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August 20,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction, Utility Work and City Updates
BID Services & Links
City Services & Important Hotlines
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This Week's Featured Event
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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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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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'The Book of Mormon' at
Boston Opera House Thru Aug. 26th
The Broadway smash "The Book of Mormon" is back at the Boston Opera House through August 26th.
"This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word," describes Broadway in Boston.
Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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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.
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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, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Square Peg, Sumner & Moss Country Band, Ilana Katz Katz, Nico Rivers, Opera Guy and Friends 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 Kathleen Parks and Rachel Sumner will perform at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm.
Briana Musco and Robbie Pate Trio 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
Exchange at 100 Federal Street to present live music inside the atrium from
4 to 6 pm on Tuesdays. Maddie 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. Rachel Sumner 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.
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. Kesnel Personnel is performing this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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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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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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Construction, Utility
Work and City Updates
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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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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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Remembering Aretha Franklin
When the Downtown Boston BID heard of the passing of
Aretha Franklin last Thursday at age 76, the staff sprang into action to develop a fitting tribute to the "Queen of Soul." The BID's trio of performing groups -- the Downtown Brass Band, Sweet Sound Band and the Downtown Boston Singers -- quickly rehearsed and hit the streets to perform her classic hits such as "Respect."
"She was the biggest voice imaginable and a pioneer in both the civil rights and women's movements of the Sixties and beyond," said BID Board member
Ron Druker, longtime owner of the Orpheum Theatre, which has hosted soul concerts since 1971.
Robert Pate Of The Downtown Boston Sweet Sound performing "Respect"
Said
Jim Jensen, who manages the
Boston Opera House and Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (formerly Harbor Lights),
"Aretha was a great lady to work with and for. In 1999, we were under the gun to complete construction at Harbor Lights, while Aretha was sound-checking on the stage that afternoon. When she started singing, all the construction workers stopped what they were doing to listen -- to some extent out of respect for the legend they were seeing and hearing. She didn't mind them working at all and let them know it.
It was a memorable show for everyone who attended."
Aretha Franklin last played Boston in August 2016 at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. While wearing a mink coat the entire show, she performed a huge gospel section and wowed the crowd at the age of 74.
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
Coming To Corner Mall
The Danish retailer, which started in 1995, has more than 500 locations worldwide now. It specializes in toys and accessories. This will be the first New England location for the chain.
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Cell Phones, TVs, Laptops:
You Name It, Dr. Phil Can Fix It!
Is your cell phone glass shattered? Does it have water damage? Do you need a virus removed from your computer? Then bring your troubled items to the Dr. Phil Repair Center (151 Tremont St.).
Phil (he doesn't need a last name) said he started tinkering around with electronics when he was a young boy and that turned into a profession. His business has been in Downtown Boston for 24 years, first on Winter Street for 21 years before a move to Tremont Street.
"Everything I do is right in front of customers. I fix a lot of broken screens, water damage, battery signals, lots of problems," said Phil. He added he works with people on prices, sometimes it can cost $30, sometimes $60 or $200. "People come from all over the world. A guy from Bermuda comes here once a year with lots of stuff and he keeps me busy for a week."
Phil said he's always loved working in Downtown Boston and seeing people everywhere, including theme parks. "People see me at Six Flags and tell me they dropped their phone in the water. I'll put the phone in my pocket and tell them to see me on Monday... I like seeing the smile on people's faces. They're happy and they say I'm a magician and a lifesaver."
You can contact the Dr. Phil Repair Center by texting 617-308-6706 or emailing [email protected].
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Greg Nomura Named New GM of
Hyatt Regency Boston;
Thank You Terry Dunbar
Greg Nomura was recently named the new general manager of the Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette). Nomura replaces Terry Dunbar, who had served as the GM since October 2014, and was a BID board member.
Nomura has worked for Hyatt hotels for more than 22 years, in 11 different cities for 11 different hotels (some on more than on one occasion), and becoming GM in Boston is his 18th job with the company. Prior to Boston, he was the GM at the Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco.
"Having spent the majority of my life on the west coast, the opportunity to move to Boston to join this team and this wonderful property was a chance of a lifetime. With the wonderful reputation of the Hyatt Regency Boston, the rich history and culture of the city and being in a location that is second to none, I feel as if I hit the lottery!" said Nomura.
The Downtown Boston BID would also like to thank Nomura's predecessor, Terry Dunbar, for his dedication and hard work for Downtown Boston. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
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Metro Meeting Centers Holding Cradles to Crayons Back to School Clothes Drive
Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal St., 4th Floor) is holding a Cradles to Crayons Back to School Clothes Drive from August 6th through August 21st.
Please drop off clothes anytime between August 6th and August 21st at Metro Meeting Centers. There will be a celebratory summer lunch on August 22nd from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. |
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New BID Baggo League at One Boston Place a Huge Success!
Players Wanted for
BID Baggo League at 125 Summer Street
The Downtown Boston BID's new Wednesday baggo league at One Boston Place is a fantastic success! More than 25 players are participating in the free outdoor lunchtime league. Interested in playing? Players are wanted for the Tuesday league at 125 Summer Street.
The league plays from noon to 2 pm, and games last about 30 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to have lunch, play a game and get back to your desk.
If you're interested in playing in the free Downtown Boston BID Lunchtime Baggo Leagues please contact Mike Testa at [email protected]. |
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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, Primark 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: Simply Chickie, Design of Mine, Speakeasy Travel Supply, Tanzania School Foundation, Jus Labs, Intaglio Antique Prints & Maps, Fridgedoor, LovePop Cards, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Recycled Glass, EPOCA, Wyllo, Aribella Design, Storyteller Jewelry, B and B Glass, Sand and Water Creations in Glass, Urban Kitchen Handmade and Fiber and Water.
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BID Little Free Libraries at
Walgreens Plaza and 175 Federal St.
The Downtown Boston BID's very popular Little Free Library at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) is 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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'Hamilton' Tix Being Raffled to
Help Puerto Rico Library
A Lincoln library's efforts to raffle "Hamilton" tickets to raise money for a damaged Puerto Rican Library got a boost when the office of Luis Miranda Jr., Lin-Manuel's father and founder of the Hispanic Federation, donated two tickets to a Boston Opera House performance. The Broadway smash is being performed at the opera house from September 18th through November 18th.
The Friends of the Lincoln Library were put in touch with the mayor of Loiza, Puerto Rico, who provided a pair of center orchestra tickets and promised to match donations up to $20,000, reported the Boston Globe. The goal is to sell 1,000 raffle tickets, raising at least $50,000 for repairs to the facility.
Raffle tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online by clicking
here until September 7th.
"The library, particularly in small towns like Loiza, are not only a place where people can go and get info online or get books," said Luis Miranda. "They're also community centers. They're part of the fabric of the day-to-day life of the town."
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Artisan Bistro Featuring
$2 Oysters on Mondays
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston (10 Avery St.) is featuring $2 oysters for Oyster Happy Hour on Monday's in Artisan Bistro from 4 to 7 p.m.
"Ritz by Barrons de Rothchild Brut, Champagne has been specially created for The Ritz-Carlton. Champagne is the perfect textural contrast to the smooth velvety texture of the oysters," said Shiobanne Olivero, director of restaurants for The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. |
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Joint Ventures Physical Therapy and Fitness Offering Deal on 30-Minute Sports Massage
Joint Ventures Physical Therapy (4 Water St.) is offering a 30-minute sports massage and physical therapy consultation for $55. Call 617-536-1161 for more info or to make an appointment.
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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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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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