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August 22, 2016
Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
In The News
Globe: Wine Bar haley.henry is Like a Visit to Barcelona, Through the Looking Glass 8/19/16

BBJ: Millennium Tower Grand Penthouse Sale Closes for $35 Million 8/17/16

BBJ: Cloud Security Startup Threat Stack Triples HQ Size in Move to Downtown Crossing 8/17/16

Voice of Downtown Boston: Restaurant Week Returned to Boston for August 21-26 8/16/16 

BBJ: St. Francis House Project One of the 26 to Receive $90 Million in State Money 8/16/16
This Week's Featured Event
Freedom Trail to Provide 
Free Tour Tickets on Aug. 26th as Part of Free Fun Fridays

The Freedom Trail Foundation will provide free admission on Friday, Aug. 26th as part of Highland Street Foundation's 8th Annual Free Fun Fridays summer event series.

Individual tour vouchers will be given away at the Brewer Fountain on the Boston Common beginning at 10 am on Friday, Aug. 26th. Passes will be given out on a first-come first-serve basis. For more info about the Freedom Trail Foundation and the Freedom Trail Free Fun Friday please call 617-357-8300.  
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Signup for Seminar on Pop Music and Artists from 1955 to 1963 at 
Paramount Theater

Sign up now for David Maister's High School Hop, a seminar on pop music and artists from 1955 to 1963.

Artists to be discussed include Paul Anka, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, Leslie Gore, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and of course, Elvis Presley. 

The seminar costs $32.60 and you can register by clicking here.The seminar will be from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on eight Sundays starting September 18th and taking place at Emerson College's Paramount Theater. Contact David Maister at david@davidmaister.com for more info. 
Harold Melvin's Blue Notes at 
City Hall Plaza on August 24th

The Dorothy Curran Wednesday Night Concerts ends its summer season at City Hall Plaza on August 24th with Harold Melvin's Blue Notes. 

This is a free concert, which starts at 7 pm. This series is presented by Mayor Martin Walsh, the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment, and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. 
Metro Meeting Centers' 4th Annual Lunch to Support Cradles to Crayons on 
August 24th

Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal St. 4th Floor) is hosting its 4th Annual Lunch to Support Cradles to Crayons Ready for School Program on Wednesday, August 24th. 

This event is from noon to 2:30 pm. Please bring one or more items of the following: pack of crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, notebooks, pencils, scissors, pencil sharpener, books, highlighters, colored pencils or other school supplies for children 5 to 12.

For more info and to RSVP please email Maureen Ridings at mridings@metromeetingcenters.com. 
Enjoy Independent Films at AMC Loews Boston Common 19 with 
'Southside With You' on Aug. 25th

Enjoy independent movies? Then check out "Southside With You" opening Thursday, Aug. 25th.

Tickets are on sale and available by visiting www.amctheatres.com.
Boston Calling Block Party at 
Dewey Square with 
Workman Song on August 25th

This week's Boston Calling Music Festival Block Party in Dewey Square will feature music from Workman Song on Thursday, August 25th. The block parties are free and open to all members of the public aged 21+.

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.
Daniel Patiño Performing at
Free Berklee Concert Series at 
100 Summer Street Plaza

The Berklee College of Music Summer Concert Series continues at the 100 Summer Street Plaza. The series offers free musical performances every Tuesday and Thursday by Berklee students.

Daniel Patiño will perform on Tuesday, August 23th and Thursday, August 25th. Patiño is a singer-songwriter from San José, Costa Rica. He has been an active member of the Costa Rican artistic community for the past decade. In 2007, alongside his brother Andres, Patiño formed a band called Patiño Quintana

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. 
Live Soloist Performers at 133 Federal Street Three Days a Week

The BID sponsors soloist performers outside on the 133 Federal St. Plaza on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for everyone to enjoy. 

D'Rafaele, will perform on Wednesday, August 24th and Friday, August 26th. Rachel Sumner, pictured above, will perform on Monday, August 29th. Performances are from noon to 2 pm.
Sweet Harmony Singing on Saturdays on Summer Street 

The singing group Sweet Harmony is performing on Saturdays outside of Macy's on Summer Street from 12:30 to 3 pm.

Sweet Harmony is a professional performance troupe at Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park performing modern hits and songs through the years. 
Pirates & Patriots Taking Over 
Boston's Freedom Trail

Discover exciting tales on the Freedom Trail with the Pirates & Patriots Tour on weekends in August. 

This tour will regale landlubbers young and old with tales of piracy and the American Revolution. See where Captain Kidd was brought through Boston in chains and hear about gruesome punishments inflicted on buccaneers who were caught in New England waters. 

These 90-minute tours step off at 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from the ArtsBoston Bostix booth at Faneuil Hall. All tours are given by 18th-century costumed guides are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $8 for children. Please visit TheFreedomTrail.org or call 617-357-8300 to make reservations or for more info. 
Redcoats are Coming to Occupy Boston's Freedom Trail

This summer, the Freedom Trail Foundation and the BID offer the opportunity to experience British soldiers in 18th-century Redcoat uniforms reenact guard duty on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between noon and 2 pm.

This historical program utilizes experienced 18th-century costumed Freedom Trail Players who bring the daily actions and atmosphere of British-occupied Boston to life. Residents and visitors can 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. 
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. You can also email help@bostonbid.org.     
  • 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
  • Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood affairs 
  • Entertainment programming
  • Member Advocacy
  • Capital/Public Improvements
  • Wayfinding
  • Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about 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 dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
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. 
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
New Downtown Retail Businesses & 
Restaurants Highlighted at Annual 
Summer BID Members Meeting 

At last Wednesday's Downtown Boston BID Summer 
Members Meeting attendees heard from representatives of several new businesses and restaurants in Downtown Crossing. The meeting took place at the beautiful 5-Star Service Worldwide Conference Center at 100 High St. 

BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone welcomed many new businesses and introduced speakers, giving a snapshot of businesses opening in the next six months. Sansone introduced Boston Police District A-1 Captain Kenneth Fong, and the two playfully complimented each other's organizations and the hard work performed by the BID, BPD and many other entities that have revitalized Downtown Crossing. 

"She calls and texts me on Sunday mornings," joked Fong, and Sansone replied, "And he answers." Fong added crime has decreased two years in a row in Downtown Crossing.
 
Speakers included representatives from some of the newest restaurants such as Clover and haley.henry wine bar. Other new businesses highlighted included Babson College, George Howell Coffee, Forever 21, Gordon's Fine Wine & Liquors, PABU restaurant, Old Navy and RUKA restaurant. 

Macy's GM Lisa Crawford highlighted several new additions coming soon, including a Michael Kors men's shop, a Coach handbag vendor, a Lenscrafters location opening on the lower level with an onsite optometrist and a tuxedo rental store opening this fall. 
Left to right: Rory Cuddyer, startup manager for the City of Boston and BID board member; Julie Jenson, Society of Grownups; Kris Carter, co-chair of New Urban Mechanics for City of Boston; Sabrina Dorsainvil, New Urban Mechanics; Steve Walter; New Urban Mechanics; and Susan Nguyen, New Urban Mechanics.

Refreshments were provided by George Howell Coffee, Kingston Grille & Bar, Luke's Lobster, Render Coffee and Roche Bros., which all moved into the district in the last two years (Luke's Lobster is opening later this year on Washington St.).
First Taste of Downtown Crossing Includes Many Local Favorites and 
Soon to Open Restaurants   
September 25th 

The first ever Taste of Downtown Crossing will take place on Sunday, September 25th! More than 20 restaurants are participating and attendees will get to sample fare from all of the restaurants. 

This is a destination event that will showcase the diverse food, culture and entertainment of Downtown Boston. Attendees will enjoy a streetside cafe with performing musicians, a wine and beer garden and chef demonstrations.

Participating restaurants include: Artisan Bistro, Avenue One, Back Deck, Boston Chops, Central Bistro, David's Tea, Fajitas & 'Ritas, Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors, JM Curley, Kingston Grille & Bar, Legal Crossing, Marliave, Mast', Oceanaire Seafood Room, PABU, Papagayo, Roche Bros., Sa Pa, Serafina, Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen, Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale, Teatro, The Merchant and Yvonne's.   

The event is from noon to 4 pm. Tickets in advance are $15 or $20 at the event. Click here to purchase tickets.
BID Launches Downtown Boston 
Strategic Planning Process

As the BID celebrates its fifth anniversary we are well underway with a strategic planning process that will help us imagine and adapt for the future of the Downtown Boston neighborhood. Our success is due in no small part to the strong relationships we've built with the community and a survey is being created to engage property and business owners and managers, residents, employees and more.  

The results will help create a strategy for our short- and long-term goals for Boston's fastest growing neighborhood. At the BID's Summer Members Meeting attendees were provided an index card asking for: Three to five big aspirations they'd like to see the BID accomplish in the next five to seven years; And three to five very tangible results they'd love to see the BID achieve in the next 12 to 18 months.

In September the BID will also host two Visioning and Planning Sessions to gather more opinions and we are conducting discovery sessions with resident groups and other local organizations. Results of the survey will be provided to the public. 
St. Paul's Lunchtime Performance Series on Mondays and Thursdays Through September

The BID launched a new lunchtime music series this week outside of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.). Solo artists will be performing on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm through September (except for Labor Day).

Kesnel Personnel will be performing Aug. 25th, Sept. 15th, 22nd and 29th. Rachel Sumner, above, is performing Sept. 1st, 8th, 19th and 26th. Hsin Hou Sun is performing Aug. 29th, and Holly McGarry is performing Sept. 12th.

Announcements
BID Baggo League Players of the Week

The BID Baggo League Players of the Week are Solomon Flax, left, and Jason Connell, right, both from CIC Boston.  
Edible Arrangements (241 Washington St.) is the official sponsor of the BID Baggo League and has been providing gift certificates to players of the week.

The BID Baggo Lunchtime League is a free league that anyone can join. If you are interested in playing please contact Mike Testa, above middle, at 617-482-1928. 
Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market at 
Walgreens This Week

The Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market features local vendors offering handmade products.

Vendors will be at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) from 11 am to 6 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Now You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website

If you have an upcoming event you can now submit it to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event.

Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in the newsletter or on the BID social media accounts and promoted elsewhere. 
Deals & Promos
Unique Boutique Back-to-School Sale 

Save money during Unique Boutique's ongoing back-to-school sale on hats, sweatshirts and sports t-shirts. 

Unique Boutique operates two vendor kiosks on Washington Street outside of Old South Meeting House (310 Washington Street) and 7-11 (306 Washington St.). 
Enjoy Restaurant Week in Downtown Boston: 
Great Deals on Delicious Meals!

Call it Dine Out Boston or Restaurant Week Boston -- either way there are lots of great deals to be had on multi-course meals at a lot of restaurants. Restaurant Week is from August 21st-26th.
Click here to see menus and participating restaurants in the Greater Boston area. There are nine Downtown Boston restaurants offering deals for the two weeks. Here are the nine restaurants in Downtown with lunch and dinner prices:

Avenue One (1 Avenue de Lafayette)
617-422-5579

Lunch: $20 for two-course menu 
Dinner: $33 for three-course menu

Back Deck (2 West St.) 617-670-0320
Lunch: $20 for two-course menu 
Dinner: $33 for three-course menu

Blu (4 Avery St.) 617-375-8550
Lunch: $20 for three-course menu 
Dinner: $38 for three-course menu

Central Bistro (34 Summer St.) 617-737-1777
Lunch: $20 for three-course menu 
Dinner: $33 for three-course menu

Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) 617-422-0004
Dinner: $38 for three-course menu

The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) 617-482-6060
Dinner: $33 for three-course menu

Oceanaire Seafood Room (40 Court St.) 617-742-2277
Lunch: $25 
Dinner: $38

Ruth's Chris Steak House (45 School St.) 617-742-8401
Lunch: $25 for three-course menu 
Dinner: $38 for three-course menu

Serafina (10 High St.) 617-426-1234
Dinner: $38 for three-course menu
Yvonne's Remixes Cocktails & 
Adds New Desserts

The team at Yvonne's (2 Winter Place) recently added new libations and inventive confections to pair with dinner offerings. 

Bar Manager Nicole Lebedevitch created cocktails such as Penicillin - blended Scotch whiskey, lemon, ginger honey and Islay float. Pastry Chef Liz O'Connell created new treats like the Strawberry Mess - strawberry marmalade, basil-lime sherbet, green tea meringue, whipped cream and mini jammy dodgers. 
Those are just a couple new drinks and desserts being offered at Yvonne's. You'll have to stop in and see what else is new.  
City of Boston Services