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April 30,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Deals & Promos
City Services & Important Hotlines
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
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This Week's Featured Event
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Global Arts, Eats & Beats Celebrates West African Culture at CIC Boston
May 4th
Global Arts, Eats & Beats is a one-night event that celebrates diverse cultures that make up our world by sharing unique traditions of the world through art, food and music. The next Global Arts, Eats & Beats will be at CIC Boston (121 Devonshire St.) on Friday, May 4th.
There will be music by visiting artists from Guinea, Famoro Dioubate and Missia Saran "The African Tina Turner" Dioubate, who will be accompanied by local dancer Joh Camara. There will be African fine art exhibitions from Amooti, Zainab Sumu and vendors from the region.
Food will be provided by Suya Joint, Taranga, Tambo's Kitchen, with coffee by beantrust and Taaling Tea. This event is from 4 to 8 pm, and free, but registration is requested by clicking here.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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TEDxCambridge with Seven Speakers and Boston Ballet Performance at
Boston Opera House May 3rd
A TEDxCambridge event will feature seven speakers and a performance by the Boston Ballet at the Boston Opera House on Thursday, May 3rd.
Speakers include Andrea Lauer, Andrew McAfee, Ezra Yoeli, Lisa Feldman Barret and more. There will also be a performance by the Boston Ballet. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. This event starts at 7 pm. |
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Brandi Carlile Performing at
Orpheum Theatre May 4th & 5th
Brandi Carlile is performing at the Orpheum Theatre on May 4th and May 5th. The Secret Sisters are the opening act. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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'Tree Talk' Artist Talk at
Lafayette City Center May 5th
Six photographers will talk about their work in the "Tree Talk" exhibition currently at the Lafayette City Center Passageway (passageway between Macy's and Avenue de Lafayette) on Saturday, May 5th. This event is part of ArtWeek.
The photographers will also talk about how trees impact their lives. After the talk the program will open up to the audience to discuss the importance of trees in their lives and how trees communicate with each other and with the people.
"Tree Talk" is an exhibition of 66 photographers from all over the world who have featured trees as themes in the exhibition that is at the Passageway through May 30th (see below for more info about exhibit).
This free event is from 4 to 6 pm and open to the public. The exhibition is brought to the public by the Griffin Museum of Photography, the Abbey Group and the Downtown Boston BID. |
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SiriusXM Presenting Todd Rundgren's Utopia at Orpheum Theatre
May 6th
SiriusXM is presenting Todd Rundgren's Utopia at the Orpheum Theatre on Sunday, May 6th. Doors open at 6 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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ArtsEmerson 2018/19 Season
Preview Event on May 7th
ArtsEmerson will be announcing its 2018/2019 season on Monday, May 7th at the Paramount Center.
"We believe in the power of art to inspire connection across differences. In true ArtsEmerson fashion, our ninth season springs from a diversity of styles, voices and cultures; telling new and classic stories that illuminate the contemporary moment," said ArtsEmerson Artistic Director David Dower and Executive Director David Howse.
This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required by registering here. The event begins at 6:30 pm. A reception will follow the preview event. |
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Patchtax and The
Manna Singers Performing at
St. Paul's Cathedral Church on May 8th
Patchtax and The Manna Singers will be performing a free public concert at St. Paul's Cathedral (138 Tremont St.) on Tuesday, May 8th.
In 2016, Eve Boltax, of the chamber music duo Patchtax, met Libby Gatti, a chaplain in the MANNA community (Many Angels Needed Now and Always) at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston. They decided to offer more music in the MANNA community -- a group of homeless and recently homed adults. During the past eight months, through their Creative City grant,
Boltax and Mary Joy Patchett have collaborated with Gatti and Reverend Cristina Rathbone to teach the group about the power of choral singing.
This free concert is a result of that collaboration. The concert begins at 7 pm.
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Explorateur Offering Night of
Flower Arranging, Sipping Wine and Fun
May 9th
Explorateur Cafe, Restaurant & Bar (186 Tremont St.) is hosting an Alice's Table event of flower arranging, sipping wine and having fun on Wednesday, May 9th.
This is a great event to bring a friend, sip wine and let your creative side bloom as you craft a gorgeous bouquet of seasonal spring blooms. At the end of the evening you will take your centerpiece home in a custom picked vase.This event starts at 6:30 pm Click here for more info and to purchase tickets. |
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Boston Ballet's 'Sleeping Beauty' Opens at Boston Opera House May 11th
The Boston Ballet's telling of the classic love story "Sleeping Beauty" opens at the Boston Opera House on May 11th.
The ballet presents the tale of a princess stuck in a century long sleep, Prince Desire, and the hilarious Puss in Boots. The show runs through May 19th. Click here for tickets and more info. |
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Griffin Museum of Photography Exhibit
'Tree Talk' at Lafayette City Center
The latest Griffin Museum of Photography exhibit at the Lafayette City Center Passageway is "Tree Talk."
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| Michael Zeis' "Blue Spruce" |
"In this exhibition called 'Tree Talk' the Griffin Museum of Photography brings together 66 photographers who converse with trees. The exhibit has been organized to flow as a narrative from the beginning to the end of the passageway. In this way the trees all talk to each other. We hope our audience enjoys the exhibition and that all of the trees give up their secrets to you," said Paula Tognarelli, executive director and curator of Griffin Museum of Photography.
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| Adrienne Defendi's "Tuning Fork" |
This exhibit is through a partnership by the Griffin Museum of Photography, the Abbey Group and the Downtown Boston BID. This exhibit is in the Lafayette City Center Passageway
(between Macy's and the Hyatt Regency Boston) and
open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm. The exhibit is running from Jan. 30th through May 30th.
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City Services &
Important Hotlines
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Important Phone Numbers
Boston Fire, Police & Emergency Services: 911
Non-emergency requests: 311
Eversource gas and electric: 1-800-592-2000
National Grid: 1-800-322-3223
Boston Water & Sewer Commission: 617-989-7000
Mass Water Resources Authority: 617-242-6000
City of Boston Tow Lot: 617-635-3900
National Weather Service: 508-822-0634
Verizon: 800-837-4966
Boston Animal Care and Control: 617-635-5348
Cold Relief Heatline: 800-632-8175
Elderly Commission: 617-635-4366
Emergency Shelter Commission: 617-635-4507
MBTA: 617-222-3200
MEMA: 508-820-1428
Mass. Road and Traffic Conditions: 617-374-1234
City of Boston Neighborhood Services: 617-635-3485
State Police: 617-740-7600
Transit Police: 617-222-1212
City of Boston Veterans Services: 617-635-3957
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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 crosswalks, handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassadors shovel in Downtown Boston during winter
- 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 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 [email protected].
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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 updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here. |
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BID Kicks Off New Season:
More Than 1,500 Live Performances in Downtown Boston!
The Downtown Boston BID performance season is kicking off May 1st with a record 1,500-plus live musical performances across five different locations. It's a smorgasbord of live music from spring through fall in Downtown Boston!
Professional live solo acts and groups will perform seven days a week at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets) from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday through Friday, noon to 2 pm on Saturdays and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Sundays. With plenty of seating at The Steps, it's a wonderful spot to sit down with your lunch and enjoy the show. This week's performers include Square Peg, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Opera Guy, Nico Rivers, Kesnel Personnel and Roarin' Dukes of Swing.
This year the BID is presenting live music outside of
Macy's on Summer Street on
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The weekday performances will be at
noon to 2 pm and
4:30 to 6:30 pm. Saturday performances will feature the popular ensemble singing group Sweet Harmony from
12:30 to 3 pm. Sweet Harmony performs hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.
There will also be live music at the
100 Summer Street Plaza on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from
noon to 2 pm. There are Adirondack chairs on the plaza that are perfect for relaxing and listening to music. Rachel Sumner will headline at 100 Summer St. this week.
There are even two more locations with BID-sponsored live and free music! There will be performers outside of the Walgreens (School and Washington streets) on Fridays from noon to 1:30 pm and Saturdays from noon to 2 pm. Sumner will be performing at Walgreens this week. Also, there will be performances at 133 Federal St. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 2 pm. Henry Cobb and Kathleen Parks will perform separately this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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Downtown Boston Strolling
Performance Groups are Back
Twice a Day and
Taking Requests!
The very popular Downtown Boston bands and singers are back strolling throughout the streets of Downtown Boston twice a day from noon to 2 pm and 5 to 7 pm.
The Downtown Brass Band is strolling through the area on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The Downtown Sweet Sound Band is strolling through the area on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday.
The Downtown Boston Singers are strolling through the area Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The BID-sponsored bands and singers stroll throughout the Downtown Boston area, stop on street corners, outside of businesses, play a song or two and move on. Please feel free to take photos or videos of them and share them on social media using #DowntownBoston. Also, they take requests! |
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Downtown Boston
Arts Market
Back on Summer Street
Back due to popular demand, the Downtown Boston Arts Market will be in Downtown Crossing on Summer Street between Macy's and Roche Bros. This year the Market will be operating 11 am to 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays from May 18th through September 28th.
The Market is now accepting vendor applications. All artwork, crafts and food offerings must be original and handmade by you or your studio enterprise. No mass-produced or imported goods are allowed. All food vendor permits must comply with applicable public health regulations.
Please click here for more information and to fill out an application. You can also contact Kristen Flanagan at [email protected] or 617-261-1458. |
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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 players are wanted. It is free to participate. The league is played at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets) on Thursdays and games only take about 30 minutes.
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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minigrow Opens to Great Fanfare on
Summer Street
Before minigrow (125 Summer St.) opened on April 27th passersby gazed through the new restaurant's windows wanting to sample the fare. Come last Friday customers were not disappointed in Downtown Boston's newest fast casual restaurant.
Starting at $8.95 with unlimited toppings and garnishes, minigrow offers specially designed noodles, housemade sauces and dressings. Customers choose their own bowls by beginning with one of three hot bases (fresh wheat noodles, fresh spinach noodles or brown rice) or three cold bases (zucchini noodles, organic spring mix or organic baby spinach).
Customers then choose from five sauces for hot bases, or five dressings for cold bases, four proteins, nine toppings and six garnishes. Some of the sauce options are red miso, black pepper tahini and shiso basil pesto. Toppings include miso corn, spicy kale kimchi and sesame cucumbers.
minigrow is inspired by honeygrow, a larger version of the restaurant, which offers stir-fry and salad, create-your-own meals. Click here for more information and the full menu.
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Caffé Strega Open Inside 99 Summer St.
The Varano Group opened their seventh Boston area restaurant, Caffé Strega, inside the newly renovated lobby of 99 Summer St., on April 26th.
"It's a grab-and-go cafe with the quality of food you find in our restaurants, which is above what you expect from a cafe," said Malcolm Wooff, CFO of the Varano Group.
The cafe serves latte, tea, cold brew coffee, nitro coffee, French pastries and more. The cafe is open on weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm. |
115 Winthrop Square
Impact Advisory Group Meeting May 2nd
The Impact Advisory Group (IAG) will meet for the 115 Winthrop Square project proposed by MCAF Winthrop, LLC on Wednesday, May 2nd at Boston City Hall (9th floor, Kane Simonian Room).
Please note that the purpose of IAG meetings are different than that of a traditional community meeting. As part of the development review process, IAG members work closely with BPDA staff to identify the impacts of a project and recommend appropriate community benefits to offset those impacts. IAG meetings prioritize discussion between the project proponent (i.e. the developer) and IAG members.
Please contact Casey Hines at [email protected] or 617-918-4244 for more info. This meeting is from 6 to 8 pm. |
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Downtown Boston
Residents' Association Meeting May 14th
The next Downtown Boston Residents' Association meeting will be on Monday, May 14th at Suffolk University's Modern Theatre at 7 pm.
Millennium Partners will be on hand to present its latest plans for 115 Winthrop Square, and Boston Police Department personnel will provide a neighborhood safety update. |
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The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Hosting
Derby Day Event May 5th
Avery Bar and Artisan Bistro (The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, 10 Avery St.) are hosting a Derby Day event to celebrate the 144th Annual Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5th.
There will be Southern-inspired plates like shrimp and grits, libations such as the classic mint julep, contests and prizes. This event is from 11 am to 7:30 pm. The Avery Bar will show live pre-race coverage starting at 5 pm and the Derby at 6:24 pm. |
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Macy's Friends & Family Sale
Through May 7th
Macy's Friends & Family Sale is running through May 7th offering lots of fantastic deals.
Enjoy an extra 30% off storewide, 15% off any beauty purchase (some exclusions apply). Star Rewards members will get bonus points on almost everything when using a Macy's card. |
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FLS International Offering
50% Discount for ESL Courses
FLS International (131 Tremont St., Suite 400) is offering a special 50% off spring promotion to Downtown BID newsletter subscribers when signing up for ESL courses.
This promotion is available for TOEFL, IELTS, General English classes and more by signing up through May 31st.
Email [email protected] to learn more about FLS International or click here. Click here to learn more about FLS International's free conversation groups every Wednesday at Faneuil Hall. |
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Celebrate Mothers Day at
Downtown Boston Restaurants
Celebrate Mothers Day on Sunday, May 13th by enjoying delicious food at Downtown Boston restaurants.
Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.) is offering a special Mothers Day brunch buffet featuring locally sourced dishes, omelet and carving stations. The menu includes items such as watermelon and feta salad, classic eggs Benedict, smoked bacon and chicken sausage, spicy seafood cioppino, red wine braised short ribs, strawberry pistachio torte, blueberry cheesecake pavlova and more. The brunch is being offered 10 am to 3 pm. The cost is $65 per person and $35 per child. Call 617-574-7176 or visit artisanbistroboston.com to make reservations.
Avenue One (One Avenue de Lafayette, inside Hyatt Regency Boston) is offering a brunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm. The menu includes a breakfast table with freshly baked pastries, sausage and bacon, omelets prepared to your liking and more. There will also be salads, signature soups, a chef's carving station with rib eye of beef, and also grilled salmon. The cost is $45 per adult, $20 per child 13 and under. Please call 617-42-5579 or visit opentable.com to make reservations. |
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, Communications & Social Media Manager, at:
[email protected]
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