Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
May 9, 2016
Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Update
City of Boston Services
In The News
Boston Magazine: Yvonne's Team is Opening Ruka in Downtown Crossing This Year 5/5/16

Globe: This Boston Ballet Dance Gets Freed Up -- Through Corsets 5/5/16

BBJ: 175 Federal St. Building Sold for $139 Million 5/4/16

Globe: Aspiring Boston Rappers Convene to Compete at Downtown Crossing 5/4/16

BBJ: What's the 'Something Big' Coming to 125 Summer St.? 5/3/16

Voice of Downtown Boston: jm Curley Returns Triumphant After Flood Damage 5/2/16
Meetings & Notices
Tonight: Project Team for Proposed Development at 533 Washington St. to Present at MCDRA Meeting

The Midtown Cultural District Residents' Association will hold its monthly meeting tonight (Monday, May 9th) at 7 pm at the Modern Theatre 525 Washington St.). The agenda includes a presentation by the project team for the proposed development of 533 Washington St. 

The proposed project is for a 30-story mixed-used building on the site of the former Felt night club. There would be 94 residential units, a restaurant(s) and collaborative work space uses.
This Week's Featured Event
Boston Calling Block Parties Return to Dewey Square with Tigerman WOAH on May 12th

The very popular Boston Calling Music Festival Block Parties kickoff another season on Thursday, May 12th with music by Tigerman WOAH. The block parties are free and open to the public to attend in Dewey Square, but you must be 21 or older.

The block parties are a partnership with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Shock Top, Wicked Wines, RadioBDC, CHEN PR and the BID. All block parties will feature local musicians. The parties are from 5 to 8 pm and have a cash bar, lawn games and promotions.
Arts, Entertainment & Events
World Premiere of 'Mirrors' by Boston Ballet on Opera House's Stage Opened May 6th
 
The Boston Ballet's "Mirrors" features two world premieres alongside the company premiere of 
Belong and the return of Resonance. The show runs through May 26th at the Boston Opera House.

Four pieces highlight the depth and scope of contemporary dance vocabulary incorporating a romantic style to the unique creations of an award-winning "punk ballerina." Click here for tickets and showtimes.  
Register for Suffolk University Center for Real Estate's Eight Tuesday Classes on Neighborhood & Civic Engagement

Suffolk University's Center for Real Estate is offering eight Tuesday night classes on Neighborhood & Civic Engagement starting May 10th. 

Redevelopment of Boston's neighborhood streets and centers, including the Fairmount Corridor, New Market Square, Dudley Square and more bring plans for redesigned roadways and offer opportunities for job creation and business growth. Attendees will learn how to impact public request for land development so they benefit the entire community and help create jobs.
 
Instructor Jeanne DuBois, former executive director of the Dorchester Day Economic Development Corporation will draw on her successful experiences and share her best practices for combining civic engagement with neighborhood job creation. There will be several guest speakers. The cost is $250 for one session or $450 for two. Click here to register. This sessions start May 10th and the following seven Tuesday evenings. 
Emerson College's Naming Ourselves Public Dialogue Series Continues on 
May 10th

Emerson College's Naming Ourselves Public Dialogue Series concludes on Tuesday, May 10th with "Some Other Race: Exploring the Diversity within the Latino Story." This free and open to the public event takes places at 7 pm at the Paramount Center's Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre. 

This session will be moderated by Noe Montez, assistant professor of drama at Tufts University. While this series is free, registration is requested by clicking here. 
World Premiere of 'Blood on the Snow' at the Old State House on May 12th 

The Boston Massacre is a well-known historical event, but not many know of the events that took place the day after on March 6th, 1770. "Blood on the Snow" is a new play that is staged in the Council Chamber of the Old State House (206 Washington St.), which is the very room the events took place almost 250 years ago.

This new play by Patrick Gabridge tells the story of how the leaders of Boston unknowingly placed Massachusetts on the road to revolution. This production is part of the Bostonian Society's programming to bring the story of the Old State House to life through live drama. It premieres on May 12th and runs through June 5th. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
The Latino Theater Company Presents 'Premeditation' at the Paramount Center Through May 14th

The Latino Theater Company presents "Premeditation" at the Paramount Center through May 14th. This play is a comedic maze of marriage, murder and mayhem. 

Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce, but how many end in murder? This play features two disgruntled housewives who discover the lengths they'll go to get their husbands' attention. The performance is a noir-inspired play. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
Boston Bubble Festival Coming to Boston Common on May 14th

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is bringing the first-ever Boston Bubble Festival to the Boston Common on Saturday, May 14th from 11 am to 2 pm. 

The festival will offer free outdoor activities in and around the Parkman Bandstand. There will be giant floating bubble demonstrations, make your own bubble stations, exploration of the science of bubbles with the Museum of Science, a DJ, juggler, an appearance by The Inventor Mentor, a magician and more. This is a free event.  
4th Annual Chicken & Rice Guys' 
Eating Olympics on May 14th

Join the Chicken & Rice Guys for their 4th Annual Eating Olympics on Saturday, May 14th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. 

This year there will be three divisions: Tweety Division (women for fun division), Big Bird Division (elite division open to only bad ass contestants), and Birds the Flock Division (teams of five compete). There is a 15-minute time limit for the first two divisions, throwing up equals automatic disqualification, all food must be swallowed, you must use utensils that are provided, water is allowed and provided and you must use two cups of sauce per round. 

This event is taking place at the Chinatown Gate on Beach Street. Click here for tickets and to register to participate in the olympics. 
Join Red Sox Legend Carl Yastrzemski and Support the 
Genesis Foundation for Children 

Join Red Sox legend and Genesis Foundation for Children board member emeritus Carl Yastrzemski, as he hosts "On the Field at Fenway Park" on Thursday, Sept. 1.

During this event guests will experience Fenway Park in a whole new way -- on the field with Red Sox Legends. This is a great opportunity for company outings and all proceeds will go to The Genesis Foundation for Children (60 Temple Place). 
Registration includes: Mingling with Red Sox legends, an autographed photo of Yaz, classic ballpark lunch, recording your pitching speed with a real speed gun, hitting from home plate and fielding off the Green Monster. Click here for tickets and sponsorship info.
Rescheduled: Learn About Natural Remedies for 
Your Dog on May 25th

marlo marketing's Health & Wellness Series is going to the dogs on May 25th (it was originally scheduled for May 11th). Learn about natural remedies for your dog from canine expert Marie Cargill at 6 to 7:30 pm.

Learn the secrets to helping your dog live longer -- everything from how to prepare the best diet to using herbal medicine and even doggie yoga and acupuncture. The cost is $10 per person and all proceeds will be donated to the MSPCA. Click here to RSVP and this class is taking place at marlo marketing's offices (38 Chauncy St. 3rd Floor). 
Boston Ballet's 'Swan Lake' at Opera House Through May 26th

The Boston Ballet's "Swan Lake" will be at the Boston Opera House through May 26th.

"Swan Lake" was first performed in 1877 and is set to Tchaikovsky's romantic and ageless score. The story has been told many times, but is always different in some way. Click here for tickets and showtimes.  
New Flash Forward Festival Art Exhibit in Lafayette City Center Passageway

[Photo]gogues: New England (Part 4), a new Flash Forward Festival art exhibit debuting last week in the Lafayette City Center Passageway. This new and free exhibit is not a definitive study of New England Photography Pedagogues, rather it is a sampling of faculty members from the region. 
Studying in the dormitory, El Hanchane, Morocco by Amy Thompson Avishai
This exhibit is comprised of the work from nine photography instructors who were invited to exhibit their work by Paula Tognarelli and Frances Jakubek, executive director and associate director of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester.
This exhibit is being presented by the Lafayette City Center, the Downtown Boston BID, Magenta Foundation, the Flash Forward Festival Boston 2016 and the Griffin Museum. The Lafayette City Center Passageway links Macy's with the Hyatt Regency Boston and is open 10 am to 9 pm on Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday. This exhibit will run to August 26th.
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
What's Being Built? Millennium Tower, Congress Square 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.

THANK YOU!
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: dertischek@bostonbid.org
Featured Stories
The BID Celebrated Our 5th Anniversary! Thank You to Everyone Who Made it Possible!

The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District celebrated its fifth anniversary during a ceremony in the second floor lobby space at 101 Arch St. on May 5th. The location was symbolic because that's where the BID held a press conference in May 2010 to kick off the campaign to create the BID. 
State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, presented a citation to Rosemarie Sansone from the Massachusetts House of Representatives congratulating the BID on five years of service and dedication to improving the Downtown Crossing community.
BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone thanked local property and business owners, city and state departments and officials and more, all who supported the BID's formation and continued work. The speaking program featured a cross-section of people. Elected officials, including state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and District 2 Boston City Councilor Bill Linehan spoke, and At-Large City Councilor Ayanna Pressley was also on hand to congratulate the BID. Also speaking was Boston Police A-1 Captain Kenneth Fong, business and property owner Ken Gloss of the Brattle Book Shop, and commercial real estate broker Andrea DeSimone of CBRE/New England.

Several BID board members spoke, including property manager Stacy Cawley of Boston Properties (100 Federal St.), Peggy Ings, associate VP for government and community relations for Emerson College, as did Rory Cuddyer, startup manager for the City of Boston, who congratulated the BID on behalf of Mayor Marty Walsh and the city. 
Left to right: John Rattigan, partner at DLA Piper and first BID board chairman; BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone; current BID board chairman Jack Spurr, president of A.W. Perry; and BID Treasurer Bill Cowin, managing director of B&B Ventures.
BID Chairman Jack Spurr of A.W. Perry spoke about how he is the fourth generation of his family to work in Downtown Crossing as a property owner. "The BID's work has added value to commercial properties and what property owners have paid into the BID has been returned at least triple due to everything the BID does and has done."

Ferguson Herivaux, owner of One Gig, championed the BID's work, comparing it to a film, "I've loved the preview, I can't wait to see the full movie."
BID Vice-Chair Joe Larkin, principal of Millennium Partners, spoke about the great work the BID has done and continues to do.
BID Vice-Chair Joe Larkin, principal of Millennium Partners, ended the ceremony with an impassioned speech, "We're not done yet!" Larkin said while Downtown Boston has become a great place to work, live, play, shop and more, it's going to continue to grow. He closed by saying while the BID's Ambassadors are on the street 24 hours a day making the area clean, safe and offering hospitality services, "We're all ambassadors."
The BID would like to thank the countless people and organizations who support and have worked with the BID the last five years. In closing Sansone said, "There is more to look forward to as we celebrate the rebirth of Downtown Crossing."
Free Berklee Concert Series Kicks Off at 
100 Summer Street Plaza

The Berklee College of Music Summer Concert Series kicked off another season at the 100 Summer Street Plaza. Whether you're coming from South Station, the waterfront, the Financial District, Downtown Crossing or anywhere else, the series offers free musical performances every Tuesday and Thursday from Berklee students.

M + E, an alternative pop band from Boston led by singer-songwriter Luke Niccoli, will perform on Tuesday, May 10th and Thursday, May 12th. M + E "combines the love of '90s and '00s alternative rock with modern-day pop production." M + E released their debut EP, nothing to talk about, in the spring of 2016.

All performances are from noon to 2 pm. Performances may be cancelled due to weather or changed due to scheduling. Click here to see all of the upcoming performances. 
Announcements
Sponsorship Opportunities at the Brewer Fountain Plaza on the Boston Common

The Friends of the Public Garden (the Friends) created one of the most popular outdoor gathering places in the city, with the $4 million revitalization of Brewer Fountain Plaza and the surrounding parkland on Boston Common near Park Street station. In cooperation with the city, the Friends will now be offering corporate promotional opportunities at this highly visible location.

The Friends is seeking corporate sponsors who are interested in partnering with them to meet their marketing objectives in this highly visible location while helping the Friends ensure the sustainability of the plaza activities (tables, chairs, umbrellas, piano music at lunchtime, free reading materials and quality food options). 

This is the first time this type of opportunity has been possible on the Common and the Friends is excited to create mutually beneficial partnerships with the local business community. For more information contact Mary Halpin at the Friends at 617-723-8144 or mary@friendsofthepublicgarden.org. 
Now You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website

If you have an upcoming event you can now submit your own event to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event. 
Photo by Iggy Barskov
Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in this newsletter on social media and promoted elsewhere. 
Freedom Trail Foundation 
Expands Spring Tours

As the weather warms the Freedom Trail Foundation is expanding its tours. 

Starting May 1st, the Walk Into History tour is being offered on the hour, every hour daily, from 11 am to 4 pm, and departing from the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (139 Tremont St.). The tour is also offered on Mondays through Fridays at 2:30 pm. The Walk Into History tour is a 90-minute walking tour of the Freedom Trail walking to 11 of Boston's historic Freedom Trail sites. Click here for more information and to buy tickets for tours. 
Sign up Now for the Downtown Boston Lunchtime Baggo League

The next Downtown Boston Lunchtime Baggo League is kicking off its season in mid-May. This is a free league and games only take about 30 minutes -- so you'll be back at the office without missing a thing. 

Games will be played outside of 100 Summer St. and 133 Federal St. from noon to 2 pm. Players typically have one game a week. There will be playoffs with prizes awarded after the championship. Please contact Mike Testa at mtesta@bostonbid.org to sign up or if you have questions.  
Deals & Promos
Free Coffee Mondays at Uno Due Go Through May 30th 

Uno Due Go (52 Summer St.) is offering Free Coffee Mondays through May 30th. This offer is only until 9:30 am.

This offer applies to hot, iced, organic or fair trade coffee. It does not include specialty coffees, cappuccino or espresso. No purchase is necessary.
Planet Fitness Membership Sale Now Through May 13th

Planet Fitness (17 Winter St.) is offering a $5 down, $10 a month membership deal with no commitment. This deal is available through May 13th. New members can join in the club or online by clicking here.

Signup for 'David Maister Presents 
High School Hop' Series

Signup now for Downtown Boston resident "David Maister's High School Hop Series" on Sundays starting in September. 

Although this 8-week seminar isn't for five months, you should signup now because it books up quickly. This seminar will cover pop music and artists from 1955 to 1963.

This seminar is being held at the Paramount Center's Bright Family Screening Room (559 Washington St.). Only $30 for all eight sessions. Please send a check for $30 per person (plus your email address) to: David Maister, 1 Avery St. Unit 32A, Boston MA 02111.
BID Services & Links
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. 

BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night -- they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining or 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 help@bostonbid.org, which is encouraged.
The daffodils are in bloom in Downtown
  • Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
  • Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
  • Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
  • Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping by watering flowers
  • Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
Additional BID Services & Info
  • Communication and Business Networking: Along with the weekly newsletter; safety and construction/utility alerts and more are provided that affect the district and businesses 
  • BID staff schedules individual meetings with BID members to discuss neighborhood affairs 
  • Entertainment programming: The BID sponsors and organizes entertainment throughout Downtown to engage the neighborhood
  • Member Advocacy: The BID works collaboratively with the City of Boston and other agencies on behalf of the district. For advocacy-related assistance or questions please contact info@bostonbid.org
  • Capital/Public Improvements: The BID coordinates and develops streetscape beautification, provides tables and chairs with umbrellas, public art, plantings and more
  • Wayfinding: The BID is installing a wayfinding signage system to assist pedestrians throughout the district
  • Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing 
  • Contact info@bostonbid.org for more
City of Boston Services