Category: Music

Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series
Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday afternoon.

As you can see from this 2008 photo, we've been enjoying this summer series for a long time.

Here are the details for this year's series:

Time and Place: Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August, the courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street, will feature music selections from a variety of influences, from jazz and folk to classical and contemporary music. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. through August 28. All concerts are free and last approximately one hour.

Sponsors and Other Information: The Concerts in the Courtyard series is co-sponsored by Deloitte and the Boston Public Library Foundation. During the Wednesday evening concerts, light refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved inside to the Commonwealth Salon.

June Concerts
- Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 3, 6 p.m. Cycon uses her reverence for the Arabic tradition to highlight her unique voice in compositions and performances.
- Neha, Friday, June 5, 12:30 p.m. A singer, composer, and pianist, Neha’s style is a mix of musical personalities, including jazz, folk, blues, pop, and her mother’s classical Indian musical background.
- Nicolás Castañeda Group, Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m. Nicolás Castañeda Group is a project based on contemporary Colombian music.
- Patrick Coman, Friday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. Patrick Coman merges barroom shuffles with the sounds of his native Oklahoma.
- ChoroBop, Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. ChoroBop’s repertoire is based on the roots of Brazilian choro, jazz, and contemporary music influences.
- Akiko Kobayashi, Friday, June 19, 12:30 p.m. Akiko Kobayashi performs as both a soloist and a chamber musician at renowned national and international festivals.
- Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m. Wambura Mitaru is a passionate singer and songwriter from Nairobi who blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and sounds from her African background.
- Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 26, 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a five-piece jazz combo that plays classics by artist such as Miles Davis along with more contemporary jazz.
July Concerts
- Felipe Abad, Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
- Handel & Haydn Society, Friday, July 3, 12:30 p.m.
- Honeysuckle, Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.
- Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, July 10, 12:30 p.m
- Charles Overton, Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m.
- Women in World Jazz, Friday, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
- Damn Tall Buildings, Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
- Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 24, 12:30 p.m.
- 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m.
- Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras' Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 31, 12:30 p.m.
August Concerts
- The Wiles, Wednesday, August 5, 6 p.m.
- Kevin Harris Project, Friday, August 7, 12:30 p.m.
- MIXCLA, Wednesday, August 12, 6 p.m.
- Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 14, 12:30 p.m.
- The Ivy Age, Wednesday, August 19, 6 p.m.
- Thompson-Lamb-Panitch Folk Trio, Friday, August 21, 12:30 p.m.
- Ludovica Burtone, Wednesday, August 26, 6 p.m.
- Handel and Haydn Society, Friday, August 28, 12:30 p.m.
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2014 Penny Cherubino

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June 5, 2015
More Ways to Save Money by Linking with the Boston Public Library

At the beginning of the summer, we received a press release from the Boston Public Library (BPL) full of great information. With lots of new residents joining the BostonZest readers each September, we decided to save this list of resources until now. We're turning the keyboard over to our friends at the BPL for today's Friday Link.

(These photos are from the BPL App-see #5 below.)

"Boston Public Library’s collections can be easily accessed from home, a local coffee shop, or even the beach. Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts can have a Boston Public Library card. Many residents of the Commonwealth start with an e-card, available online at www.bpl.org/ecard, which grants immediate access to the BPL’s digital resources.

Here are seven ways to sync with the Boston Public Library’s collections and services – all while on the go:

1. Download e-books. Search for e-books – including Kindle titles – and audiobooks in the Boston Public Library’s catalog alongside printed books. Watch a brief tutorial about how to download the books to your e-reader, computer, or mobile device via www.bpl.org/collections/downloadable.htm.

2. Stream music, movies, television shows, and audiobooks. Use your library card to borrow videos, music, and audiobooks for your tablet, smartphone, or laptop. Get started via www.bpl.org/collections/hoopla.htm.

3. Read digital magazines. Enjoy more than 170 popular consumer magazines in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Portuguese via www.bpl.org/collections/zinio.htm. Find titles like Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Rolling Stone, and Newsweek.

4. Learn a new language. Boston Public Library offers free access to online language-learning tools such as Powerspeak and Mango, which includes a language-learning tool for children called Little Pim. Learn more via www.bpl.org/electronic/language.asp.

5. Use the BPL app. Renew books, place hold requests (and have them delivered to any BPL location), browse new items, view hours, and more. Download the app via www.bpl.org/mobile.

6. Discover electronic databases. Find newspapers, journal articles, classical music scores, and more. Electronic resources include everything from the archive of the Sunday Times (London) to National Geographic’s virtual library. Go to www.bpl.org/electronic/.

7. Get social. Follow the BPL via social media channels like Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and Facebook for information on the latest library happenings and to view digitized images of the library’s collection. Boston Public Library’s Twitter and Instagram handle is @BPLBoston."

Related Posts:

How Much Money Have You Saved with Your Boston Public Library Card?

Clams Card, Don't Go To Cape Cod Without it!

7 Things We Learned at the BPL Conservation Lab!

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino and the BPL staff.
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino with screenshots from the BPL app.

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September 5, 2014
Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
The MFA Memorial Day Open House – Free Admission May 26, 2014

This is the weekend to kick off summer in Boston and the Museum of Fine Arts invites you to include a free visit with plenty of color and entertaiment to the festivities.

Here are a few of the details the MFA provided:

"The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), celebrates Memorial Day with free admission for all on Monday, May 26, 2014. From 10 am to 4:45 pm, visitors are invited to celebrate a “Season of Color in the Americas” with a fun-filled day of vibrant music and colorful activities. In honor of the holiday, a 55-piece US Coast Guard Band will perform a selection of patriotic songs and American Standards at the Museum’s historic Huntington Avenue entrance on Bank of America Plaza. Later, performance art by Venezuelan artists Nascimento/Lovera brings together local hip-hop artists and a Brazilian drum troupe with the Coast Guard ensemble. Inside, families can feel the rhythm of Latin American culture through Cha-Cha dance workshops and dance along (or learn how to dance) to Latin American beats with Edwin Pabon y Su Orquesta and Riobamba of Pajaritos. For visitors who love classic American show tunes…" Read more here.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and perhaps take advantage of a free visit to the MFA.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of the Musuem of Fine Arts

May 23, 2014
The MFA Memorial Day Open House – Free Admission May 26, 2014

This is the weekend to kick off summer in Boston and the Museum of Fine Arts invites you to include a free visit with plenty of color and entertaiment to the festivities.

Here are a few of the details the MFA provided:

"The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), celebrates Memorial Day with free admission for all on Monday, May 26, 2014. From 10 am to 4:45 pm, visitors are invited to celebrate a “Season of Color in the Americas” with a fun-filled day of vibrant music and colorful activities. In honor of the holiday, a 55-piece US Coast Guard Band will perform a selection of patriotic songs and American Standards at the Museum’s historic Huntington Avenue entrance on Bank of America Plaza. Later, performance art by Venezuelan artists Nascimento/Lovera brings together local hip-hop artists and a Brazilian drum troupe with the Coast Guard ensemble. Inside, families can feel the rhythm of Latin American culture through Cha-Cha dance workshops and dance along (or learn how to dance) to Latin American beats with Edwin Pabon y Su Orquesta and Riobamba of Pajaritos. For visitors who love classic American show tunes…" Read more here.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and perhaps take advantage of a free visit to the MFA.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of the Musuem of Fine Arts

May 23, 2014
Where to Park and Dine Around Symphony Hall 2013 Edition
Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

(Postcard image circa 1901-1907 from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert.

But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map )

Update 04.09.14: When this topic was discussed over on the Trip Advisor Boston forum, regular contributor Ting clued us in on the special Prudential Center parking discount for those attending Symphony Hall, Berklee, Huntington Theater, Jordan Hall,and other events. Details here.

Prudential Options

If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.

Woody's Grill & Tap

It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

Newbury Street

Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food.

And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center.

We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

(Waiting for unreserved seats for the Friday afternoon concert circa 1950 from the BPL collection)

Ethnic Options for less formal dining

If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.
- Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
- Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
- Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
- India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (Update 04/09/14: sadly this favorite of ours has closed. We miss the food and the family.)
- Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.
- Symphony Sushi , (Update 09/22/13) reader Rob Marais (a long time member of the BostonZest community) added this to the list down in the comments section. " I'd also suggest Symphony Sushi around the corner from Huntington on Gainesborough St, it's solid sushi and a nice option for those looking for a light dinner before a Symphony Hall concert."
Other resources and opinions

"Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.
Here are maps to help you find more options:

Other parking around Symphony Hall

Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops and BSO music and a full line of MP3 Downloads.

Details:
Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
(617) 266-2378

www.bso.org‎

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library
September 20, 2013
Where to Park and Dine Around Symphony Hall 2013 Edition
Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

(Postcard image circa 1901-1907 from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert.

But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map )

Update 04.09.14: When this topic was discussed over on the Trip Advisor Boston forum, regular contributor Ting clued us in on the special Prudential Center parking discount for those attending Symphony Hall, Berklee, Huntington Theater, Jordan Hall,and other events. Details here.

Prudential Options

If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.

Woody's Grill & Tap

It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

Newbury Street

Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food.

And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center.

We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

(Waiting for unreserved seats for the Friday afternoon concert circa 1950 from the BPL collection)

Ethnic Options for less formal dining

If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.
- Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
- Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
- Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
- India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (Update 04/09/14: sadly this favorite of ours has closed. We miss the food and the family.)
- Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.
- Symphony Sushi , (Update 09/22/13) reader Rob Marais (a long time member of the BostonZest community) added this to the list down in the comments section. " I'd also suggest Symphony Sushi around the corner from Huntington on Gainesborough St, it's solid sushi and a nice option for those looking for a light dinner before a Symphony Hall concert."
Other resources and opinions

"Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.
Here are maps to help you find more options:

Other parking around Symphony Hall

Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops and BSO music and a full line of MP3 Downloads.

Details:
Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
(617) 266-2378

www.bso.org‎

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library
September 20, 2013
Where to Park and Dine Around Symphony Hall 2013 Edition
Readers and friends who have tickets for the Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra always ask us, "Where can we dine around Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

(Postcard image circa 1901-1907 from the Boston Public Library Collection.)

Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert.

But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map )

Update 04.09.14: When this topic was discussed over on the Trip Advisor Boston forum, regular contributor Ting clued us in on the special Prudential Center parking discount for those attending Symphony Hall, Berklee, Huntington Theater, Jordan Hall,and other events. Details here.

Prudential Options

If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is the star of the show and has valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course afterward. The restaurant is accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.

Woody's Grill & Tap

It's a six minute walk from Symphony to 58 Hemenway Street and Woody's Grill & Tap. It had been years since we'd been there but we wandered in recently with our friends Liz & Mick and enjoyed an excellent meal. The pizzas were as great as always but excellent appetizers and salads shined and will have us coming back often. Try the grilled asparagus!

Newbury Street

Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food.

And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked – Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center.

We love their bar to have a glass of wine and a light meal. And, after the concert, this is a wonderful place for a memorable dessert. They have a way with chocolate sauce!

(Waiting for unreserved seats for the Friday afternoon concert circa 1950 from the BPL collection)

Ethnic Options for less formal dining

If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.
- Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
- Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
- Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
- India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. (Update 04/09/14: sadly this favorite of ours has closed. We miss the food and the family.)
- Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.
- Symphony Sushi , (Update 09/22/13) reader Rob Marais (a long time member of the BostonZest community) added this to the list down in the comments section. " I'd also suggest Symphony Sushi around the corner from Huntington on Gainesborough St, it's solid sushi and a nice option for those looking for a light dinner before a Symphony Hall concert."
Other resources and opinions

"Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.
Here are maps to help you find more options:

Other parking around Symphony Hall

Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops and BSO music and a full line of MP3 Downloads.

Details:
Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
(617) 266-2378

www.bso.org‎

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library
September 20, 2013
Sidewalk Piano Tuner

You never know what sights you'll come across as you walk the streets of Provincetown. But, we did not expect to see a piano tuner working on the sidewalk.

Note-by-note he adjusted the strings on this old upright.

Tuning can be done with tuning forks, but this gentleman had a chromatic tuner
to guide his work.

He attracted more attention than some of the street musicians we had passed along the way, but he did not have a tip jar so we had to assume he wasn't a licensed performer!

If caring for pianos has always fascinated you, the North Bennet Street School offers the opportunity to learn the skills you need for a career in that field.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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September 17, 2013