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May 29,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
City Services & Important Hotlines
Construction & Utility Work Updates
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Downtown Boston BID Members Meeting June 13th
The Downtown Boston BID will host a members renewal meeting on Wednesday, June 13th at the Boston College Club (100 Federal St., 35th Floor) from 4 to 6 pm.
This meeting is in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws 400. There will be updates on key BID initiatives, a review of the BID's past five years, its history, its goals for the next five years and more.
Please RSVP by emailing Doug Meyer at [email protected]. |
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This Week's Featured Event
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Boston Fashion Week's 'Open Runway' in Downtown Crossing on May 31st
Models will be strutting local designers' fashions at Boston Fashion Week's Open Runway on Thursday, May 31st at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets). The show starts at noon.
Jay Calderin, the founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week, will emcee the event.
The program is being hosted by Platform Downtown and the Downtown Boston BID.
Fashion designers at every stage of their careers, including student fashion designers, are invited to participate in this open-air fashion show.
Designers are still welcome to participate and must pre-register. Registration closes on May 30th. Designers may show a minimum of one ensemble/maximum of three ensembles.
There is no charge to participate or attend. The rain date is Friday, June 1 at noon. Click here to learn more and to register.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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'The Future of Public Service: Advancing the Civil Society through Partnership Governance' at Suffolk University
May 31st
Suffolk University's Institute for Public Service is presenting "The Future of Public Service: Advancing the Civil Society Through Partnership Governance" on Thursday, May 31st.
This symposium explores the next frontier of public service: partnership governance. Local government is being encouraged to work with state and other public bodies, the business community, nonprofits and healthcare organizations.
Speakers include: Former Governor Michael Dukakis; Sheila Dillon, Boston's Chief of Housing and Director of Neighborhood Development; Paul Grogan, President & CEO of the Boston Foundation and more.
Please click here to purchase tickets. This event is from 8 am to 4 pm at 120 Tremont St. |
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Celebrate Boston! Quiz Night at
Old South Meeting House June 6th
Celebrate Boston at the Old South Meeting House's (310 Washington St.) annual fundraising trivia night on Wednesday, June 6th.
This year's event features trivia about the history and culture of Dorchester. Compete against other teams for prizes, enjoy refreshments such as the Omni Parker House's world famous Boston cream pie. Dorchester resident and actor Naheem Garcia will host the trivia-style quiz show.
Tickets are $15 each, $10 for students, $10 for Dorchester Historical Society members (with code), $5 for OSMH members (with code). Tickets are available by clicking
here or by calling
1-800-838-3006. This event starts at
6 pm.
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Boston Ballet's 'Classic Balanchine' at Boston Opera House Thru June 9th
The Boston Ballet's "Classic Balanchine" will be at the Boston Opera House through June 9th.
Experience the brilliance 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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Boston Ballet's 'La Sylphide' at
Boston Opera House Thru June 10th
The Boston Ballet's "La Sylphide" is at the Boston Opera House through June 10th.
La Sylphide is a dark and romantic tale about when a young man leaves everything he knows to pursue an elusive woodland fairy, and a vengeful sorceress conspires to tear them apart with her dangerous magic. Click here for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
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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 1,500-plus live musical performances spread across five different locations.
This week, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Ilana Katz Katz, Kesnel Personnel, Opera Guy and Friends, Joe Weinberg, and the 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 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 Rachel Sumner and Henry Cobb will perform at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm.
Todd Brunel 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.
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. Dan Barton will headline at the plaza this week.
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. The Opera Guy 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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Last Chance to See Griffin Museum of Photography Exhibit
'Tree Talk' at Lafayette City Center
The Griffin Museum of Photography exhibit at the Lafayette City Center Passageway "Tree Talk" is ending its run on May 30th. So you have one more day to check out this amazing exhibit.
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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.
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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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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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Meet Amy McCreath:
First Female Dean of St. Paul's
Amy McCreath became the first female dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.) in April, and she has found Downtown Boston invigorating.
"I really like working within the Cathedral because of the gatherings that happen here. I enjoy seeing the broad mix of people who are in the neighborhood for a variety of reasons," said McCreath, who most recently worked at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Watertown. "It feels invigorating to me. And a lot of it to me, is the Cathedral is meant to be about creating spaces for people with different backgrounds, perspectives and spiritualities, to come together and create a community, and surprise each other with how much they have in common."
McCreath said she is very excited about building alliances and partnerships in the neighborhood to "do even more to bring hope and healing into the world."
As the first female dean of the Cathedral, McCreath said, "I think this is the right time, given so much else happening in our world that is showing the gifts and capacities of women to lead and the need of having women in leadership roles."
If you are interested in working with or knowing more about the Cathedral Church of St. Paul please email Amy McCreath at
[email protected]. Please also visit St. Paul's website at
stpaulboston.org.
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Kimpton Nine Zero Unveils
Top-to-Bottom Transformation
Kimpton Nine Zero (90 Tremont St.) recently completed a top-to-bottom remodeling of the hotel, including its living room, 190 guest rooms and 2,400 sq. ft. meeting space.
Kimpton owner Brookfield Hotel Properties engaged Hirsch Bedner Associates, an international hospitality design firm, and Boston-based branding firm Korn Design, to create a completely new aesthetic.
The new bedrooms feature custom-made cognac colored leather headboards with iconic Eames chairs and ultra soft linens. The living room welcomes hotel guests with an interplay of textures and colors, including velvet against stone and metallic finishes.
"Our new look and feel will innovate the Boston hotel market. While we continued to top best of lists, we were inspired to keep pace with Boston's ever changing, and ever exciting new landscape," said Michal Penek, GM of Kimpton Nine Zero.
The hotel's second floor restaurant Highball Lounge will also be undergoing an extensive makeover beginning in June. By fall the hotel will unveil Better Sorts Social Club in its space.
Call 1-800-KIMPTON or click here for more information and to make reservations. |
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Mary Kakas, 78, Longtime Downtown Resident, President of Kakas & Sons Furriers
Longtime Downtown Boston resident Mary Kakas, a dedicated community service volunteer, passed away at the age of 78.
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| Photo from frameofmindproject.org/mary-kakas |
Kakas was the President Emeritus and CEO of Edward F. Kakas & Sons, a 149-year-old family-owned furrier business.
"Mary Kakas was one in a million. She had this amazing personality that radiated sunshine wherever she went," said BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone. "She was a great friend to those in need and always ready to give a helping hand. We will miss her vibrant and true 'Bostonian presence'."
Mary worked with her former father-in-law, George, and owner of Kakas Furs, helping to run the business and build it into a noted company. She credited George with teaching her renowned work ethic.
Community service was always important to Kakas, as she was a member of Rogerson Communities' Board of Directors for 15 years and served on numerous other charitable boards, including the Friends of Copley Square, the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund,
New England Women's Business Owners org., Rosie's Place, Tenacity, The Women's Educational and Industrial Union, Lyric Stage, Dress for Success and Jewish Family Services.
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MBTA Service Advisory:
Downtown Crossing Station
Passageway Between Red Line-Alewife and
Orange Line-Forest Hills Closed
May 29th - 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. |
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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: Design of Mine
; Intaglio Antique Prints and Maps; Recycled Glass; Karol Peralta Jewelry; DLR Designs; Urban Kitchen Handmade; Encore Apparel Co.; Aribella Design; Stash Jewelry; B and B Glass; Fiber and Water; Wyllo, Storyteller Jewelry, and Favour Valley Woodworking.
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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Win Tickets to 'Hamilton' and Support
New England Center and Home for Veterans
You could win tickets to "Hamilton" at the Boston Opera House this fall by buying a ticket in a New England Center and Home for Veterans' (NECHV) raffle. All proceeds of the raffle will support the Chipping In for Veterans Golf Tournament and programs and services at the NECHV.
The tickets being raffled off are for seats located in the Mezzanine Right Center, Row A. Raffle tickets are $100 and only 75 raffle tickets will be sold. To purchase raffle tickets, please contact Nicole Hand at 617-997-1065 or [email protected]. |
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Exclusive Offer from Panorama and Playbill for Downtown Boston BID Members
Downtown Boston BID members are being offered a 25% discount on ads placed in Panorama and Playbill full market.
Panorama has been Boston's official guide since 1951 and its website is bostonguide.com. It reaches more than 375,000 visitors per month.
Playbill is the most prestigious theater program in the country and reaches more than 1.5 million theatergoers per year. Playbill is the program for all theatrical attractions, including the Boston Ballet, performances at the Boston Opera House, The Wang Theatre, The Shubert Theatre, Emerson's Colonial Theatre, The Charles Playhouse, ArtsEmerson productions and more.
For further information please contact Jackie Firestone at: 857-366-8125
or [email protected].
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Avenue One Offering Burger and Brew Fenway Pregame Deal
Avenue One (One Avenue de Lafayette, inside Hyatt Regency Boston) is offering a Burger and Brew Fenway Pregame deal. Before every Red Sox home game indulge in a Bostonian Burger and your choice of draft beer (or canned beer) for $15 before you head to the game or watch from the Hyatt's lobby bar.
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Learn Spanish by Talking About
World Cup, Game Night and More at BASE
The
Boston Area Spanish Exchange (
101 Arch St., 8th floor) is hosting several free events to help you learn Spanish and Portuguese. BASE's summer course period is beginning July 16th and the registration deadline is July 6th.
BASE is holding Juegos de Palabras, a free Spanish Game Night for people to come play scrabble, other word games, converse and have fun on Wednesday, June 6th at 6 pm.
On Tuesdays through June 19th is A Primavera em
Portguês at 6 pm. These are free open-level Portuguese conversation workshops.
BASE is also offering
Charlas Futbolísticas on
Thursdays at 6 pm through June 21st. These are free open-level Spanish conversation workshops to talk about the World Cup, all things soccer, or whatever comes to mind.
Click
here for more information about the classes and to register for the upcoming summer courses.
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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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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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