bostonzest

Tag: 2014

  • At the Market: Boston Farmers’ Markets Continuing through November!

    This is the time to enjoy the abundant harvest season at your favorite farmers’ market. Yet, as we walk back from the market with overflowing bags of produce, neighbors react with surprise when we say we’ve been at the Copley Square market.

    CHE_4111 - Version 22014-08-05-Farmers-market-season-of-adundance-© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    Many consumers think that seasonal markets end after Labor Day. Thankfully, they don’t. Most Boston area outdoor markets remain open through late October and a few run until Thanksgiving.

    Here are area markets still open with their closing dates:

    East Boston/Central Square: October 23rd (Thursdays)

    South End/SOWA: October 26th (Sundays)

    Harvard University Farmers' Market: Cambridge: October 28th (Tuesdays)

    Charlestown: October 29th (Wednesdays)

    Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): October 29th (Wednesdays)

    Brookline/Coolidge Corner: October 30th (Thursdays)

    Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): November 1st (Saturdays & Tuesdays)

    Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle: November 20th (Thursdays)

    Union Square, Somerville: November 22nd (Saturdays)

    Roslindale: November 22nd (Saturdays)

    Copley Square: November 25th (Tuesdays and Fridays)

    Cambridge/Central Square: November 24th

    South Station/Dewey Square: November 25th (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

    Boston Public Market on the Greenway: November 26th (Mondays and Wednesdays)

    Davis Square, Somerville: November 26th (Wednesdays)

    If we missed your favorite market let us know and we'll add it to the list.

    Indoor winter markets will open as the outdoor markets close. As soon as we have enough dates and places confirmed, we’ll share those with BostonZest readers.

    Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2014 – 2015 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2014-2015 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccines designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there are quadrivalent vaccines meant to protect against four different flu viruses. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, tap go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    • Google flu trends will give you the current level of flu activity in Massachusetts.
    • More on regional flu activity:  Here. 

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Related articles
    Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?
    Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?
    Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu

  • What’s Open on Labor Day 2014 in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 1, 2014.

     

    This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one. 

    Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

     

     

    We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.

    Dsc_9778 - version 22012-11-03public-gaden-back-bay-© 2011 penny cherubino

    We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about a walk in the Pubic Garden?

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

    Update: 08/27/14: Eater Boston has posted a list of specific restaurants that are open.

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Liquor stores: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Update: 08/29/14: Traffic Advisory for College Move-ins

    Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2014 - There are some temporary restrictions from 8/25 to 9/1  in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Boston Trash Collection:
    The City says, 

    "Labor Day Week: Monday, September 1, 6am – Saturday, September 6, 2014, 5pm

    No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    MBTA Labor Day Schedule For Labor Day 2014 can be found at this link through the holiday.  (updated 08.21.14)

    Download MBTA Labor Day Service Schedule 2014

    Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the links above for these exceptions.

    For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

    If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.  

     

     

     

     

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

  • What’s Open on Labor Day 2014 in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

    Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 1, 2014.

     

    This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one. 

    Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

     

     

    We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.

    Dsc_9778 - version 22012-11-03public-gaden-back-bay-© 2011 penny cherubino

    We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about a walk in the Pubic Garden?

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

    Update: 08/27/14: Eater Boston has posted a list of specific restaurants that are open.

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Liquor stores: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Update: 08/29/14: Traffic Advisory for College Move-ins

    Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2014 - There are some temporary restrictions from 8/25 to 9/1  in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Boston Trash Collection:
    The City says, 

    "Labor Day Week: Monday, September 1, 6am – Saturday, September 6, 2014, 5pm

    No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    MBTA Labor Day Schedule For Labor Day 2014 can be found at this link through the holiday.  (updated 08.21.14)

    Download MBTA Labor Day Service Schedule 2014

    Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the links above for these exceptions.

    For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

    If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.  

     

     

     

     

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

  • Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar. 

    1-A.ThomasWalshCMYK

    "Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

    Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

    1-WilliamThomasSerpDressTable

    Dressing Table by William Thomas

    You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style. 

    1-BradWolcott_Adagio
    Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

    QUICK FACTS:

    Title:  Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Dates:  Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

    Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

    Exhibit Hours:  10am to 7pm daily

    Admission:  Free

    Opening reception:  Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

    Handicap access: No

    Parking:  Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

    Nearest T stops:  Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

    Website:     http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

    View book:  http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

    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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
    Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

  • Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar. 

    1-A.ThomasWalshCMYK

    "Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

    Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

    1-WilliamThomasSerpDressTable

    Dressing Table by William Thomas

    You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style. 

    1-BradWolcott_Adagio
    Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

    QUICK FACTS:

    Title:  Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

    Dates:  Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

    Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

    Exhibit Hours:  10am to 7pm daily

    Admission:  Free

    Opening reception:  Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

    Handicap access: No

    Parking:  Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

    Nearest T stops:  Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

    Website:     http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

    View book:  http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

    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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
    Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

  • Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849777970d-800wi

    Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great Island Creek Oysters at Row 34?

    For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

    Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chef's has a special list from their members. 

    Updates:

    06.05.14- Chowhound conversation: Outdoor lunch, Father's Day, Metro West

    Our Picks:

    Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn't Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

    Here's more on what we enjoyed at Row 34.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849d99970d-800wi

    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

    If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 15th. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    And, if you're thinking of an adventure in the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

    SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

    Evelyns

    Photo of Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton Rhode Island courtesty of that great resouce for finding all the dining traditions Boston has to offer, Hidden Boston.

    Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn's Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn's courtesy of Hidden Boston.

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849777970d-800wi

    Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great Island Creek Oysters at Row 34?

    For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

    Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chef's has a special list from their members. 

    Updates:

    06.05.14- Chowhound conversation: Outdoor lunch, Father's Day, Metro West

    Our Picks:

    Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn't Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

    Here's more on what we enjoyed at Row 34.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849d99970d-800wi

    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

    If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 15th. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    And, if you're thinking of an adventure in the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

    SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

    Evelyns

    Photo of Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton Rhode Island courtesty of that great resouce for finding all the dining traditions Boston has to offer, Hidden Boston.

    Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn's Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn's courtesy of Hidden Boston.

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Courtyard Concerts Return to Copley Square BPL

    One of our favorite entertainment programs of the year, the Boston Public Library's (BPL) Courtyard Concert Series returns on June 4, 2014 at 6pm. Notice the day and date.

    As, the BPL announced, "In addition to Friday lunchtime concerts at 12:30 p.m., this season the library now offers evening concerts on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour."

    CHE_8789 -2 Version 22013-08-02library concert© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    The Fernando Holz Band delighted audiences last year and is scheduled to appear again this summer.

    Here are the rest of the details the library provided for the series.

    The month of June features Berklee College of Music students and alumni performing everything from jazz, pop, and funk to works with Arab, Latin American, and Scottish influences:
     

    • Daniel Rotem Trio, Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. The Trio performs original compositions that integrate world influences with improvisation and the jazz tradition.
    • KeL, Friday, June 6, at 12:30 p.m. KeL combines elements of jazz and pop with Brazilian melodies.
    • Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m. The artist’s eclectic music blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop as well as sounds inspired by her African background.
    • Jenna Moynihan and Mairi Chaimbeul, Friday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m. Rooted in traditional Scottish and Appalachian old-time music, Moynihan and Chaimbeul developed a sound which celebrates and explores beautiful melodies.
    • The Western Den, Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. Deni Hlavinka and Chris West blend folk harmonies with ambient textures to produce unique sounds and songs.
    • Ahmad El Haggar, Friday, June 20, at 12:30 p.m. The Egyptian singer-songwriter and oud player performs original songs and rearranges music from the Arab world to create modern sounds.
    • 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. Performers at the 2014 Latin Grammys with Alejandro Sanz, the group plays both traditional and unique compositions arranged for voice, percussion, mandolin, guitar, and bass.
    • Miriam Elhajli, Friday, June 27, at 12:30 p.m. The folk singer-songwriter combines the sounds  of Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie with the crudeness of Delta Blues.

    The complete Concerts in the Courtyard schedule, which is generously sponsored by the Boston Public Library Foundation (www.bplf.com), can be viewed at www.bpl.org/concerts.  The concerts continue in July and August with the following schedule:

    • Kendall Ramseur, Wednesday, July 2, 6 p.m.
    • Cruzamente Quintet, Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
    • Erika Van Pelt, Friday, July 11, 12:30 p.m.
    • Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m.
    • Lindsay Straw, Friday, July 18, 12:30 p.m.
    • Patrick Coman, Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m.
    • Cardamom Quartet, Friday, July 25, 12:30 p.m.
    • Susan Cattaneo, Wednesday, July 30, 6 p.m.
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, August 1, 12:30 p.m.
    • Darlingside, Wednesday, August 6, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 8, 12:30 p.m.
    • Caitlin Canty, Wednesday, August 13, 6 p.m.
    • The Jason Palmer Quartet, Friday, August 15, 12:30 p.m.
    • Fernando Holz Band, Wednesday, August 20, 6 p.m.
    • Bill Lowe, Friday, August 22, 12 p.m.
    • The Ron Murphy Band, Wednesday, August 27, 6 p.m.
    • American Century Music, Friday, August 29, 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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

  • Courtyard Concerts Return to Copley Square BPL

    One of our favorite entertainment programs of the year, the Boston Public Library's (BPL) Courtyard Concert Series returns on June 4, 2014 at 6pm. Notice the day and date.

    As, the BPL announced, "In addition to Friday lunchtime concerts at 12:30 p.m., this season the library now offers evening concerts on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour."

    CHE_8789 -2 Version 22013-08-02library concert© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    The Fernando Holz Band delighted audiences last year and is scheduled to appear again this summer.

    Here are the rest of the details the library provided for the series.

    The month of June features Berklee College of Music students and alumni performing everything from jazz, pop, and funk to works with Arab, Latin American, and Scottish influences:
     

    • Daniel Rotem Trio, Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. The Trio performs original compositions that integrate world influences with improvisation and the jazz tradition.
    • KeL, Friday, June 6, at 12:30 p.m. KeL combines elements of jazz and pop with Brazilian melodies.
    • Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m. The artist’s eclectic music blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop as well as sounds inspired by her African background.
    • Jenna Moynihan and Mairi Chaimbeul, Friday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m. Rooted in traditional Scottish and Appalachian old-time music, Moynihan and Chaimbeul developed a sound which celebrates and explores beautiful melodies.
    • The Western Den, Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. Deni Hlavinka and Chris West blend folk harmonies with ambient textures to produce unique sounds and songs.
    • Ahmad El Haggar, Friday, June 20, at 12:30 p.m. The Egyptian singer-songwriter and oud player performs original songs and rearranges music from the Arab world to create modern sounds.
    • 3 Sudacas, Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. Performers at the 2014 Latin Grammys with Alejandro Sanz, the group plays both traditional and unique compositions arranged for voice, percussion, mandolin, guitar, and bass.
    • Miriam Elhajli, Friday, June 27, at 12:30 p.m. The folk singer-songwriter combines the sounds  of Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie with the crudeness of Delta Blues.

    The complete Concerts in the Courtyard schedule, which is generously sponsored by the Boston Public Library Foundation (www.bplf.com), can be viewed at www.bpl.org/concerts.  The concerts continue in July and August with the following schedule:

    • Kendall Ramseur, Wednesday, July 2, 6 p.m.
    • Cruzamente Quintet, Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
    • Erika Van Pelt, Friday, July 11, 12:30 p.m.
    • Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m.
    • Lindsay Straw, Friday, July 18, 12:30 p.m.
    • Patrick Coman, Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m.
    • Cardamom Quartet, Friday, July 25, 12:30 p.m.
    • Susan Cattaneo, Wednesday, July 30, 6 p.m.
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, August 1, 12:30 p.m.
    • Darlingside, Wednesday, August 6, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 8, 12:30 p.m.
    • Caitlin Canty, Wednesday, August 13, 6 p.m.
    • The Jason Palmer Quartet, Friday, August 15, 12:30 p.m.
    • Fernando Holz Band, Wednesday, August 20, 6 p.m.
    • Bill Lowe, Friday, August 22, 12 p.m.
    • The Ron Murphy Band, Wednesday, August 27, 6 p.m.
    • American Century Music, Friday, August 29, 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: © 2013 Penny Cherubino