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May 7,
2018
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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
City Services & Important Hotlines
Construction & Utility Work Updates
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This Week's Featured Event
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Commemoration of 200th Anniversary of Paul Revere's Death at
Granary Burying Ground May 10th
Join the Paul Revere House to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Paul Revere's death at the Granary Burying Ground (on Tremont Street across from Bromfield Street) on Thursday, May 10th.
Ceremonies begin at 11 am. There will be a ceremonial wreath-laying at Paul Revere's grave site by Revere's descendants, a speaking program, USS Constitution color guard, Patriot Fife & Drum, and a Freedom Trail Foundation 18th-century costumed guide.
Paul Revere House Executive Director Nina Zannieri will discuss Paul Revere's legacy and Research Director Patrick Leehey will read Paul Revere's obituary. The speaking program will also include the Most Worshipful Paul Fulton Gleason (Masons of Massachusetts' 89th grand master), and other dignitaries. At noon, ceremonies will continue with the tolling of the Revere-made bells at King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House, and across the Commonweatlh, as well as the English bells at Old North Church that Revere and his friends rang as children.
For more information about this event, please visit the Paul Revere House website by clicking here or call 617-523-2338. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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The Redcoats are Coming to Occupy Boston's Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail Foundation and Downtown Boston BID offer the opportunity to experience British soldiers in 18th-century Redcoat uniforms reenacting guard duty like it's 1775.
This historical program utilizes experienced 18th-century costumed Freedom Trail Players who bring the daily actions and atmosphere of British-occupied Boston to life. Residents and visitors will meet the soldiers and engage them in talk about their postings in the hostile environment of colonial Boston as they "occupy" Downtown Boston on Washington, Summer, and Winter streets. The Freedom Trail Changing the Guard takes place from May through October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 pm.
For more information about Changing the Guard, please call the Freedom Trail Foundation at 617-357-8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org. |
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Tonight! ArtsEmerson 2018/19
Season
Preview Event
ArtsEmerson will be announcing its 2018/2019 season tonight (Monday, May 7th) at the Paramount Center.
The upcoming season is titled "Imagine a Thriving World -Fueled by Empathy, Ignited by Art" and
ArtsEmerson will be announcing 11 new productions at the preview. There will be remarks by ArtsEmerson leaders and performances by Keith Hamilton Cobb, Raphaelle Boitel and BeBe Winans.
"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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The Genesis Foundation for Children's 'On the Field at Fenway Park' May 10th
The Genesis Foundation for Children's (60 Temple Place) "On the Field at Fenway Park" event is on Thursday, May 10th.
This event is a
unique opportunity to experience Fenway Park like never before and help children with genetic disorders and disabilities. Spend a day on the field playing like you're a Red Sox while batting from home plate, field balls off the Green Monster, pitch for speed and accuracy in right field and hangout in the home dugout with player alumni.
This event is from 9 am to 2 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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Boston Ballet's 'Classic Balanchine' Opens at Boston Opera House May 17th
The Boston Ballet's "Classic Balanchine" opens at the Boston Opera House on May 17th and runs through June 9th.
Experience the works of master choreographer George Balanchine with three iconic works: Chaconne, Prodigal Son and Stravinsky Violin Concerto. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. |
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FriendshipWorks' Walk to End Elder Isolation on May 20th
FriendshipWorks' (105 Chauncy St.) Walk to End Elder Isolation is on Sunday, May 20th.
You can join a team with your family, friends and colleagues. Walk in honor or memory of a loved one. Dogs are welcome, too!
FriendshipWorks' mission is "to reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life, and preserve the dignity of older adults in Greater Boston." They recruit and train volunteers to provide friendship, advocacy, education, assistance and emotional support.
Registration to walk starts at 9 am and the walk begins at 10 am from the Rogerson House and Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain. Click
here for more information, to walk or donate.
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Boston By Foot Ladder Blocks Tour
May 20th & 27th
Boston By Foot is offering a tour of The Ladder Blocks on Sundays, May 20th and 27th.
Boston's Ladder Blocks are bound by Washington and Tremont streets south of School Street and get their name due to a street grid shaped like a ladder. Boston By Foot is a walking tour company that will trace the architectural and social history of the Ladder Blocks "as a seedbed of Boston's intellectual identity and the nexus of its cultural character." This walk includes Temple Place, Paramount Center, Orpheum Theatre, Omni Parker House and more.
The tours starts at 2 pm by meeting a tour guide at 22 Boylston St. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. |
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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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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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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More Boston Police
Bike Patrol Officers in Downtown Crossing
Now that winter weather is finally past, an additional three Boston Police Department bike patrol officers are covering the Downtown Crossing area on a daily basis.
"Having Boston Police bike patrol officers are another good way to communicate with tourists, residents and the businesses in the Downtown Boston area, especially during the busier warmer months," said Boston Police A-1 Captain Kenneth Fong.
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People Line Up for Meals
Made By a
Robot at
Spyce's Grand Opening
Customers eagerly waited in line outside of Spyce (241 Washington St.) for a robot to make them a meal at the restaurant's grand opening on May 3rd.
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| At Spyce, you place your order on a screen, and then your lunch is prepared by a robotic kitchen. |
The restaurant serves warm healthy grain bowls topped with vegetables and sauces that customers can customize by selecting their meal through a kiosk. Their meal is then made by a robotic runner (see video above). All bowls are $7.50 and you should get your meal within three minutes.
Spyce is the brainchild of four MIT graduates who teamed up with acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. "I had the idea the first semester of grad school," said Michael Farid to Boston Magazine, who founded Spyce with fellow MIT alums Kale Rogers, Luke Schlueter and Brady Knight. "I first described it to these guys as a stir-fry robot." The quartet built their first prototype in a fraternity basement in 2015 and now have patent-pending technology.
Spyce is open daily 10:30 am to 10 pm. Click here for more information about the restaurant.
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BID Little Free Library Back at
Walgreens Plaza; Second Location Added
The Downtown Boston BID's very popular Little Free Library is now back at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) for anyone to take a book and leave a book.
The BID is also debuting a second Little Free Library at 175 Federal St. (Summer Street side).
The general public is invited to donate free books to the BID's Little Free Libraries by dropping off books at the libraries or by contacting Kristen Flanagan at [email protected] to organize a pickup in the downtown area.
The BID's Little Free Libraries are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (closed during inclement weather).
The BID would like to thank property owner Deka Investments and Asset Manager Rick Page of Cushman & Wakefield for their partnership in putting a new Little Free Library at 175 Federal St. |
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Live Music at The Steps, Federal Street, Summer Street, Walgreens and More
Last week the Downtown Boston BID kicked off its performance season featuring more than 1,500-plus live musical performances across five different locations.
This week Gypsy Jazz, Square Peg, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Opera Guy & Friends and Roarin' Dukes of Swing will perform at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets). There are daily performances 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.
Soloists Kathleen Parks, Todd Brunel and Joe Weinberg will performance at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 2 pm.
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. This week Rachel Sumner (below), Berklee College of Music students and Opera Guy will be performing during the weekday. Saturday performances feature the popular ensemble group Sweet Harmony from
12:30 to 3 pm singing hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.
There is also 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. Opera Guy will headline at the plaza this week.
The BID is also sponsoring live music outside of the Walgreens (School and Washington streets) on Fridays from noon to 1:30 pm and Saturdays from noon to 2 pm. Henry Cobb will be performing at Walgreens this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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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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Congratulations to Brian Awe
Being Named Partner at DLA Piper
The Downtown Boston BID would like to congratulate Brian Awe on recently being named partner at DLA Piper (33 Arch St.).
"Brian has been a tremendous help to the BID and was very involved in our formation," said Rosemarie Sansone, BID President & CEO. "His legal expertise and commitment to our work is much appreciated."
Awe is the clerk for the BID's board of directors. At DLA Piper he serves as counsel to developers and investors in the acquisition, development, financing and sale of large-scale real estate projects and has particular experience in land use, condominium structuring, government incentives and financing for complex mixed-use projects.
Recent representative development projects he has worked on in Boston include the Millennium Tower and Burnham Building, and is currently working on the redevelopment of the Winthrop Square garage, |
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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) and 125 Summer St. 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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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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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 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 ribeye 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.
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering a special brunch menu from 10:30 am to 3 pm with blueberry & pecan coffee cake, asparagus mimosa salad, crab cake Benedict and strawberry shortcake. Please click here to make reservations or call 617-482-6060.
Ruth's Chris Steak House (45 School St.) is offering a Surf & Turf Mothers Day special with twin cold water lobster tails and your choice of steak (6, 8 or 11 oz. filet,, 16 oz. ribeye). Prices vary depending upon your order. Click here for more info or to make a reservation.
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Downtown Restaurants Participating in 19th Annual Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer
May 7th - May 13th
The Annual Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer raises money for breast cancer research when customers purchase a designated dessert at area restaurants. This year's Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer is dedicated in the memory of Toni Berry, the mother of Tom Berry, culinary director of COJE Management (Ruka and Yvonne's).
From May 7th-13th, guests to Yvonne's (2 Winter Place) and RUKA (505 Washington St.) are encouraged to indulge in a Boston Bakes designated dessert that'll not only be sweet, but also give back to a great cause. Both restaurants are COJE properties.
minigrow (125 Summer St.) and
Roche Bros. (8 Summer St.) are also participating in Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer.
Click
here for more information on desserts, participating restaurants and Boston Bakes for Cancer Research.
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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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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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