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June 2, 2014
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The 5
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Ambassador Services & Links
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This Week's Featured Event
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See Theater Performances Via Bright Lights Film Series at Emerson College
Emerson College's Bright Lights screening and talk series gives the public opportunities to see award-winning theater performances on the big screen at Emerson's Paramount Center (559 Washington St.).
See a film of the Broadway version of "Driving Miss Daisy" starring Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones, pictured above, with three shows starting on June 6th. Tickets are $20. Click here for more info and to buy tickets.
There will be one showing of "GMO OMG" on June 11th. Presented in collaboration with Mass Critical and Lighter Culture, "GMO OMG" explores the "corporate takeover and potential loss of humanity's most precious and ancient inheritance: seeds." Tickets are $10. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
Watch a film of the Royal Shakespeare version of "Henry IV" in two parts. There will be four showings of Part I starting June 27th. There will be four showings of Part II starting July 18th. Tickets are $18. Click here to buy tickets for Part I, click here to buy tickets for Part II. |
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The 5 - Literary Works About Downtown Boston
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Learn About Present Day Boston by Reading About its Past
Introducing a new newsletter feature - The 5 - which will provide a list of 5 items relating to the district, with this week being dedicated to five recommended books that explore aspects of Downtown Boston.
"Building A New Boston: Politics & Urban Renewal" by Thomas H. O'Connor, is a definitive guide to Boston's controversial era of "urban renewal," when dramatic projects such as the Government Center Plaza and the West End redevelopment forever altered the city.
"The Devil In The White City: Murder, Magic & Madness At The Fair That Changed America" by Erik Larson, which has two blockbuster protagonists who transformed Boston - Daniel Burnham, architect of the Burnham Building, and Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed the Emerald Necklace.
"Lost Boston" by Jane Holtz Key, is a sumptuous, but also intimate coffee table production chronicling the old buildings, alleyways, neighborhoods, and more that have since been redeveloped in Boston.
"The Rascal King: The Life & Times of James Michael Curley" by Jack Beatty, chronicles the unforgettable saga of Boston's (in)famous Depression-era mayor, James Michael Curley, whose politics of ethnic polarization cast an enduring shadow in the 20th century Boston.
"Turmoil & Transition In Boston: A Political Memoir From the Busing Era" by Lawrence S. DiCara, is an engaging insider's view of Boston politics during the tumultuous 1970s, when the city was torn apart by court-mandated busing in order to desegregate its school system.
Got a topic for The 5, or book suggestions? Email [email protected]. |
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Stephen Brookes, Operations Manager for BID Ambassador Program, Going Over The Edge for Special Olympics Massachusetts
Special Olympics Massachusetts takes fundraising to new heights with its Over the Edge event held from atop the roof of the Hyatt Regency Boston. This year, Stephen Brookes, the BID's Clean & Hospitality Operations Manager, pictured below, will be participating in a once in a lifetime opportunity of rappelling down 24 stories - and raising money for the Special Olympics. Brookes needs to raise $1,000 for the Special Olympics to participate, and you can help donate by clicking here. The 4th Annual Over the Edge is being hosted by the Hyatt Regency Boston on July 19, 2014 - and there are spots open to rappel down the building! Sign up to "Toss the Boss" and fundraise to send your boss off the roof of the Hyatt. Spots are limited so register here now. |
Internships Available
The Downtown Boston BID is seeking interested students to help out with a variety of projects. Please send cover letters and resumes to [email protected].
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Boston Pride Week is June 6th through June 15th
Boston Pride Week starts June 6th with a flag raising at City Hall on the first day. There are many events around the Boston area throughout the week, including a parade, discussion panels, concerts, and more.
Click here for more information and a full schedule of events. |
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Enjoy the 1893 Package at the Ames Boston Hotel
In a nod to the Ames Boston Hotel's architectural history (it was Boston's first skyscraper), the hotel is offering a 1893 Package (the year it was constructed).
The package includes two tickets to the Old Town Trolley Tours (a 100-minute fully narrated guide to Boston's history and sights), two tickets to the Old South Meeting House, two tickets to the Old State House, and a complimentary Boston visitor info kit. The 1893 Package is valid through Aug. 31st, black out dates apply. Rates start at $369 per night. Click here for more info and reservations. The Ames Boston Hotel is located at 1 Court St. |
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$0 Initiation Fee for The Sports Club/LA for June and July
There will be a $0 initiation fee for anyone who wants to join The Sports Club/LA (4 Avery St.,) in June or July.
The Sports Club/LA has state-of-the-art equipment, a spa, and classes including mommy bootcamp and vinyasa yoga. Call 888-366-8189 or click here for more info. |
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Win Prizes and Help the Jimmy Fund By Entering Give and Guess Globe Promo at Walgreens
Give $10 to the Jimmy Fund to submit your guess in the fund's Give and Guess Globe promotion - and you could win prizes including an all-inclusive trip to Jamaica.
Visit the Give and Guess Globe at City Hall Plaza on Tuesday, June 3rd through Thursday, June 5th from noon to 8 pm, and guess how many beach balls are in the giant inflatable globe. With every guess you are entered to win a daily prize, including Red Sox and Patriots tickets.
The promo coincides with the 32nd Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl being held at City Hall Plaza on June 3rd through June 5th. |
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Save $$$ with Macy's Friends & Family Sale - June 4th to 9th
Macy's continues to offer amazing deals, as there will be a Friends & Family Sale on Wednesday, June 4th through Monday, June 9th. That means up to 25% off regular, sale and clearance items.
 Click here for coupons for the sale for the 25% off, or 10% off electronics, furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings. The promotional code to receive the discount online at Macys.com is FRIEND. |
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected] |
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Amid Renovations, Burnham Building Hosts Italian Cultural Center Event
Although not restored to its historic form yet, the Burnham Building hosted to an Italian Cultural Center of Boston event on Saturday night to
The event was attended by many including BID President Rosemarie Sansone, above left, and Margaret Carr, middle, and Diane Modica, right. both of who are on the BID's neighborhood advisory board. The event was also attended by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, and Mayor Ignazio Marino of Rome, Italy. |
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Summer Planters and Hanging Flower Baskets Are Up... Please Handle with Care
More than 30 ground concrete planters and more than 500 hanging flower baskets were installed in the district in the past week. "The planters and baskets are for the public to enjoy," said Anita Lauricella, Planner/Project Manager for the BID. "We have placed them in highly-visible public gathering spaces. We water and care for them with love and attention - and we ask that the public respects the plantings, too." |
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Chef and TV Host Guy Fieri Spotted in Downtown Boston
Food Network personality and restauranteur Guy Fieri is in Boston filming for his "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" show and we happened to spot him outside the Ames Boston Hotel.
BostInno reported that Fieri was at food spots in Faneuil Hall and the Financial District. "There's all kinds of good (restaurants in Downtown Boston). There's a lot of good things happening here," said Fieri. As for recommendations, or where he went - Fieri said we'd have to watch the show when it airs (no word on when that will be). |
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King St. Tavern Debuts Bar with Seven Days of Entertainment
The King St. Tavern held a soft opening for its bar last week, and the restaurant will open later in June. The 30-seat restaurant is on the first floor of the Ames Boston Hotel (1 Court St.) and is offering entertainment every night of the week, said Christina Tommasino, manager for the Tavern.
While entertainers and schedules will change, this is the current weekly lineup:
- Mondays at 8 pm will be an open mic. On Tuesdays, former American Idol contestant Erika Van Pelt, pictured above, will perform.
- On Wednesdays, singer/songwriter Daniel Burns will be regularly featured.
- On Thursdays there will be a lounge DJ spinning vinyl records of Blondie and Depeche Mode.
- On Friday there will be a Daft Punk-like DJ.
- On Saturday nights there will be a hip-hop band similar to The Roots.
- And on Sunday there will be an open mic jam at which people are free to bring their own instruments and perform.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Fusion of Brazilian and Venezuelan Music: Nella and Edu Performing at Berklee Performances Series This Week
The Berklee Performances Series, featuring students from the Berklee College of Music, takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is a perfect way to spend your lunch break.
Performances are at 100 Summer St. (adjacent to Long's Jewelers), from noon to 2 pm. Nella and Edu, pictured above, are playing on June 3rd and 5th. Ella and Edu consists of Eduardo Mercuri on guitar and Marianella Rojas on voice and percussion. They perform a fusion of music from Brazil and Venezuela with jazz and pop, among other genres. Ana and Marco are scheduled to play on June 10th and 12th. Ana and Marco is a duo in which arroz con coco meets tacos al pastor. The duo's music has its roots in Latin America merged with different styles. Click here for a full schedule of performers.
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Photography Exhibit Extended at Lafayette City Center Hallway Through July 6th
The [Photo]gogues photography exhibit on display at the Lafayette City Center Hallway has been extended through July 6th. After the current exhibit, Arthur Griffin's Singular Image exhibit, which are images from the 30's and 40's, will be displayed.
The hallway gallery connects between Macy's and the Lafayette City Center on Avenue de Lafayette, and is free and open to the public when Macy's is open. The exhibit is being curated by the Griffin Photography Museum.
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Don't Forget! Opening Reception for Photographer Deepak Kumar at Artists Crossing Gallery- June 6th
The Artists Crossing Gallery is hosting an opening art reception featuring photographer Deepak Kumar on Friday, June 6th.
The Artists Crossing Gallery is located in the lower level of 431 Washington St. The reception is free, open to the public, and from 6 to 8 pm. Click here for more info. |
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New Location! New Location! Visit the Summer Street Market at its New Location on Wednesdays and Fridays
Swarovski crystal jewelry, local honey, and handmade soaps are just a few of the items for sale at the Summer Street Market.
The market has a new location (125 Summer St.) this year due to construction on upper Summer Street. The market features original artwork from local artisans on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm throughout the summer. |
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Live Jazz Trio on The Terrace Roof Deck at the Hyatt Regency Boston
Enjoy a relaxing evening of a live jazz trio at The Terrace at Avenue One on Thursday nights this summer. The Terrace, on the roof of Avenue One, opened for the season on May 29th, offering new cocktails, a bar menu, and rooftop views from atop the Hyatt Regency Boston.
 All summer, each Tuesday through Friday, from 4 to 10 pm, The Terrace will be open for al fresco dining. Each Thursday night a live jazz trio will play from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. The Terrace is located in the Hyatt Regency Boston at 2 Avenue de Lafayette. Click here for more info, or call 617-612-1234.
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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Summer Street Getting a Makeover, Godfrey Hotel 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? Then click here. 
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BID Ambassador Services & Links
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BID Ambassadors Provide Walking Escorts 24 Hours a Day in Downtown
The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night - they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining!
Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID Ambassador services. Please call 20 to 30 minutes prior to desired escort. You can also email [email protected], which is encouraged. |
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Additional BID Ambassador Services
- Providing walking escorts 24 hours/day: contact 617-261-0066 to arrange.
- Landscaping, watering flowers, making sure handicapped ramps are not obstructed and storm drain openings are not clogged.
- Cleaning and powerwashing in Downtown Boston during warm weather.
- Friendly, welcoming downtown presence: helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents, etc.
- Contact [email protected] for more.
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