market is at the
Walgreens Plaza (corner of School and Washington streets) from
11 am to 6 pm on Wednesday and Fridays.
This year's Arts & Crafts Market is still accepting applications! If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please click here for the application or contact Kristen Flanagan, [email protected] with questions.
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Congratulations to Project Place on Its
50th Anniversary
of
Opening Doors to Opportunity
In 1967, Harvard seminary student Peter Callaway and five other classmates established Place, a refuge where young people who had nothing could get a bed, a meal, embrace community and meet adults who listened rather than lectured. The name was soon changed to Project Place, and in the last 50 years, the organization has grown and helped more than 7,000 people in need with legal, educational, housing and employment services.
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| In 1967, Project Place began as Place, a supportive community for runaway youth. |
Project Place and the Downtown Boston BID have partnered since the BID's inception. The BID's Ambassador program hires from out Project Place's job training program, and the BID contracts with Project Place to do overnight watering of hanging flower baskets. The BID also employs three Project Place individuals to be seasonal Ambassadors from April through October. Many Project Place trainees go on to become full-time BID Ambassadors.
"Our relationship with Project Place has been great. They provide people who want to work in our Ambassador program. People who have a personality for customer service, want to be outside and in a downtown environment," said Steve Brookes, the BID Ambassador Operations Director. "Three out of our six Ambassadors of the Year have been hired from Project Place. The BID is proud to work with Project Place and congratulates them on their 50th anniversary!" |
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Time for Owners to Register Their
Rental Units with
City of Boston
If you own a rental property, you must register it with the City each year. You must register your rental property every year. The deadline to register is July 1st.
There are three ways to register: register online by clicking here, download and fill out the registration form and mail or deliver it in person to the Inspectional Services Division . |
Longtime Downtown Property Owner Honored By Brookline Congregation
On June 10th, The
Young Israel of Brookline congregation will honor
BID property owner member Morris Naggar and his wife, Joyce Naggar, with its "Keter Torah" (Crown Torah) award.
Per the congregation's announcement, the award honors congregation members who "personify the values and traditions of our community and who through their dedication and generosity elevate the crown of our synagogue and all that it represents." Naggar, as principal of 3MJ Realty Co.,
recently renovated 44 Winter St. and 6 Hamilton Pl., adding over 40 new apartment units to Downtown Crossing's residential stock. The BID congratulates Morris on his achievement!
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The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Names
Robert Bruce New Executive Chef
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common, which includes Artisan Bistro and Avery Bar, announced that Robert Bruce has been appointed the hotel's new executive chef. He
will oversee all of the hotel's food and beverage programming including menu creation and execution for some of Boston's most high-profile events, galas and weddings hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston.
"
We are thrilled to welcome Chef Robert to The Ritz-Carlton, Boston and look forward to sharing his internationally influenced style of cooking with our guests," said
Tim Terceira,
General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston.
"
His passion and unique culinary inspiration and sense of adventure, not to mention his travels abroad, will bring a new level of creative cuisine to the hotel."
Most recently Bruce served as executive s
ous c
hef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas for three years where he oversaw all culinary operations for the award-winning resort. Educated at School Craft College in Lavonia, Michigan, Bruce has an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, Culinary Arts.
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Signup for Free Downtown Boston BID Lunchtime Baggo League
The Downtown Boston BID's Lunchtime Baggo League is kicking off a new season and it is free to participate. The league will be at the 125 Summer Street Plaza on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and each session only takes about 30 minutes to play.
Please email
Mike Testa at
[email protected] to sign up to play or if you have questions. All participants will receives prizes.
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Books Wanted!
BID Little Free Library Continues
To Be A Great Success
The general public is invited to donate free books to the Downtown Boston BID's Little Free Library located outside of Walgreens on Washington Street. People are invited to contact Kristen Flanagan at [email protected] 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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New Menu Item: Lobster Roll at Uno Due Go
Uno Due Go (52 Summer St.) is offering a sumptuous Lobster Roll for a limited time starting on May 15th. It's only $13.99 -- so stop in before it's gone.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
New Seasonal 3-Course Menu
Ruth's Chris Steak House (45 School St.) is offering a new 3-course menu with a choice of four different appetizers, three sides, seven entrees and one dessert.
The cost varies from $44.95 to $59.95 depending upon what you order (beef costs more). Click here to see the full menu and to make reservations or call 617-742-8401. |
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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 [email protected].
- 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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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 2016 BID Report to learn about 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 [email protected].
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