|
July 20, 2015
|
Featured Stories
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Ambassador Services & Links
City Services
|
|
This Week's Featured Events
|
|
Design Museum Boston's Downtown Table Tours on July 23rd
Sign up for one of two different, immersive tours in which you'll enjoy appetizers, sip on custom cocktails, and hear from the design teams behind the Design for Dining exhibition. The tours are on the evening of July 23rd.
Tour #1 starts at 5:30 pm at BONAPITA and will visit Legal Crossing, JM Curley, and Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen.
Each tour will meet at BONAPITA, from which they will break into small rotating groups A, B, and C to tour the remaining restaurants.
Tour #2 starts at 6:30 pm at BONAPITA and will visit The Merchant, MAST', and Silvertone Bar & Grill.
Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets are $50 for members of the Design Museum Boston when you enter your membership number as a promotional code at checkout; Non-member tickets are $75. |
|
Free Book for Every Child!
ReadBoston Story Book Bike at Walgreens Plaza - July 24th
The ReadBoston Story Book Bike will be at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) on Friday, July 24th at 10 am. Children in attendance will each receive a free book and hear a captivating story read aloud by a professional storyteller. This is a free event open to the public geared to children ages 3 to 8.
ReadBoston's goal of incorporating literacy into summer programs aims to create a positive association between reading and other activities for children. For more info on the Storymobile and Book Bike program, call the ReadBoston hotline at 617-635-READ or click here. |
|
Arts, Entertainment & Events
|
|
'King Lear' in Shakespeare in the Common July 22nd Through August 9th
Starting July 22nd, "King Lear" is the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's 20th season production of Free Shakespeare on the Boston Common. "King Lear" follows the journey of an aging king, faced with his own mortality and mental decline, who tries to secure the legacy of his kingdom by dividing it among his three daughters. Only through loss - of status, of love, of loyalty- does King Lear learn what is truly resonant at the end of a life. All performances are free and open to the public at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. Friends Section Chairs are available - learn more or reserve your chairs by clicking here. Click here for more information about the show. The show runs from July 22nd through August 9th. |
|
Holly McGarry This Week at 133 Federal St.; Free Performances on
Mondays and Thursdays
The BID launched another summer music series - this time at 133 Federal St. on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm.
Holly McGarry, pictured, is scheduled to perform on July 23rd. Tupahn is scheduled to perform on July 27th and 30th These performances are free and open to the public.
|
|
Free Berklee Music Performance Series at 100 Summer St.
No�mie Legrand - July 21st & 23rd
The Berklee College of Music Summer Concert Series continues this week with No�mie Legrand on July 21st & 23rd from noon to 2 pm. This performance is free and open to the public at 100 Summer St.
No�mie Legrand is a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her blend of indie, alternative, and folk acoustic sounds. She is originally from France.
|
|
Ghost of Paul Revere Performing at
Boston Calling Block Party in Dewey Square Park - July 23rd
This week's Boston Calling Block Party in Dewey Square (Congress and Summer streets) on Thursday, July 23rd features live music by Ghost of Paul Revere. Thursday's block party is from 5 to 8 pm.
Thursday night block parties will be in Dewey Square through the end of September.
All block parties are free and you must be 21 to attend. Beer and wine is available for purchase. Along with lawn seating there are also free corn hole games for everyone to play.
|
|
Tupahn Performing at 125 Summer Street on July 22nd &
Carlos V. Ramos on July 24th
One of the BID's new music series is the 125 Summer Street Soloists Series. Every Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm through September you can see a live performer. All performances are free and open to the public.
Tupahn, pictured, will perform on Wednesday, July 22nd and Luke Niccoli will perform on Friday, July 24th. There is public seating at the location, so take your lunch outside and enjoy the music! |
|
Screenings of 'U-Carmen eKhayelitsha' at Emerson's Paramount Center on
July 24th & 25th
The Isango Film Festival will be screening "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" at the Paramount Center (559 Washington St.) on Friday, July 24th at 8 pm and Saturday, July 25th at 2 pm.
This 2005 movie is an update of a classic opera, in which Carmen wounds her co-worker Pinki during a fight and then uses promises of a future rendezvous to convince police sergeant Jongikhaya to let her go free.
These screenings are taking place at the Bright Family Screening Room. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7.50 for seniors, $5 for students and free rush for Emerson College students. Tickets may be purchased by calling 617-824-8400 or clicking here. |
|
Free Screening of 'Amores Gatos' with Filmmakers at Boston Area Spanish Exchange - July 24th
The Boston Area Spanish Exchange (41 Winter St. 4th Floor) is offering a free screening of "Amores Gatos" on Friday, July 24th at 7 pm. There will be a Q&A with the filmmakers after the showing.
IMDB.com provides a summary of the movie from 2000: "A horrific car accident connects three stories, each involving characters dealing with loss, regret, and life's harsh realities, all in the name of love."
Seating is limited so RSVPing is required by clicking here.There is a suggested $10 donation for the screening. |
|
Luke Niccoli Performing Live at Walgreens Plaza on July 24th & 25th
Luke Niccoli will be performing live on Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th at Walgreen Plaza (School and Washington streets) this summer. This is a BID-sponsored performance.
Niccoli will perform from noon to 1:30 pm on Friday, and noon to 2 pm on Saturday. This performance is free and open to the public. |
|
Dance Along with Stardust at Dorothy Curran Wednesday Night Concert Series at City Hall Plaza on July 29th
The Dorothy Curran Wednesday Night Concert series is celebrating 43 years as Boston's longest-running outdoor concert series. The series consists of four shows all on City Hall Plaza. Enjoy a Stardust Dance Party on July 29th at 7 pm.
Upcoming dates for the concert series with different performers are August 5th and August 12th. |
|
This Saturday: The Downtown Kids Vocal Troupe on Summer Street
The Downtown Kids will perform Saturday at One Summer St. The group is comprised of members of the Sweet Harmony vocal troupe from the Riverside Theatre Works, and will be performing live every Saturday through August from 12:30 to 3 pm.
The group will perform show tunes, hits from the 80s, 90s and modern era. These live performances are free and open to the public. |
|
BID Internships Available
The Downtown Boston BID is seeking qualified, enthusiastic interns to assist with the following projects: - Office administration and customer service
- Policy research and analysis
- Data collection, input and management
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. |
|
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected] |
|
|
|
Four Hidden Places for Lunch in
Downtown Boston
With the beautiful weather it's a great time to get out and try some new restaurants for lunch. Here are four places that are more hidden than others.
Ogawa Coffee (10 Milk St.) serves a lot more than coffee. They have a delicious lunch menu including the Teriyaki Chicken Tartine (pictured above), indoor seating and of course delicious coffee. Click here for Ogawa Coffee's website or call 617-780-7139.
Tucked away in the Corner Mall is Sushi Time. They have prepared sushi ready to go, have seating if you would prefer to have your food made in front of you and their prices are pretty darn good! Call 617-292-7610 to place an order or stop in.
Inside 125 Summer St., you will find several restaurants including Pita, which offers authentic Mediterranean food. They offer salads, roll-ups, combo plates and give two free falafels with every combo plate. They also provide catering. Click here for their website or call 617-737-5900.
 Inside 48 Winter St. is Banh Mi House, offering the very popular Vietnamese sandwich with the same name as the restaurant. There are seven different options: classic (jambon, Vietnamese ham, pate), vegetarian, grilled chicken, grilled beef, BBQ pork, Vietnamese meatballs, and crispy pork. Banh Mi House also serves bubble tea, soups, salads, spring rolls, and weekly specials. Catering is also available.
|
|
Over the Edge at Hyatt Regency Boston Raises Funds for
Special Olympics Massachusetts
Lots of people had a cliffhanging experience this weekend during the Over the Edge event as they rappelled down the 22 stories of the Hyatt Regency Boston to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.
"I had the sincere privilege of rappelling 22 stories down the side of Hyatt Regency Boston - a building that I usually leave by taking an elevator or walking down the stairs!" said Terry Dunbar, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Boston. "Over the Edge is truly a unique fundraising event. We are so proud to partner with Special Olympics Massachusetts for the fifth year in a row to give power to individuals who are brave each and every day."
Over the Edge is a unique fundraising event providing participants the thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime chance of rappelling down a building in an exciting and completely safe environment. |
|
BONAPITA and Soldier Design:
Dine with Design for Dining Exhibition at Seven Downtown Boston Restaurants
The Design for Dining exhibition showcases installations demonstrating how designers shape the dining experience. Soldier Design created a holistic experience to help drive Cookies & Tea theme at BONAPITA (note the Bakery sign above) as a business with a unique message, expression, experience and building community.
Incorporating the Mediterranean communal lifestyle in a modern setting, Soldier Design tied in elements of natural wood, tile work and leather in contrast to the bold concrete and metal.
The restaurants were paired-off with seven leading design and architecture firms: Legal Crossing with Bergmeyer Associates; BONAPITA with Soldier Design; jm Curley with Jaywalk Studio; MAST' with NELSON; The Merchant with Payette; Silvertone Bar & Grill with Silverman Trykowski Associates; and SIP Wine Bar and Kitchen with Gate 3 Design. Each team designed and produced a new dining experience that will pop-up in each restaurant. There will be special menus and drinks that accompany these newly designed experiences from June to November.
Tickets are now available for Design Museum Boston's Downtown Table Tour on the evening of July 23rd. Click here for tickets. Sign up for one of two different, immersive experiences in which you'll sample appetizers, sip on custom cocktails, and hear from the design teams behind the Design for Dining exhibition. Member tickets are $50 when you enter your membership number as promotional code at checkout; Non-member tickets are $75.
Click here for upcoming events associated with Design for Dining, which is being produced in collaboration with the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District. |
|
What You Need to Know: Washington Street Closed from Summer/Winter Streets to Bromfield/Franklin Streets
Pedestrian access is limited on Washington Street as Suffolk Construction Co. reaches its next phase of the Millennium Tower project. Suffolk's goal is to provide safety measures to the public as the tower continues upward will only affect the roadway of half the block of Washington Street between Summer and Franklin streets on Monday through Friday to December 31st. The west sidewalk (next to the commercial businesses) will remain open.
A "Road Closed, Business Loading Only" sign has been placed on Washington Street towards Winter/Summer streets from 11 am to 3:30 pm. A Boston Police detail will be posted at Washington Street near Primark; Another detail at Washington Street and Temple Place directing traffic to Temple Place from 11 am to 3:30 pm daily (Monday to Friday); A third Boston Police detail will be posted at Washington and Bromfield streets directing pedestrians to the sidewalk 11 am to 3:30 pm (Monday to Friday). |
|
Donate to the Men's Wearhouse Annual Suit Drive Now Through July 31st
Men's Wearhouse (481 Washington St.) is holding its annual National Suit Drive from today through July 31st. Please donate gently-used professional clothing at any Men's Wearhouse location through the end of July and give someone a chance to transform their life.
More than 200,000 suits were donated during 2014's drive and this year's goal is having 250,000 suits donated. To thank you for your donation, you'll receive a special coupon for 50% off your next purchase (excluding shoes, clearance, custom and Exceptional Value items). Click here for more information, to know what items are being requested and to learn how to get your business involved. |
|
Get a Picnic Basket from Artisan Bistro
Summertime is a perfect time for a picnic basket from the Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.). Take your basket to the Boston Common, to a performance of Shakespeare in the Common, to the Esplanade, or anywhere else.
The Public Garden picnic basket includes two sandwiches, salads, desserts and two Swan Boat passes. The Boston Common picnic basket offers two sandwiches, salads, side dishes, dessert and two Swan Boat passes. There's also a Ritz Kids picnic basket and a Rover basket for your favorite canine! Disposable plates and utensils are also included. Call 617-574-7176 to place a picnic order within 24 hours advance notice. |
|
Allen Edmonds Summer Clearance Sale Through August 17th
Allen Edmonds (25 State St.) is having a Summer Clearance Sale on select styles of up to 40% through August 17th. Click here for Allen Edmonds' website and to see what's on sale.
|
|
Sebastians Cafe Deal: 25% Off for New Catering Clients & 20% Off for
Existing Clients
Sebastians Cafe (100 Summer St.) is offering 25% off catering orders for new clients, and 20% off catering orders for existing clients.
Also, ask an associate about Sebastians' iced coffee giveaway and sundae bar giveaway. Click here for Sebastians Cafe menu. |
|
Super Hero Sundays at Sidebar
Sidebar (14 Bromfield St.) offers Super Hero Sundays every Sunday. Show the staff something with a hero, and you'll get 50% off any appetizer. Click here for Sidebar's menu.
|
|
Construction & Utility Work Updates
|
|
Millennium Tower Continues to Reach for the Sky 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.  |
|
BID Ambassador Services & Links
|
|
|
BID Ambassadors Provide Walking Escorts
and Directions 24 Hours a Day in Downtown
The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night - they'll even tote an umbrella if it's snowing!
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.
|
|
Additional BID Ambassador Services
- Friendly, welcoming downtown presence: helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incident, etc.
- Making sure handicapped ramps are not obstructed and storm drain openings are not clogged.
- Cleaning and powerwashing in Downtown Boston during warm weather.
- Landscaping, watering flowers during warm weather.
- Remove litter and graffiti
- Contact [email protected] for more.
|
|
|
