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July 9,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction, Utility Work and City Updates
City Services & Important Hotlines
BID Services & Links
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This Week's Featured Event
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Catch Magic of 'Aladdin' at
Boston Opera House
The family-friendly musical "Aladdin" is flying in the Boston Opera House through August 5th.
The musical stars Aladdin, who frees a wish-granting magical genie. Aladdin then captures the heart of Princess Jasmine. The two come up against the evil Jafar.
Please click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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"Cato & Dolly: A New American Play"
recently debuted at the
Old State House (206 Washington St.)
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Two actors will perform the show's multiple characters in this new 20-minute play that offers a glimpse of everyday life behind the Hancock Mansion door. The play provides a look into the mansion through the eyes of Cato Hancock, an enslaved man in the Hancock household, and Dolly Hancock, John Hancock's wife and First Lady of Massachusetts.
Playwright Patrick Gabridge's previous site-specific play at the Old State House, "Blood On The Snow," had sold-out runs in 2016 and 2017.
The play runs from July 6th through September 29th, and is included in the cost of admission to the Old State House. The show is being performed Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm. |
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New Exhibit 'Through The Keyhole' at
Old State House
The Old State House (206 Washington St.) recently debuted an all-new temporary exhibit, "Through The Keyhole," which explores how the objects we preserve shape the stories we remember. For the first time in decades, the front door of the Hancock Mansion, which stood on what is now the west lawn of the State House, will be displayed to the public, newly set in a meticulous recreation of its original surrounding entryway.
The exhibit features additional items from the
Bostonian Society's collection relating to the Hancock Mansion and its inhabitants.
Enhanced by specialized tours, original programming, and site-specific performances, the door serves as a gateway for visitors to re-examine the national narrative. How does selective preservation alter our perception of who we are? What barriers do we create by choosing one story over another? And what doors are yet to be opened?
The exhibition is included in the cost of admission to the Old State House. Visitors to the exhibit may also experience the new "Cato & Dolly" play (see below).
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New Griffin Museum Exhibit
'Quién? Qué? Dónde?' at
Lafayette City Center Passageway
The newest Griffin Museum of Photography exhibit "Quién? Qué? Dónde?" recently debuted at the Lafayette City Center Passageway.
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| Gary Beeber's "Mona with her idols" |
""Quién? Qué? Dónde?" means "Who? What? Where?" in Spanish. Spanish is one of the world's most commonly spoken languages and is often chosen as the second language one learns. The name was chosen for this portrait exhibition in order to underscore the complexities of all of our diverse roots," writes Paula Tognarelli, Executive Director and Curator of the Griffin Museum of Photography.
The exhibit features work by 70 photographers. The exhibit will be on display from
June 10th through September 30, 2018.
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Robert Moran's "Daughter of a Slave, Timbuktu, Mali"
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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
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Live Music at The Steps, Federal Street, Summer Street, Walgreens and More
The Downtown Boston BID's 2018 performance season features more than 1,600-plus live musical performances spread across five different locations.
This week, Gypsy Jazz, Square Peg, Opera Guy and Friends, Roarin' Dukes of Swing, Brianna Musco, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Canvas Collection and Joe Weinberg 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 Saturday and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Sunday. With plenty of seating at The Steps, it's a wonderful spot to sit down with your lunch and enjoy the show.
Soloists Joe Weinberg and Todd Brunel will perform at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm.
Briana Musco, Robbie Pate Trio and Dan Barton will perform outside of
Macy's on Summer Street. These performances are on
Thursday and Friday, from noon to 2 pm, and again from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Saturday performances, from 12:30 pm to 3 pm, feature the popular ensemble group Sweet Harmony, singing hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.
The BID is teaming up with
The Exchange at 100 Federal (100 Federal St.) to present live music inside the atrium from
4 to 6 pm on Tuesdays. Sumner and Moss will perform this week.
There is also live music at the
100 Summer Street Plaza on
Tuesday and Thursday from
noon to 2 pm. There are Adirondack chairs on the plaza that are perfect for relaxing and listening to music. Soloist Dan Barton will headline at the plaza this week.
Another spot to catch talented local musicians is at 125 Summer Street Plaza on Monday and Friday from noon to 2 pm. This week soloists Beya and Brandon Shah will perform.
The BID is also sponsoring live music outside of the Walgreens (School and Washington streets) on Friday from noon to 1:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 2 pm. Henry Cobb is performing at Walgreens this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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Look Out for Redcoats on
The 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 Freedom Trail Players, costumed in the attire of 18th-century British soldiers, 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's 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. |
Downtown Boston
Performance Groups are Strolling
Twice a Day and
Taking Requests!
The very popular Downtown Boston bands and singers are 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 and stop on street corners and outside of businesses to play a song or two and then 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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Receive a Free Dessert at The Merchant
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering a free dessert to anyone eating dinner on Saturdays or Sundays if they mention this ad.
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Free Yoga Classes at
Hyatt Regency Boston
Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette) is offering free yoga classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Classes are by YogaHub and take place at the hotel (check in at the front desk for the class location). You do not have to be a guest at the hotel to take the class. Please bring your own yoga mat.
Classes on Wednesdays are from 5:45 to 6:45 pm, and 9 to 10 am on Saturdays. |
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New Menus at
Artisan Bistro and Avery Bar
Chef Micole Rivera Suarez is infusing Argentinian & Caribbean inspiration into the new menus of Artisan Bistro and Avery Bar (10 Avery St.).
The new Artisan Bistro menu includes octopus ceviche with lime, cilantro and avocado served on a taro root chip. Another new item is the Bacon & Blue with honeycomb and Fourme d'Ambert -- the housemade bacon takes nine days to prepare. There's also the 1855 Filet Mignon cooked in a house-made beef stock with burgundy red wine, garlic, shallots and fresh herbs paired with in-house smoked sweetbreads. Please click here for Artisan Bistro's menu and to make reservations.
Avery Bar's new menu includes Caviar Chips with creme fraiche, black American caviar, salmon caviar and chives. Please click here to view Avery Bar's menu and to make reservations. |
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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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Democracy Brewing Opened on Independence Day
It made perfect sense that Democracy Brewing (35 Temple Place) opened its doors on July 4th. Democracy Brewing is the city's first worker-owned and democratically run brewery.
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| Left to right: Jason Taggart, Courtney Bolinger, Ben Waxler and James Razsa of Democracy Brewing (Photo credit Chris Christo) |
"We want it to be a gathering place for people who live and work in the neighborhood," said co-owner James Razsa to massbrewbros.com. "And we also want it to be known as a spot for great food and great beer."
While working at a local tap room, Razsa met Jason Taggart, Democracy's head brewer. The duo decided to team up and create a cooperative brewery in Downtown Boston.
Playing off the democracy theme, Taggart created beers like the Fighting 54th Farmhouse Ale, Suffragette Pale Ale and Consummate Rioter IPA. He is also planning to make an Ales for ALS, host brewer's dinners to pair specific beer with menu items, and brew a house cider. Click here for the beer menu.
The menu includes grilled asparagus salad, beer cheese nachos, pizza bagels (try the Spicy Hawaiian), burgers (veggie option available) and a Portuguese fish stew. Click here for the full menu.
Democracy Brewing has a 3,600 sq. ft., 150-seat beer hall that will host live entertainment, trivia and even screen documentaries from local filmmakers. The brewery has a 10-barrel production system, a full kitchen, tasting room and 10 beers on draft.
Being cooperatively run, anyone can apply to invest in the company! Click here to learn more about investment opportunities to own a part of Democracy Brewing.
Democracy Brewing is open 11:30 am to 11 pm on Monday through Thursday,11:30 am to 1 am on Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 am to 10 pm on Sunday.
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Downtown Crossing was a Circus with
Cirque du Soleil!
The streets of Downtown Boston were even busier last week as entertainers of Cirque du Soleil delighted the masses to promote their show, "Luzia: A Walking Dream of Mexico," now being performed at Suffolk Downs.
Outside of Macy's on Saturday, two performers provided a 5-minute rendition of the show's world-famous acrobatic acts. Their act included juggling soccer balls on their feet and balancing them on their head.
Cirque du Soleil performers also entertained while riding around on the back of bicycles for during several days in promotion of their show.
Click here for tickets or to learn more about Cirque du Soleil's Luzia show that is at the Suffolk Downs through August 12th.
The Downtown Boston BID sponsored Cirque du Soleil's performances in Downtown Crossing. |
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Omni Parker House Blends
History and Modernity
Can you name the country's longest continuously operating hotel? The answer is the Omni Parker House (60 School St.). Founded by Harvey D. Parker in 1855, the hotel has had an amazing array of guests (and employees) through the years. Sports stars, politicians, literati and everyone in between have stayed at the hotel that mixes its noted history with modern style.
One of the more interesting events at the hotel took place in 1953. Long before he was president, John F. Kennedy asked Jackie Bouvier, while sitting at Table 40 in Parker's Restaurant, to be his wife. Later that year, JFK held his bachelor party at The Press Room of The Parker House.
The Parker House has also contributed greatly to the American culinary culture. Talented bakers and cooks invented the Parker House Roll, perfected the Boston Cream Pie and coined the term "scrod."
Parker's has also been the training ground for well-known chefs and former waitstaff including Emeril Lagasse, Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh.
While the Omni Parker House is steeped in history, today's guests are provided an impressive display of modern accommodations, including a beautiful rooftop ballroom,19 contemporary meeting rooms, a 24-hour fully-equipped fitness center and first-class customer service.
"Travelers expect hotels to be centrally located, offer impeccably clean accommodations, reasonable prices and a sincerely friendly staff. And did I mention high-speed WiFi?" said John Murtha, GM of Omni Parker House. "So, while the Parker House is the longest continuously operating hotel in the US, we're by no means 'historic' when it comes to providing contemporary products and services."
For more information about the history of the Omni Parker House, Parker's Restaurant, or to make reservations, please click
here.
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Public Meeting: 150 Kneeland Street
July 11th
The Boston Planning & Development Agency is hosting a public meeting about a proposed building for 150 Kneeland St., on Wednesday, July 11th.
The proposal is for a 21-story hotel approximately 218 feet in height with 230 rooms and a lounge on an existing site that currently has a vacant building on it.
This meeting will be at Radian (120 Kingston St., 5th Floor Conference Room) from 6 to 8 pm. Please contact Michael Sinatra at [email protected] or 617-918-4280. |
St. Anthony Shrine
Summer Liturgies for Individuals and
Families Impacted by Addiction
St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St.) is hosting a summer liturgy for individuals and families impacted by addiction. This a free event open for anyone to attend.
A liturgy will be held on Saturday, July 21st at St. Anthony Shrine at 7 pm. Music by the Arch Street Band and a reception will follow the event. |
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Proposals Wanted for
ILLUMINUS Light Festival
ILLUMINUS, a free nighttime light festival in Downtown Boston, is seeking innovative projects for this fall's event.
Projects are being sought that cross disciplinary boundaries and engage a diverse public audience. Installations that change how people see and experience the Downtown Boston landscape are desired.
Proposed projects should take into account that this is an outdoor festival, so works must be able to sustain moderate wind, moisture and humidity. Stipends from $1,000 to $5,000 will be available for artists.
The ILLUMINUS Light Festival is a partnership between ILLUMINUS, LuminArtz and the Downtown Boston BID.
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Jewelry, Woodwork and More:
Downtown Boston
Arts Market
on Summer Street
The Downtown Boston Arts Market is on Summer Street between Macy's and Roche Bros. from 11 am to 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
The market is a great place to get a gift for yourself or a loved one. Handmade jewelry, antique maps, artisanal food, soaps and candles are just some of the items being sold at the market this year. This week's vendors are: Fiber & Water, Urban Kitchen Handmade, B & B Glass, Aribella, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Recycled Glass, DLR Designs, Intaglio Antique Prints & Maps, Fridgedoor, Juslabs, Design of Mine, Myrna Reiss Pottery, Simply Chickie, Storyteller Jewelry, Speakeasy Travel Supply and Sand & Water Creations in Glass.
The market is also 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. |
BID Little Free Libraries at
Walgreens Plaza and 175 Federal St.
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 Walgreens Plaza Little Free Library was so popular that a second one was added to the district, 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 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 Libraries are
open daily from 10 am to 6 pm
(closed during inclement weather).
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Construction, Utility
Work and City Updates
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MBTA Service Advisory:
Downtown Crossing Station
Passageway Between Red Line-Alewife and
Orange Line-Forest Hills Closed
Thru July 2nd
The MBTA passageway in the Downtown Crossing station between the Red Line-Alewife and Orange Line-Forest Hills will be closed from May 29th through July 2nd.
Please use the Winter Street concourse to connect between Red Line at Park Street and Orange Line. This closure will allow the MBTA to do the next phase of work on a new elevator between the Red and Orange Lines. This elevator is planned to open this winter. |
Advisory:
Change to Devonshire Street
Traffic Pattern
Now In Effect
The Downtown Boston BID has received the following information from the Boston Transportation Department:
Please be advised that as part of the demolition of the 115 Winthrop Square Garage there are traffic pattern changes to Devonshire Street
as of June 9th until further notice.
Devonshire Street is closed to vehicular traffic and bicyclists from the 100 Summer Street Garage to 75-101 Federal St. Devonshire Street is a two-way street from Summer Street to the entrance of the 100 Summer Street garage.
The sidewalk on the west side of Devonshire Street will remain open to pedestrians. Access to the 100 Summer Street parking garage, 100 Summer Street loading dock, Common Vines wine shop, and residential properties on Devonshire Street is available.
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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 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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