Boston culture
January 7th, 2008 by susan j
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Of all Boston’s great landmarks, the (BPL to those in the know) is one of my favorites for the variety of its offerings an the classic architecture. As the first publicly supported municipal library in America, the BPL is filled with history.
The McKim Building (BPL’s main research library and a National Historic Landmark) in Copley Square houses an impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and more. The building includes a beautiful Roman-inspired courtyard that was restored in 2000, a , and a . The courtyard is one of my favorite reading spots on a nice warm day, but I also enjoy like to read in one of the Gothic-style research rooms. If you’re interested in the library’s architecture, you might take one their .
With 27 neighborhood branches and free internet access (including wifi for those who have a card #), the BPL is a great resource for visitors and locals alike. Check out their each year.
Related posts:
Boston for Book Lovers, Part 1
Boston for Book Lovers, Part 2
Boston for Book Lovers, Part 3
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January 4th, 2008 by jamie a
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Welcome to the North End, better known as Boston’s “Little Italy.” There’s an abundance of historical landmarks, fantastic restaurants, and great people-watching all along these cobbled streets, which are also remarkably close to Fanueil Hall and the Financial District.
If you’re in the area, make a stop at , Boston’s oldest building. It was from this very spot that Paul Revere set out on his famous ride. is also in the area, immortalized by signaling the beginning of the War for Independence. It’s the oldest church building in Boston and still has a thriving congregation.
After you hit both of those stops, head over to for an authentic cappuccino or espresso shot. Cheer on the Italian football teams while you savor your beverage with friends and family. Now that you’re in the sporty mood, check out the for one of the greatest collections of sports artifacts and memorabilia all about Boston’s great sports history.
For dinner, there’s an amazing amount of choices. With a combination of Italian and Peruvian cuisine and many awards to boot, is a great pick for dinner. Try an antipasti sampler to start off and then the gnocchi with lamb sauce or one of the chef’s nightly specials for your entree. There’s also , known for taking traditional Italian cuisine to the next level. You can enjoy an elegant evening at Strega, complete with black and white clad waitstaff and classic Italian films playing on televisions at the bar.
To end your evening, grab a famous cannoli, torrone, or biscotti from . Even if the line’s out the door, stick it out! You’ll be so happy you did.
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December 20th, 2007 by jamie a
Thursday, December 20 (5-9 pm)
Head over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for Gardner After Hours, happening on the third Thursday of every month. This week’s theme is .
Thursday, December 20 (5-9 pm)
Take advantage of , sponsored by Target.
Friday, December 21 - Sunday, December 23
Catch the last weekend of , an adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson tale, at the Firehouse Center for the Arts.
Through December 31
Take the kids over to Boston’s South Station to admire the . After a week-long construction process, the 448-square-foot display is sure to delight all ages.
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December 13th, 2007 by jamie a
Friday, December 14 - Sunday, December 16
Join the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square for a screening of the holiday favorite . Everyone who attends the Saturday and Sunday shows will be given a special treat!
Friday, December 14 (11 am)
Find the perfect gifts for friends and family at the , held at First Church. Meet the artists and mingle with others admiring the wares and then relax with some live music and meditation.
Saturday, December 15
Enjoy the kitschy magic of Somerville with the where you can admire the light displays of residents who love to share their holiday spirit.
Sunday, December 16 (3 pm)
Warm up from the chilly outdoors with at Upstairs on the Square. There will be delightfully toasty beverages along with many snacks and tiny sandwiches to try!
Sunday, December 16 (5:30 pm)
Catch the , the classic ballet with an edge, at the John Hancock Hall featuring the BalletRox company and over 40 area children.
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December 6th, 2007 by jamie a
Thursday, December 6 (6- midnight)
Join the businesses of Davis Square on the red line for , a chance to shop after hours with tasty snacks, fun, and tons of savings.
Friday, December 7 - Saturday, December 8 (3 pm & 8 pm)
The presents their holiday concert, “Peace on Earth,” at the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.
Until December 23
Check out the 19th season of North Shore Music Theatre’s production of . With fantastic special effects, traditional and original songs, and great costumes, it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy.
Saturday, December 8
, The Swedish Women’s Educational Association, hosts at the Boston Center for the Arts. With a traditional Lucia procession, food, and unique gifts, it’s a wonderful cultural celebration to attend.
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December 4th, 2007 by susan j
Improv Asylum
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If you’re looking for some comic relief after a busy day of sightseeing, then we’ve got you covered. Boston has plenty of places to see some improv, sketch comedy, standup, and more. Here are some of our picks:
- in Faneuil Hall has the perfect location for visitors, because it’s an easy walk away from the Otis House Museum, the , and other attractions in downtown Boston. Grab a cup of chowda downstairs, then head upstairs for national standup actis like Jon Stewart and Margaret Cho.
- features homegrown talent and up-and-coming comics in the Theater District near Beantown Trolley and Shear Madness (also a good option for comedy-seekers). Check their website for special ticket promotions.
- bills itself as “the funniest show you’ll ever be a part of.” An ever-changing cast of “inmates” perform a hybrid of sketch comedy and improv, drawing on suggestions from the crowd. I attended a recent show that culminated in a hilarious parody of West Side Story.
- is actually in Cambridge’s Inman Square. Wednesday through Sunday, ImprovBoston presents a variety of outrageously funny shows.
- features standup and sketch comedy five nights a week. They are located in Harvard Square near the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
BONUS: This Wednesday, celebrate “AngstGiving” with a show called . This quarterly reading series bring together people from all walks of life to read from their teenage journals. The results are alternately hysterical and heart-bending!
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December 3rd, 2007 by jamie a
Through Blue Windows at the Gardner
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For a change from your usual night out, the has launched with live music, art, cocktails, and delightful conversation. Hosted in the museum’s stunning courtyard and in the exhibitions, there’s always something new on the third Thursday of each month.
Take part in one of the gallery talks where you can hear artists discuss their own work or enjoy a small plates menu at the Gardner Cafe where you can sample their delicious creations. These events are perfect for those who need a night out on the town to indulge their artistic and cultural cravings.
The next Gardner After Hours, A Solstice Soiree, is December 20th from 5-9 pm. Hear a brass quintet in the courtyard decked out in holly and poinsettias, discover the pagan symbols in the museum’s collection, view the Cliff Evans’ new exhibit entitled Empyrean, and pick up some last-minute gifts in the museum’s gift shop.
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November 29th, 2007 by jamie a
Friday, November 30 (8 pm)
Join the Boston Conservatory for their at Seully Hall. Juventas will be presenting 8 works by today’s most talented composers under 35 with an eclectic selection of music from various genres.
Saturday, December 1-Sunday, December 2 (10 pm - 10 pm)
The “inmates” at Improv Asylum perform a full 24 hours of comedy as a . One $10 ticket lets you come and go as much as you’d like.
Saturday, December 1 (8:30 am)
Help raise money for the Special Olympics by participating in this year’s in Boston Common. If you’re not running or walking in the race, you can always donate to the participating teams and still help out.
Saturday, December 1 (11 am - 5 pm)
Attending is a wonderful way to support the local artists who work there and pick up some gifts for the holidays. Built in 1905, it’s a national historical landmark and the oldest continuously functioning space built solely for the purpose of being an artist’s workspace.
Saturday, December 1 (11 am - 6 pm)
The third annual is open this Saturday! For gifts you can’t find at any shopping mall, support local artisans and pick up the best in handmade products.
Wednesday, December 5 (8 pm)
Relive the trials and tribulations of adolescence with ! This quarterly series features “real people” reading from their old journals, letters, notes, and more at the Paradise Lounge.
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November 28th, 2007 by amy c
The view of Boston Harbor from inside Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art
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Boston’s has been offering insights into cutting edge art, artists, and the creative process for 70 years. Now in its new state-of-the-art facility on the waterfront, the ICA continues offering a portal into multi-disciplinary arts with its innovative exhibition space, performing arts theater, media center, bookstore, and cafe. Here is an overview of the exciting exhibitions going on at the ICA, as well as upcoming events you won’t want to miss:
(through January 6, 2008): This large scale exhibition presents the best work of the past three years in architecture, design, film, graphics, fashion, science, and new technologies. On display are creations from more than 80 designers and firms.
(though March 2, 2008): Sculpture, paintings, prints, and drawings have been donated from museums and private collections to offer an array of the emotional and innovative work of one of the most influential living artists, Louise Bourgeois. The highly symbolic art is made from a wide variety of everyday materials and represent the body, family, sexuality, trauma and anxiety.
(through March 2, 2008): This is the French-Algerian artist’s first solo exhibition in the US. His work evokes abstract themes, such as absence and emptiness through sculptures.
Glimpse a preview of more exhibitions
:
The World as a Stage- February 2 to April 28, 2008
Momentum 10: Ranjani Shettar- March 19 to July 13, 2008
Street Level March 19 to July 13, 2008
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November 27th, 2007 by jamie a
CSI Experience Crime Scene
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If you’re a fan of the television series CSI, then don’t miss the exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Science! Take on the role of investigator as you tour the simulated crime scenes and laboratories.
You’ll be completely immersed in forensic science world through this exhibit, even taking on the roles of your favorite characters from the show. Collect evidence, form hypotheses, and then take your findings to the lab to do everything from matching suspect’s DNA to examining fingerprints. If you’re confident in your findings and theories, step in to Grissom’s office and pitch your ideas to the show’s hero.
Check out the for sneak peeks, web adventures, and interactive videos to get yourself excited for the real thing!
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