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September 4,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Construction, Utility Work and City Updates
City Services & Important Hotlines
BID Services & Links
Deals & Promos
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This Week's Featured Event
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Boston Ballet's 'Genius at Play' at
Boston Opera House Thru Sept. 16th
The Boston Ballet's "Genius at Play" is at the Boston Opera House through Sept. 16th.
"Genius at Play" highlights the genius of Jerome Robbins, whose choreography is legendary on the ballet stage, Broadway and big screen. The show consists of three parts showing the variety of Robbins' work. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Ruth's Chris Steak House Block Party
This Thursday
Ruth's Chris Steak House (45 School St., Old City Hall) is hosting a block party this Thursday, Sept. 6th.
Come enjoy Ruth's Chris patio with the restaurant's signature appetizers and refreshing Malfy Gin cocktails. The party is from 4:30 to 6 pm.
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Partnership of Historic Bostons' 'The First Three Generations' Series Begins Sept. 9th
Every year, the Partnership of Historic Bostons brings together top historians to share the stories of 17th-century New England. This year there are several events taking place in Downtown Boston. A full list of events can be found by clicking here.
On Sept. 9th, "Survival 1630: A Walking Tour" will look at how
the 400 "original survivors" made it through the brutal winter of 1630 in a 90-minute walking tour beginning at the Boston Common Founders Memorial at 1 pm. Click here to RSVP.
On Sept. 10th, "Boston, England: Then (1618) and Now (2018)" will look at Boston, England, which is a coastal town with a South End, a Fens, a Boston College and even a place called Cheers -- but it's 3,000 miles away from our Massachusetts home. Learn about Boston's "parent" town and all its challenges. This event is at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) at 6 pm. Click
here to RSVP.
On Sept. 19th, "The Lust for Land and the Roots of King Philip's War" will go beyond the usual facts and figures to learn the personal stories of the diverse collection of people involved in the 17th century's bloodiest conflict. This event is at the Cathedral of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.) at 6 pm. Click
here to RSVP.
On Sept. 22nd, "The First Three Generations of Puritan Boston: A New Walking Tour" will discuss what daily life was like in Boston from 1636 to 1686, from the "Praying Indians" of the Massachusetts and Nipmuc tribes, to the makers of the famous Pine Tree Shillings, to the first black female homeowner. The tour will look at pressing issues of the times and explore the old streets on foot. The tour starts at 10 am outside of the Park Street MBTA station. Click
here to RSVP.
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Interpol and Sunflower Bean at
Orpheum Theatre Sept. 11th
The bands Interpol and Sunflower Bean are performing at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 11th. Doors open at 7 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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The The and Agnes Obel Performing at Orpheum Theatre Sept. 14th
The The and Agnes Obel are performing at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Sept. 14th. Doors opens at 7 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Boston Cup Classic Car Show on
Boston Common Sept. 23rd
The 7th Annual Boston Cup Classic Car Show will be on Sunday, Sept. 23rd on the Boston Common (Parkman Bandstand).
This car show is a must for any auto enthusiast. Rare cars, muscle cars, sports cars, historical vehicles -- they're all on display.
Anyone can get a great view by walking around the perimeter of the show's fences, but purchasing tickets ensures you an even better view. Click here to purchase tickets. The show is from 9 am to 2 pm. The Downtown Boston BID is a cosponsor of the event. |
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"Cato & Dolly: A New American Play"
is a thought- provoking play at the
Old State House (206 Washington St.)
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Two actors 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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'Through The Keyhole' Exhibit at
Old State House
The Old State House's (206 Washington St.) all-new temporary exhibit, "Through The Keyhole," 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, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Kathleen Parks, Jan Marie, Kesnel Personnel, Joe Weinberg and 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 Henry Cobb will perform at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm.
Kesnel Personnel and Kathleen Parks 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.
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. D'Rafaele 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. Opera Guy is performing this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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New Artist Installation on
Washington Street Brings
ILLUMINUS Light Festival Closer
A new artist installation at 349 Washington Street recently debuted, bringing this fall's free nighttime ILLUMINUS Light Festival closer.
On display are three pieces titled Capacitor 1, 2 and 3, by artist Jessie Klein, below. "It is inspired by the idea of transferring and storing energy which is what all good art hopes to do. The work is very visceral. There is always a discovery taking place by weaving layers of patterns through each other," said Klein.
Klein says her process comes from a place of instinct, which bears much intention in composition, color and reductive layering.
"We are excited about the ILLUMINUS Light Festival returning to Downtown Boston. We have rotating installations highlighting local artists leading up to the festival on November 2 and 3, 2018," said Anita Lauricella, BID Public Realm Senior Planner.
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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. |
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Griffin Museum Exhibit
'Quién? Qué? Dónde?' at
Lafayette City Center Passageway
The 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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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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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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Welcome Back Students!
The Downtown Boston BID would like to welcome all of the incoming freshmen and returning college students to Boston.
Downtown Boston is home to the campuses of Emerson College, Suffolk University, a satellite Babson College campus and a satellite Endicott College campus, and Urban College of Boston.
The Downtown Boston BID would like to especially wish Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly good luck as she begins her first full year in the position. |
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ArtsEmerson Season Features Three
U.S. Premieres and Groundbreaking Theater
ArtsEmerson is a leader of contemporary world theater and its 2018-2019 season features 11 productions from seven different countries. The season kicks off on Sept. 20 with
Dead Centre's "Hamnet" and ends with
Global Arts Corps' "See You Yesterday" in May. Both of those shows are making their U.S. debuts.
"Hamnet" is about Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet, who died at 11 years old without knowing his famous father. The play is told through his eyes and features "a riveting performance carried chiefly by a solo young actor who confronts what it means -- and what it costs -- to be great." The show is being performed at the Emerson Paramount Center.
The next show on the ArtsEmerson stage, "The Peculiar Patriot," above, is a one-person performance inspired by the author's decades-long work with prison populations, including at New York's notorious Riker's Island. Liza Jessie Peterson "unpacks the human impact of mass incarceration in America." The show is funny, smart and provocative while examining "the migration of systemic injustice from the plantation to the prison yard." The show opens on Oct. 17th at the Emerson Paramount Center.
On Oct. 24th,
London's Cheek by Jowl and Moscow's Pushkin Theatre's
"Measure By Measure," above, opens at the
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre. "
Experience Shakespeare's tale in a ripped-from-the-headlines context that is as shocking as it is revelatory. Measure for Measure
asks vital and unsettling questions about how we are governed and, in the process, unmasks the true nature of authority, love and justice."
ArtsEmerson's last show for 2018 is
"WET: A DACAmented Journey."
Alex Alpharaoh wrote and performs his true story of what it means to be an American in every sense of the word except one: on paper. The show chronicles Alpharaoh's ongoing tale of living all but his first three months of life in the U.S as an undocumented immigrant. The show opens on Nov. 8th at the Paramount.
These are the four shows being presented by ArtsEmerson in 2018, and there are several more shows hitting the stage in 2019. Click here for more information about these shows, 2019's show and to purchase tickets.
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Paul Revere Lecture Series:
Lead, Paper, Glass & Tea at
Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) is hosting the Paul Revere Lecture Series: Lead, Paper, Glass & Tea on each Wednesday of September. The series is being presented by the Paul Revere Memorial Association. All four lectures begin at 6:30 pm and are free.
Tomorrow (Sept. 5th), enjoy a lecture about how o
n June 10, 1768, the King's Commissioners of Customs seized John Hancock's ship Liberty and its smuggled cargo of Madeira wine. Bostonians were already upset by the imposition of the hated Townsend Duties and took to the streets to protest. William Fowler, Jr., Distinguished Professor of History, Northeastern University, will describe how the Commissioners feared for their lives, and John Adams argued his case in defense of Hancock at the Old State House.
On Sept. 12th, the lecture will focus
on American patriot Paul Revere, who "is wrapped in the swirling mixture of myth and poetry through which history often descends, but as a craftsman he left behind more tangible traces as well." Gerald W. R. Ward, Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Emeritus, at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, will speak about Revere's Sons of Liberty Bowl, crafted in 1768 to commemorate the "Glorious 92" legislators who bravely opposed the King of England and Parliament.
On Sept. 19th, learn about "
homegrown" industries that were created in response to British taxes on imports, and to harassment of officials by the Sons of Liberty. Learn how the Townshend Acts set the stage for the Boston Massacre. Learn how the Townshend laws impacted Bostonians
in an interactive, first-person presentation featuring costumed actors from The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
On Sept. 26th,
University of New Hampshire Professor of History Eliga Gould will talk of how the Townshend Acts eventually destroyed Britain's American empire. By 1768, a mere one year after the Acts were enacted,
observers began to wonder whether Britain's days as an imperial power were numbered.
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Primark Celebrates Back-to-School with
Gift Certificates and More
To get into the back-to-school spirit Primark gave away gift certificates and Lyft vouchers last week from a promo truck outside of the store in Downtown Crossing.
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Still Time to Vote! Election Day is Today!
Election Day is today (Tuesday, September 4th) and you still have time to vote as polls close at 8 pm. Please click here to learn where you vote.
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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 mtesta@bostonbid.org. |
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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: Design of Mine, Tanzania School Foundation, Simply Chickie, Jus Labs, Intaglio Antique Prints & Maps, Fridgedoor, LovePop Cards, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Recycled Glass, EPOCA, Wyllo, Storyteller Jewelry, B and B Glass, Urban Kitchen Handmade and Foxfire Creative.
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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 kflanagan@bostonbid.org 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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Everything 50% Off!
Sam LaGrassa's
50th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 10th
Sam LaGrassa's (44 Province St.)
is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering 50% off everything. There will be free giveaways and the Hot Tamale Brass Band will be performing curbside. The celebration is from 11 am to 3:30 pm. The offer is only available in store or takeout only. You can also pre-order.
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R&R Sundays at RUKA
RUKA (505 Washington St.) is mixing up their Sunday nights with a little R&R: Rap & Rolls. Every Sunday the restaurant will be spinning 1990s music and offering 2-for-1 sushi -- order two, pay for one (excluding the short rib tataki). This offer is available 5 to 11 pm.
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Next Boston Area Spanish Exchange
Course Period Begins Sept. 17th
The next 7-week course period for Boston Area Spanish Exchange (101 Arch St., 8th Floor) begins the week of Sept. 17th.
The registration deadline is Sept. 7th. Boston BID newsletter readers may receive a 5% tuition waiver when using the coupon code BOSTONBID5. Please click here to learn more about classes and schedules. |
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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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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 help@bostonbid.org.
- 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 dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, Communications & Social Media Manager, at:
dertischek@bostonbid.org
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