Tag: Boylston Street

2017 Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library
Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concerts in the Courtyard series for 2017 begins today and will continue through August 30th.

Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season:

"The Courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square, one of Boston's most beautiful spaces, is filled with music during free, one-hour concerts throughout the summer.

Can't sneak away from the office for our noon performances? We will be streaming the Friday concerts live on our Facebook page."

Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free.

June schedule:

Area 9 Quartet, Friday, June 2, 12:30 p.m. Area 9 Quartet is a Boston-based ensemble dedicated to exploring the rich, diverse, and ever-growing chamber music repertoire for saxophone.

Marco Mares, Wednesday, June 7, 6 p.m. Marco Mares is a singer-songwriter from Mexico City who showcased his fresh and honest pop sound in his debut album Para Ella (2014). Marco’s interactive performances highlight fun, funky pop mixed with romantic Spanish lyrics.

Boston Philharmonic, Friday, June 9, 12:30 p.m. Join members of the Boston Philharmonic as they perform chamber and quartet music, taking their passion out of the concert hall to the public as part of their education and community outreach program, Crescendo!

Francesca Crowley, Wednesday, June 14, 6 p.m. Francesca’s influences include songwriters such as Stevie Nicks, Norah Jones, and Joni Mitchell, and she strives to create new and different music inspired by her life.

Project STEP, Friday, June 16, 12:30 p.m. Project STEP (String Training and Education Program) recognizes that certain racial and ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in classical music. Their mission is to address this imbalance by identifying musically talented children from underrepresented Boston and surrounding communities and providing them with comprehensive music and string instrument instruction.

Maro Maro, Wednesday, June 21, 6 p.m. Maro Maro is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and guitarist from Lisbon, Portugal.

Francisco Roldán, Friday, June 23, 12:30 p.m. Colombian-born guitarist Francisco Roldán plays solo and chamber music nationally and internationally. Roldán presents a concert of lyrical, rhythmic, and sensual music by Central and South American composers on the classical guitar.

Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m. Aliya Cycon Project (ACP) blends Aliya Cycon’s soulful compositions with characteristics of traditional Arabic music to create an unforgettable East-meets-West experience.

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) Intensive Community Program (ICP), Friday, June 30, 12:30 p.m. The Intensive Community Program is a rigorous instrument training program that brings quality classical music instruction to underrepresented communities.

July and August schedule:
- Brandon Diaz, Wednesday, July 5, 6 p.m.
- NorthStar Duo, Friday, July 7, 12:30 p.m.
- Samuel Batista, Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m.
- Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 14, 12:30 p.m.
- Niu Raza, Wednesday, July 19, 6 p.m.
- Joel LaRue Smith, Friday, July 21, 12:30 p.m.
- BEARD, Wednesday, July 26, 6 p.m.
- Properly Unprepared, Friday, July 28, 12:30 p.m.
- Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, August 2, 6 p.m.
- Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 4, 12:30 p.m.
- Sleeping Lion, Wednesday, August 9, 6 p.m.
- Boston Philharmonic, Friday, August 11, 12:30 p.m.
- Venezuelan Project, Wednesday, August 16, 6 p.m.
- Night Tree, Friday, August 18, 12:30 p.m.
- Abby Carey, Wednesday, August 23, 6 p.m.
- Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 25, 12:30 p.m.
- Amber Olivia Kiner, Wednesday, August 30, 6 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: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino
June 2, 2017
The Dumbest Shoe Choice of the Past Week – Fashion as King …

This weekend, as I jumped over puddles on poorly drained corners and climbed over unshoveled snowbanks on others, I spotted this fashionista slowly falling back to the rear of her large group as they moved en mass down Boylston Street. Let's hope she doesn't have to walk on any of the less maintained residential streets of the city.

"Fashion as King is sometimes a very stupid ruler." E. T. Bell

As a total non-fashionista, my favorite winter shoe is this Waterproof Merrell Siren Hiking Boot.

About Photo Tales & Quotes: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Photo Tales & Quotes is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Cape Dame Resting in Provincetown

February 13, 2017
The Dumbest Shoe Choice of the Past Week – Fashion as King …

This weekend, as I jumped over puddles on poorly drained corners and climbed over unshoveled snowbanks on others, I spotted this fashionista slowly falling back to the rear of her large group as they moved en mass down Boylston Street. Let's hope she doesn't have to walk on any of the less maintained residential streets of the city.

"Fashion as King is sometimes a very stupid ruler." E. T. Bell

As a total non-fashionista, my favorite winter shoe is this Waterproof Merrell Siren Hiking Boot.

About Photo Tales & Quotes: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Photo Tales & Quotes is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Cape Dame Resting in Provincetown

February 13, 2017
Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library for 2016
Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concert in the Courtyard series for 2016 began this week and will continue through August 31st.

Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season.

"Boston Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard series returns June 1 and runs through August 31, featuring a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour. Wednesday concerts are presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music."

June Schedule:
- Rodolfo Arteaga, Wednesday, June 1 ● 6 p.m. Rodolfo Arteaga is a singer-songwriter and cellist from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela.
- Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, June 3 ● 12:30 p.m. Cocek! Brass Band’s original music is based on the sounds of Eastern European brass bands and blends dance music with improvisation and inspiring melodies.
- Samuel Batista, Wednesday, June 8 ● 6 p.m. Samuel Batista is an alto saxophone player from Panama City, Panama.
- Moody Street Sound, Friday, June 10 ● 12:30 p.m. Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Moody Street Sound is a sextet specializing in jazz, soul, and the blues.
- Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, June 15 ● 6 p.m. Harshitha Krishnan is a vocalist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria.
- Duo Esplanade, Friday, June 17 ● 12:30 p.m. Duo Esplanade explores the flexible sounds of flute and clarinet, both as solo instruments and as part of different instrumental combinations in the various styles of standard classical repertoire, new music, and original arrangements.
- Eduardo Mercuri, Wednesday, June 22 ● 6 p.m. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, guitar player Eduardo Mercuri has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, and the 2013 Latin Grammys.
- Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 24 ● 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a jazz combo made up of five members with an average age of 18.
- Kristin Corpuz, Wednesday, June 29 ● 6 p.m. Kristin Corpuz is a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer from Tampa, Florida, who currently attends Berklee College of Music as a 2013 Presidential Scholar.
July Schedule
- Phil Berman, Friday, July 1 ● 12:30 p.m.
- luhx., Wednesday, July 6 ● 6 p.m.
- Castle of our Skins, Friday, July 8 ● 12:30 p.m.
- MIXCLA, Wednesday, July 13 ● 6 p.m.
- Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 15 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Dear June, Wednesday, July 20 ● 6 p.m.
- Isabel Stover and Molly Flannery, Friday, July 22 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Shirhan Agabeyli, Wednesday, July 27 ● 6 p.m.
- Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 29 ● 12:30 p.m.
August Schedule
- Kyle Thornton & The Company, Wednesday, August 3 ● 6 p.m.
- Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 5 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Njoki Karu, Wednesday, August 10 ● 6 p.m.
- Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 12 ● 12:30 p.m.
- James Fernando, Wednesday, August 17 ● 6 p.m.
- Yi David Yang, Friday, August 19 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Honeysuckle, Wednesday, August 24 ● 6 p.m.
- Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 26 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, August 31 ● 6 p.m.
Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by the Library Programs Fund at the Boston Public Library Foundation. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.

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: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino
June 3, 2016
Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library for 2016
Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concert in the Courtyard series for 2016 began this week and will continue through August 31st.

Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season.

"Boston Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard series returns June 1 and runs through August 31, featuring a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour. Wednesday concerts are presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music."

June Schedule:
- Rodolfo Arteaga, Wednesday, June 1 ● 6 p.m. Rodolfo Arteaga is a singer-songwriter and cellist from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela.
- Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, June 3 ● 12:30 p.m. Cocek! Brass Band’s original music is based on the sounds of Eastern European brass bands and blends dance music with improvisation and inspiring melodies.
- Samuel Batista, Wednesday, June 8 ● 6 p.m. Samuel Batista is an alto saxophone player from Panama City, Panama.
- Moody Street Sound, Friday, June 10 ● 12:30 p.m. Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Moody Street Sound is a sextet specializing in jazz, soul, and the blues.
- Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, June 15 ● 6 p.m. Harshitha Krishnan is a vocalist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria.
- Duo Esplanade, Friday, June 17 ● 12:30 p.m. Duo Esplanade explores the flexible sounds of flute and clarinet, both as solo instruments and as part of different instrumental combinations in the various styles of standard classical repertoire, new music, and original arrangements.
- Eduardo Mercuri, Wednesday, June 22 ● 6 p.m. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, guitar player Eduardo Mercuri has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, and the 2013 Latin Grammys.
- Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 24 ● 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a jazz combo made up of five members with an average age of 18.
- Kristin Corpuz, Wednesday, June 29 ● 6 p.m. Kristin Corpuz is a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer from Tampa, Florida, who currently attends Berklee College of Music as a 2013 Presidential Scholar.
July Schedule
- Phil Berman, Friday, July 1 ● 12:30 p.m.
- luhx., Wednesday, July 6 ● 6 p.m.
- Castle of our Skins, Friday, July 8 ● 12:30 p.m.
- MIXCLA, Wednesday, July 13 ● 6 p.m.
- Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 15 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Dear June, Wednesday, July 20 ● 6 p.m.
- Isabel Stover and Molly Flannery, Friday, July 22 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Shirhan Agabeyli, Wednesday, July 27 ● 6 p.m.
- Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 29 ● 12:30 p.m.
August Schedule
- Kyle Thornton & The Company, Wednesday, August 3 ● 6 p.m.
- Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 5 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Njoki Karu, Wednesday, August 10 ● 6 p.m.
- Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 12 ● 12:30 p.m.
- James Fernando, Wednesday, August 17 ● 6 p.m.
- Yi David Yang, Friday, August 19 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Honeysuckle, Wednesday, August 24 ● 6 p.m.
- Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 26 ● 12:30 p.m.
- Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, August 31 ● 6 p.m.
Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by the Library Programs Fund at the Boston Public Library Foundation. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.

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: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino
June 3, 2016
All That Spring Jazz from Berklee (and it’s Free!)

Summer isn't the only season for free concerts in Boston this year! We recently received the following announcement from Berklee College of Music!

Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts Concerts By World-Renowned Jazz Masters Performing With Students

The Berklee Global Jazz institute (BGJI), led by pianist-composer-humanitarian Danilo Pérez, artistic director, and Marco Pignataro, managing director, is hosting a series of free concerts, workshops, and jam sessions in Boston featuring world-renowned jazz artists mentoring and performing with students. In addition to Perez, performers include visiting artists Terence Blanchard, Ricardo del Fra, Paris Conservatory Jazz Department Director, Alan Pasqua, and David Sanchez; BGJI artists in residence Adam Cruz, Ben Street, and David Liebman; and Grammy-winning BGJI faculty drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

The BGJI’s spring events run until May. All events take place at The Zero Gravity Room at 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, and are open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit berklee.edu/bgji.

“We are opening the doors to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute to enable the community to experience some of the best performers of the international jazz world performing with our students – the foremost jazz artists of tomorrow,” explained Pérez. “What better way to combine the spirit of our programs – an extremely high level of musicianship with the advancement of the social power of music!”

BGJI Spring 2016 Events:

BGJI Forums, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

March 2, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and David Sanchez

March 9, featuring Danilo Pérez and Alan Pasqua

March 23, featuring Ben Street and Terence Blanchard

March 30, featuring Joe Lovano and John Patitucci

April 6, featuring Danilo Pérez and Ricardo del Fra

April 13, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Liebman

April 20, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz

April 27, featuring Joe Lovano and Adam Cruz

(Photo of Danilo Pérez courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute)

BGJI Workshops, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm:

March 8, Danilo Pérez workshop

April 5, Danilo Pérez workshop

May 3, Danilo Pérez workshop

Back row, from left: Anthony Fung, Seungho Jang, Jerry Leake, and Mao Sone. Foreground: Ga Young Bae, Marco Pignataro

BGJI Concert Series and Jam Sessions, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

March 1

March 22

March 29

April 19

April 26

April 30

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute seeks to develop artists as both musicians and human beings to become role models for a new generation of musicians. Its programs promote traditional musicianship through classes, workshops, concerts performances, recording and jam sessions, and service learning through teaching and outreach programs. Throughout the program, students travel together, accompanied by their teachers and mentors, performing at concerts and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They are also teaching and giving outreach performances at various care homes, hospitals and correctional facilities in the Boston area. In addition to its undergraduate program in contemporary performance, the BGJI launched its master’s program in contemporary performance this academic year (2015-16).

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: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
Photography: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute

March 11, 2016
All That Spring Jazz from Berklee (and it’s Free!)

Summer isn't the only season for free concerts in Boston this year! We recently received the following announcement from Berklee College of Music!

Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts Concerts By World-Renowned Jazz Masters Performing With Students

The Berklee Global Jazz institute (BGJI), led by pianist-composer-humanitarian Danilo Pérez, artistic director, and Marco Pignataro, managing director, is hosting a series of free concerts, workshops, and jam sessions in Boston featuring world-renowned jazz artists mentoring and performing with students. In addition to Perez, performers include visiting artists Terence Blanchard, Ricardo del Fra, Paris Conservatory Jazz Department Director, Alan Pasqua, and David Sanchez; BGJI artists in residence Adam Cruz, Ben Street, and David Liebman; and Grammy-winning BGJI faculty drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

The BGJI’s spring events run until May. All events take place at The Zero Gravity Room at 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, and are open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit berklee.edu/bgji.

“We are opening the doors to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute to enable the community to experience some of the best performers of the international jazz world performing with our students – the foremost jazz artists of tomorrow,” explained Pérez. “What better way to combine the spirit of our programs – an extremely high level of musicianship with the advancement of the social power of music!”

BGJI Spring 2016 Events:

BGJI Forums, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

March 2, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and David Sanchez

March 9, featuring Danilo Pérez and Alan Pasqua

March 23, featuring Ben Street and Terence Blanchard

March 30, featuring Joe Lovano and John Patitucci

April 6, featuring Danilo Pérez and Ricardo del Fra

April 13, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Liebman

April 20, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz

April 27, featuring Joe Lovano and Adam Cruz

(Photo of Danilo Pérez courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute)

BGJI Workshops, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm:

March 8, Danilo Pérez workshop

April 5, Danilo Pérez workshop

May 3, Danilo Pérez workshop

Back row, from left: Anthony Fung, Seungho Jang, Jerry Leake, and Mao Sone. Foreground: Ga Young Bae, Marco Pignataro

BGJI Concert Series and Jam Sessions, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

March 1

March 22

March 29

April 19

April 26

April 30

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute seeks to develop artists as both musicians and human beings to become role models for a new generation of musicians. Its programs promote traditional musicianship through classes, workshops, concerts performances, recording and jam sessions, and service learning through teaching and outreach programs. Throughout the program, students travel together, accompanied by their teachers and mentors, performing at concerts and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They are also teaching and giving outreach performances at various care homes, hospitals and correctional facilities in the Boston area. In addition to its undergraduate program in contemporary performance, the BGJI launched its master’s program in contemporary performance this academic year (2015-16).

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: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
Photography: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute

March 11, 2016
Max Is Sitting in Poppy’s Place

Imagine my smile as I walked into Trader Joe's on Boylston and saw this adorable little guy sitting in the upstairs corner of the entryway where Poppy usually waits with Ed as I shop.

I only had to pick up a couple of things so he and his person were still there when I returned. While I loaded my backpack, I learned his name is Max. I asked if I could take his photo to show Poppy that she's not the only TJ's dog.

Hope I run into you in the waiting area again, Max! Maybe someday you and Poppy will share the space.

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 Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny Cherubino

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February 21, 2016
Max Is Sitting in Poppy’s Place

Imagine my smile as I walked into Trader Joe's on Boylston and saw this adorable little guy sitting in the upstairs corner of the entryway where Poppy usually waits with Ed as I shop.

I only had to pick up a couple of things so he and his person were still there when I returned. While I loaded my backpack, I learned his name is Max. I asked if I could take his photo to show Poppy that she's not the only TJ's dog.

Hope I run into you in the waiting area again, Max! Maybe someday you and Poppy will share the space.

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 Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Parchment Crackers) Are a Hit!

Pulled Pork with Tart, Tangy Cole Slaw

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

February 21, 2016
Snow, Freeze, Thaw, Freeze, Snow in the Back Bay

It has been a very photographic February with the cycle of snow, freeze, thaw, and freeze we've endured. Ed said it was as if Mother Nature wanted to add a fresh coat of makeup to the snow piles so they wouldn't look dirty.

Icicles added a touch of frosting to the Victorian townhouses along Commonwealth Avenue.

On Newbury Street, some took on the look of waterfalls.

On Boylston Street, the stonework and icicles set off one another beautifully.

Here's a view of icicles from inside one of the glass crossovers at Copley Place.

Bacchante does not seem to mind the snow at all and just continues to dance in the Courtyard of the Boston Public Library.

As much as we may complain about the endless snow and cold, it's hard to resist photographing the way it changes our neighborhood.

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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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First Look Inside The Boston Library's Astonishing, Colorful Renovation

February 26, 2015