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August 3, 2015
Featured Stories
Meetings & Notices 
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Ambassador Services & Links
City Services
In The News
Globe: In 'King Lear,' Lyman is King of the Common
Meetings & Notices
Save the Date: Summertime BID Members Meeting on August 12th 

The Downtown Boston BID is hosting a summer members meeting at One Federal St. on Wednesday, August 12th from 4 to 6 pm

Our meeting will feature a "meet and greet" and warm welcome to the many new businesses, property owners and residents who have moved into the district during the past year. Please join us in welcoming our new business partners and friends and learn about exciting new developments in the district. Refreshments will be served. Lawn games will also be available to play. 

Please RSVP to Doug Meyer at [email protected]
This Week's Featured Event
Old State House Free on August 7th 

The Old State House (206 Washington St.) is free on Friday, Aug. 7th thanks to the Highland Street Foundation's Free Fun Fridays

Stop by to learn about Boston's Revolutionary past, stand at the site of the Boston Massacre, or meet a real person who lived in 1765 in the Revolutionary Characters Live! program. There will be free tours every half hour throughout the day

 

Group reservations will not be taken for this day. Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to space limitations there may be a wait to enter the building.

 

Please remember all museum rules will still be in effect: no food or drink, no flash photography, and no backpacks. First come, first served. The Old State House will be open from 9 am to 6 pm

Arts, Entertainment & Events
'King Lear' in Shakespeare on the Common Through August 9th 

"King Lear" is the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's 20th-season production of Free Shakespeare on the Boston Common this summer. 


"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 through August 9th

Free Berklee Music Performance Series at 100 Summer St. 
The Dingo Babies - Aug. 4th & 6th 

The Berklee College of Music Summer Concert Series continues this week with The Dingo Babies on August 4th and 6th from noon to 2 pm. This performance is free and open to the public at 100 Summer St.
From the Berklee website: "The Dingo Babies' name, like their music, was unexpected but it stuck. Focused on tight harmonies harkening back to Dispatch and the new piano-rock sound of Crash Kings, their blended style falls somewhere along the lines of the Avett Brothers, Alt-J, and Ben Folds Five in a style they call folk/pop/piano rock. They began performing in small local venues and at homeless shelters and food kitchens through Berklee's student-run service program called The Movement. They have continued to stay active in service, raising over $1,000 with their music to benefit the human rights organization Calling All Crows by performing on the street. 

They have released one full-length album, Breakfast (called "eclectic, interesting, and accessible" by WMFO-FM), and they have opened for acts such as Chadwick Stokes (Dispatch, State Radio). They are currently working on an EP."

Tori Marjorie at 133 Federal St.; 
Free Performances on 
Mondays and Thursdays 

The BID's 133 Federal St. music series is free and open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm
Tori Marjorie (pictured) is scheduled to perform on August 3rd and 6th. Holly McGarry is scheduled to perform on August 10th
Strictly Sinatra at Dorothy Curran Wednesday Night Concert Series at City Hall Plaza on August 5th 

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 Michael Dutra as he brings his Strictly Sinatra tribute on August 5th at 7 pm.
 
The last performance of the concert series is on August 12th with an AARP Night featuring Tavares
Tigerman WOAH Performing at  
Boston Calling Block Party in Dewey Square Park - August 6th 

This week's Boston Calling Block Party in Dewey Square (Congress and Summer streets) on Thursday, August 6th features live music by Tigerman WOAH. 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 is also free corn hole for everyone to play.
A Special Tour of the Old South Meeting House with the Boston Center for Adult Education - August 6th

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) with the Boston Center for Adult Education on Thursday, August 6th. Led by an OSMH staff member, the tour will cover the original weather vane, the belfry, the steeple and the Meeting House's massive attic.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by clicking here. This tour is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
 
Hsin Hou Sun Performing at 
125 Summer Street on Aug. 5th & 
Tupahn on Aug. 7th 

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

Hsin Hou Sun, pictured, will perform on Wednesday, August 5th and Tupahan will perform on Friday, August 7th. There is public seating at the location, so take your lunch outside and enjoy the music! 
Carlos V. Ramos Performing Live at Walgreens Plaza on Aug. 7th & Tupahn on August 8th  

Carlos V. Ramos will be performing live on Friday, Aug. 7th and Tupahn is performing live on Saturday, August 8th at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) this summer. These are BID-sponsored performances. 

Ramos, pictured, will perform from noon to 1:30 pm on Friday, and Tupahn will perform noon to 2 pm on Saturday. These performance are free and open to the public. 
 
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 and hits from the 80s, 90s, and modern era. These live performances are free and open to the public.
12th Annual Shooze Cruise to Benefit St. Francis House on August 12th 

St. Francis House (39 Boylston St.) is holding its 12th Annual Shooze Cruise on Wednesday, August 12th at 6:30 pm. Click here for tickets.

The cruise sets sail on the Provincetown II leaving from the World Trade Center pier at 6:30 pm. In addition to the $30 ticket price, each attendee is asked to donate a pair of new men's sneakers, boots, or dress shoes sizes 9-13. Proper footwear is one of the biggest challenges of  men and women living on the streets and the event hopes to bring St. Francis House more than 250 new pairs this summer.

 

On top of the donated shoes, proceeds from the event's tickets, raffle and sponsorships are aimed to raise more than $20,000 to support the programs and services provided at St. Francis House.
Lantern Illumination to Celebrate Liberty Tree's 250th Anniversary on Aug. 14th

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Liberty Tree on August 14th at 8 pm as 108 copper lanterns are lit. This event will begin at Liberty Tree Plaza (Washington and Boylston streets).

On August 14, 1765, thousands of Bostonians gathered beneath an enormous elm not far from Boston Common to protest the hated Stamp Act, which taxed the people of Massachusetts without their consent.  The protest convinced the official charged with administering the tax to resign his office, and the tree where the protest had begun received a new name: The Liberty Tree.

This event is commonly viewed as the start of the American Revolution, while the Liberty Tree emerged as the most prominent symbol of the important role played by ordinary people in creating the new republic.


The lanterns will be decorated with artwork and together will give expression to the meanings that the Liberty Tree holds for the people of Boston today.

Speakers will include historian Nathaniel Sheidley of the Bostonian Society. This event is a presented by Medicine Wheel Productions, Revolution250, the Bostonian Society, and a coalition of historic organizations committed to working together to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Reenactment of the Stamp Riot Act in Celebration of Liberty Tree's 250th Anniversary on Aug. 15th

Please join the Bostonian Society on Saturday, Aug. 15th at 4 pm, in commemorating the enduring legacy of the Liberty Tree. Join historic reenactors in period costume in a march from the site of the Liberty Tree to the Old State House to protest the coming Stamp Act. 


Can the stamp distributor be compelled to resign his post? This event is co-sponsored by the Bostonian Society and Revolution250This event will begin at Liberty Tree Plaza (Washington and Boylston streets).

Featured Stories
Cool Off with Lemonade at These 10 Downtown Boston Restaurants 

One of the best things to quench your thirst during a heatwave is lemonade and these downtown Boston restaurants are offering their own special varieties of one of America's favorite drinks. 

Above left: Avenue One's (1 Avenue De Lafayette) 
Hendrick's Lemonade features Hendrick's gin, fresh strawberry and cucumber with lemon juice and agave nectar. Above right: Back Deck's (2 West St.) Spiked Strawberry Lemonade consists of house made Back Deck lemonade, Smirnoff strawberry vodka, amaretto, pureed strawberries and grapefruit juice. 
   
Above left: Barracuda Tavern (15 Bosworth St.) offers a lemonade that includes honey-infused whiskey, peach pur�e and fresh lemonade served in a mason jar. Above right: Central Bistro's (101 Arch St. #200) Central Shandy is made with IPA, cassis, a touch of berry and lemonade. 
Above left: The Marliave's (10 Bosworth St.) WC Fields has lemon juice, Bully Boy vodka, muddled cucumber and lemon, soda water and is topped with Pimm's. Above right: MAST's (45 Province St.) Amalfi Lemonade includes Ketel One Citroen, Jack Daniels Honey, freshly-squeezed house-made lemonade and garnished with a sugared Meyer lemon wheel.  

Above left:The Merchant's (60 Franklin St.) Back 9 includes Del's Narragansett Shandy, which uses Del's Lemonade and citrus vodka, iced tea and Del's Shandy. Above right: Milk Street Cafe's (50 Milk St.) fresh-squeezed lemonade is made onsite. 

Above left: Salvatore's (545 Washington St.) Sparkling Basil Lemonade includes fresh-squeezed lemon juice, vodka, basil simple syrup with fresh basil and soda water. Above right: Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen's (581 Washington St.) Spiked Cranberry Lemonade includes sweet tea vodka, white cranberries, lemonade and Splash Soda.
Recycled Glass Jewelry, The Flutter Shawl and Karol Peralta Jewelry - Thursday Vendors Outside of CVS Plaza 

Every Thursday there are several vendors on CVS Plaza (Summer and Chauncy streets) selling items such as shawls, scarves, handmade jewelry, necklaces, bracelets and more. Also, there are vendors outside Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) on Fridays. 

Melissa Tarr is selling varied Flutter Shawls for $30, which are lightweight, versatile and offer a dramatic option to a functional scarf. 

Karol Peralta Jewelry, above, specializes in handmade jewelry with Swarovski crystals. Karol makes all of her bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more, and she will be onsite. Prices vary for different items.
  
Recycled Glass Jewelry, above, is handmade by Carolina, and features bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more made with recycled glass. Prices vary for different items. 
Tim Terceira Named as New General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common 

We would like to welcome Tim Terceira to Downtown Boston. Terceira was recently named the new general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common.

"This is such an exciting career and personal opportunity," said Terceira. "I look forward to making Boston my new home and I'm delighted to begin working with the dedicated ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common."

Most recently Terceira was the opening general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto and Residences. Prior to that he was the VP of Market Operations for Marriott Hotels and Resorts of Canada. 
 
Announcements
MBTA Entrance on Franklin Street Closed Aug. 10th Until Summer 2016 

The MBTA Franklin Street entrance will be closed on Monday, Aug. 10th, and will remain closed until summer 2016, to accommodate ongoing construction for the Millennium Tower project.  

Customers wanting to enter and exit at Downtown Crossing should use entrances and exits on Summer, Chauncy and Arch streets.
 
Deals & Promos
Get Your #FreeBrady T-Shirt at Vendor Kiosk at Walgreens Plaza 

Show your support of New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady by purchasing a #FreeBrady t-shirt at the vendor kiosk in front of the Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets)
Wine Flight Fridays at Artisan Bistro 

Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.) is offering Wine Flight Fridays, which is a selection of three wines to taste. The menu will be different every week and will consist of three 3 oz. pours for $20. Click here for August 7th's menu.

'Like' BONAPITA's Facebook Page and Win Lunch for You and a Friend 

BONAPITA (49 Franklin St.) is giving away "Lunch With A Buddy" once a week to one lucky friend who "likes" its Facebook page. Click here for BONAPITA's main Facebook page. 

Each weekly winner will receive a certificate entitling him or her to bring a friend in for a lunch for two consisting of two complimentary entrees and beverages. Once you've liked the Facebook page, you'll be eligible every week. 
Save at Macy's with Fashion Pass and Help Support Six Charities

Help support six great charities and get savings off the season's hottest fashions with Macy's Fashion Pass. Get your Fashion Pass for $5 and receive an extra 15-20% off store-wide and get $10 off a $30 purchase.  

One-hundred percent of your $5 Fashion Pass will benefit: Children's Cancer Research Fund, Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation, Inc., the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Fashion Incubators at Macy's, Ronald McDonald House New York, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Ask a Macy's sales associate about purchasing a Fashion Pass.
 
Free Beginner Spanish Classes at Boston Area Spanish Exchange 

The Boston Area Spanish Exchange (41 Winter St. 4th Floor) is offering free beginner workshops to learn Spanish on consecutive Tuesdays. You are welcome to attend individual sessions or all of them, regardless of whether you've attended previous sessions. 

A Conversar: Beginner Spanish Workshops
will be held on Tuesdays (August 4, 18 and 25) and will all be free. Click here to sign up and for more info.The classes are from 5:30 to 7 pm.

BASE is also offering attendees free first sessions for intermediate and advanced Spanish classes (only the first session will be free for these classes).

Tejiendo Historias: Intermediate Spanish Conversation Practice While You Weave will be held on Thursdays from 7:15 to 8:45 pm (Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27). Classes will be $10 after the first session, and you are not required to attend any of the sessions. Click here for more info and to register. 

Futbul, El Segundo Idioma de Latinoamerica: Advanced Spanish Conversation Workshops will be held on Thursdays from 7:15 to 8:45 pm (Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27). The first session will be free and any other individual session will cost $10. Click here to register and for more info. 

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.
City Services


Boston City Seal
THANK YOU!
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

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected]