Out or in, let’s get down.
Sound Gardens
Photo Credit: Boston Calling Block Party: Mike Diskin
Those unwilling to shell out the big bucks for Boston Calling can still party downtown, cold beer in hand, to the tunes of local bands-to-know like Nemes, Tigerman WOAH and Dirty Bangs this summer—for free. Yes, Boston Calling Block Parties are back and expanding to two locations (Dewey Square Park and Downtown Crossing’s Summer Street Plaza) for weekly and monthly ragers, respectively, through Sept. 17. Meanwhile, over on the waterfront, Boston Calling is teaming up with the Institute of Contemporary Art to present Wavelengths, an outdoor concert series bringing big names like Martha Wainwright, How to Dress Well, Lucius and Mykki Blanco to the harborside spot on Fridays from July 10 through Aug. 28.
Cheers to Beers
We guzzled a lot of red wine to stay warm (and sane) during #Snowpocalypse2015. So this summer we’re all about beer—specifically locally brewed craft beers, which will be flowing freely at a number of fests across town.
Sustainable Business Network’s Fourth Annual Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest
This celebration of all things local—from breweries to home brewers and cider and mead makers—pours brews from Baxter, Notch, Peak Organic and more at the Armory in Somerville on June 12-13.
Boston Beer & BBQ Fest
Also at the Armory, this fest proves the only thing better than good beer is good beer with good ’cue. Expect plenty of both on June 19-20 at Drink Craft Beer’s event, featuring New England suds and barbecue from joints like East Coast Grill.
WGBH’s Third Annual Craft Beer Fest
Taste dozens of local brews along with eats from popular food trucks, plus get schooled on some brewing know-how, al fresco in WGBH Studios’ visitor parking lot on July 11.
Arty Affairs
Photo Credit: MFA Summer Party: Todd Mazer
Oh, so you fancy, huh? Then bust out the tux or gown for your choice of two back-to-back museum bashes. First up on June 3 is The Gardner Remixed: A Summer Soiree, featuring a performance by buzzy Brooklyn violin-viola duo Chargaux, sweet treats, light bites and cocktailing. Dress to impress because the Gardner Museum itself will be sporting bling: Fenway Deity, Ken Smith’s new inflatable installation that’s adorning the building’s facade with a gold chain and psychedelic pendant. Then on June 6 comes the Museum of Fine Arts’ Summer Party, a lavish affair in the museum’s courtyard replete with music, dancing, light fare and dessert, a juried silent art auction and, of course, a full bar. Attire is black tie with a touch of blue, a nod to the Hokusai exhibit on view through Aug. 9.
Booze on a Boat
Is that a sailboat or a schooner? Who cares—either way, we’re drinking on it! World Ocean School presents two opportunities to get sauced at sea this summer: Wine Down Wednesdaysand Beer Tasting Thursdays aboard the historic Roseway sailboat. The sails occur once a month, kicking off June 4 (beer, with Mayflower Brewing Co.) and June 17 (wine).
Rather sip on something a bit harder? Whisky Guild’s Boston Whisky Cruise on June 11 features a variety of whiskey tastings and a buffet dinner—pony up for a VIP ticket to score some rare pours while aboard.
Worried about seasickness? You’re going to be way too busy to be queasy at BSSC’s June 19Rock the Boat party cruise, which features a live band, a DJ, cornhole and other games, temporary tattoos, snacks and three decks with their own cash bars aboard the Provincetown II.
Want to get three sheets to the wind without leaving port? Make like Captain Jack Sparrow during Crawl in Boston’s Pirate Pub Crawl on June 6. You can dress the part while marauding (but please, no pillaging) through participating downtown bars. (Heads up, landlubbers: One stop includes boarding an actual boat.)
Some Like It Hot
Whether you want to beat the heat or bask in it, we’ve got you covered with a guide to summer’s shows, sights, screenings, sips and other adventures.
By Improper Staff May 15, 2015
Fresh Art and Fresh Air
Three must-see exhibits that start in the gallery and end in the sunshine.
Start Inside…
At the Boston Athenæum, where Lafayette: An American Icon opens on June 17. A look at the life of the French military genius who fought for the American revolutionaries’ cause, it showcases paintings, engravings, manuscripts, maps and sculptures, including a “staggeringly elegant” bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson. “It shows Lafayette at his most dashing,” says Athenaeum director Elizabeth Barker. “You can tell why he was a rock-star celebrity, internationally famous by the time he was 20.” The Athenæum will also host a lecture from Lafayette biographer Laura Auricchio, a soiree with 18th-century-style hors d’oeuvres from chef and A Taste of History host Walter Staib and a concert of music from the marquis’ day. “It’s poignant for us because the Boston Athenæum holds most of George Washington’s personal library, and Washington thought of Lafayette as a son,” Barker says. “We like to imagine that this is the kind of music they would have heard when they were sitting together on the porch at Mount Vernon.”
Then head outside…
And take in the harbor breeze at Rowes Wharf, where you can meet Hermione, an exact replica of the ship that brought Lafayette to Boston 235 years ago, which will visit Boston on July 11-12 after a monthlong trans-Atlantic crossing.
Start Inside…
At the deCordova Museum in Lincoln, where the just-opened exhibit Walking Sculpture 1967-2015 is on view through Sept. 13. Taking its title from Michelangelo Pistoletto’s seminal 1967 performance—in which he rolled a giant ball of newspaper through the streets of Turin—the show features sculptures, video, photos and performances from 19 artists who prove that our most basic form of locomotion can be anything but pedestrian.
Then head outside…
To the deCordova’s Sculpture Park, where you can stretch your legs on one of the walks being organized in concert with the exhibit, including a nature walk with the Lincoln Garden Club’s botanical experts (July 11), a stilt- or tightrope-walking lesson from Simply Circus (Aug. 8), a literary walk with poet Cole Swensen featuring readings from favorite flaneurs (Aug. 26) and a night walk with artists Erin Shirreff and Frank Heath, who’ll supply a unique soundtrack—you just need to bring a flashlight (Sept. 26 ).
Start inside…
At the BSA Space, which is showcasing the past work of the four winning firms of the 2015Design Biennial Boston from June 25 through Sept. 15, among them Dan Adams and Marie Law Adams of Landing Studio, who transformed an industrial oil tank facility in Chelsea into a public park.
Then head outside…
Photo Credit: As If It Were Already Here: RKGC / Peter Vanderwarker
To the nearby Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, where the four Biennial winners will create new installations on view from late June through mid-September. While you’re checking those out, you won’t be able to miss Brookline-based artist Janet Echelman’s recently installed aerial sculpture As If It Were Already Here, featuring more than 100 miles of rope and 542,500 knots.
By Improper Staff
Party Time
Out or in, let’s get down.
Sound Gardens
Photo Credit: Boston Calling Block Party: Mike Diskin
Those unwilling to shell out the big bucks for Boston Calling can still party downtown, cold beer in hand, to the tunes of local bands-to-know like Nemes, Tigerman WOAH and Dirty Bangs this summer—for free. Yes, Boston Calling Block Parties are back and expanding to two locations (Dewey Square Park and Downtown Crossing’s Summer Street Plaza) for weekly and monthly ragers, respectively, through Sept. 17. Meanwhile, over on the waterfront, Boston Calling is teaming up with the Institute of Contemporary Art to present Wavelengths, an outdoor concert series bringing big names like Martha Wainwright, How to Dress Well, Lucius and Mykki Blanco to the harborside spot on Fridays from July 10 through Aug. 28.
Cheers to Beers
We guzzled a lot of red wine to stay warm (and sane) during #Snowpocalypse2015. So this summer we’re all about beer—specifically locally brewed craft beers, which will be flowing freely at a number of fests across town.
Sustainable Business Network’s Fourth Annual Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest
This celebration of all things local—from breweries to home brewers and cider and mead makers—pours brews from Baxter, Notch, Peak Organic and more at the Armory in Somerville on June 12-13.
Boston Beer & BBQ Fest
Also at the Armory, this fest proves the only thing better than good beer is good beer with good ’cue. Expect plenty of both on June 19-20 at Drink Craft Beer’s event, featuring New England suds and barbecue from joints like East Coast Grill.
WGBH’s Third Annual Craft Beer Fest
Taste dozens of local brews along with eats from popular food trucks, plus get schooled on some brewing know-how, al fresco in WGBH Studios’ visitor parking lot on July 11.
Arty Affairs
Photo Credit: MFA Summer Party: Todd Mazer
Oh, so you fancy, huh? Then bust out the tux or gown for your choice of two back-to-back museum bashes. First up on June 3 is The Gardner Remixed: A Summer Soiree, featuring a performance by buzzy Brooklyn violin-viola duo Chargaux, sweet treats, light bites and cocktailing. Dress to impress because the Gardner Museum itself will be sporting bling: Fenway Deity, Ken Smith’s new inflatable installation that’s adorning the building’s facade with a gold chain and psychedelic pendant. Then on June 6 comes the Museum of Fine Arts’ Summer Party, a lavish affair in the museum’s courtyard replete with music, dancing, light fare and dessert, a juried silent art auction and, of course, a full bar. Attire is black tie with a touch of blue, a nod to the Hokusai exhibit on view through Aug. 9.
Booze on a Boat
Is that a sailboat or a schooner? Who cares—either way, we’re drinking on it! World Ocean School presents two opportunities to get sauced at sea this summer: Wine Down Wednesdaysand Beer Tasting Thursdays aboard the historic Roseway sailboat. The sails occur once a month, kicking off June 4 (beer, with Mayflower Brewing Co.) and June 17 (wine).
Rather sip on something a bit harder? Whisky Guild’s Boston Whisky Cruise on June 11 features a variety of whiskey tastings and a buffet dinner—pony up for a VIP ticket to score some rare pours while aboard.
Worried about seasickness? You’re going to be way too busy to be queasy at BSSC’s June 19Rock the Boat party cruise, which features a live band, a DJ, cornhole and other games, temporary tattoos, snacks and three decks with their own cash bars aboard the Provincetown II.
Want to get three sheets to the wind without leaving port? Make like Captain Jack Sparrow during Crawl in Boston’s Pirate Pub Crawl on June 6. You can dress the part while marauding (but please, no pillaging) through participating downtown bars. (Heads up, landlubbers: One stop includes boarding an actual boat.)
By Improper Staff
Screen Scenes
Extra-special effects for movie buffs.
Fantastic Four
1. The Coolidge Corner Theatre and Wine Enthusiast magazine are teaming up to bring four vino-centric vignettes to the screen. The Wine and Film program kicks off on May 21 with Somm, a doc following four wine stewards as they prepare for the Master Sommelier Exam, which only 220 people have passed in the past 40 years. Then on June 4, you can let importer Martine Saunier guide you through Gosset, Bollinger and other sparkling wine houses in A Year in Champagne. Each $15 movie ticket scores you post-screening tastings of Alta Luna, Ferrari and Cinzano with experts. Cheers to that.
Photo Credit: BSO film night: Hilary Scott
2. John Williams is missing his scheduled May 22-23 BSO Film Night performances, so violinist Richard Kaufman will lead the Pops as they bring the celebrated conductor’s scores for films likeE.T., Jaws and Star Wars to life at Symphony Hall. But Williams will lead an outdoor version of the concert on Aug. 22 at Tanglewood, where he’ll be joined by composer David Newman.
3. Beginning June 28, Museum of Science visitors have infinity and beyond—OK, 10,000 square feet—to explore The Science Behind Pixar, an eight-part exhibit featuring the artists and computer scientists behind animated hits like Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. Learn how the Finding Nemo crew created virtual light in the movie’s animated ocean and discover the camera angle tricks that give viewers an insect’s point of view in A Bug’s Life.
4. Enter another dimension in late August when MediaMation installs the first full 4D Motion EFX theater on the East Coast. Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere’s 70 seats will move, blast air and water, tickle legs and dispense fog scents, among other sensory-heightening additions.
Al Fresco Filmgoing
Enough with the Netflix binge-watching already—get your flick fix at one of these outdoor movie screenings.
• Waltham’s Lyman Estate hosts screenings of Night at the Museum, The Philadelphia Story and more on Thursday nights in July. Moviegoers can picnic on the grounds or tour the first floor of the 1793 building before the reel rolls.
• The action at the Hatch Shell doesn’t end with the July 4 concert. WBZ Free Friday Flicks begin a week later and run through the end of August, accompanied by games,
giveaways and food samples.
• Rowes Wharf transforms into a waterfront cinema with Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Entertainment Series. Don’t miss Kramer vs. Kramer, Groundhog Day, Big and more at Movies by Moonlight Fridays, running June 12-Sept. 4.
• In the midst of its 75 stores and eateries, you’ll find the Shops at Prudential Center’s South Garden. On Saturdays from July 11 through Aug. 29, drop by the 1.3-acre urban oasis for Up,Ratatouille and other kid-friendly flicks.
• Head to the park after dark for Mayor Walsh’s Movie Nights on weeknights throughout August. Catch Miracle in Charlestown’s Eden Street Park on Aug. 13 and Despicable Me 2 in Dorchester’s Town Field two weeks later.
By Improper Staff
Ways to Play
Excuses to channel your inner 8-year-old.
Indoor Fun
Weekend Warrior
As any Saturday-afternoon IKEA shopper can attest, Sweden has a knack for testing the limits of human endurance. But its latest export entails quests more exciting than end table assembly—like breaking out of Alcatraz, making it through a haunted house or surviving a pirate’s life at sea. Making its U.S. debut in early August, live-action gaming adventure Boda Borg will open just off the Orange Line’s Malden Center stop in a former department store, where groups of three to five will be faced with puzzles to solve, walls to climb and tunnels to navigate. “It’s like living inside a video game, only you’re the main character and there’s nothing virtual about it,” says owner and Harvard Business School alum Chad Ellis, who adds that the challenge is part of the fun—so don’t expect the staff to save the day if you’re stumped. “When you finish a quest, you feel exhilarated about it in a way you wouldn’t if everyone was going to finish it.” He should know: He’s currently strength training in the hope of beating two of the more physical quests that have bested him.
Boda Borg will offer 18 quests to start, and Ellis plans to expand to 25 and change several each year, so returning guests of all ages—paying $18 for two hours or $28 for the day—can always expect new challenges. Also in the works are a 150-seat restaurant with a taco buffet and private rooms for birthdays, corporate events, and bachelor and bachelorette parties. And within the next few years, Ellis has his sights set on a roof deck with views of the Boston skyline.
Bold Moves
If summer downpours are putting a damper on your outdoor exploration, head inside to Somerville’s Brooklyn Boulders on the first Saturday of the month—but don’t expect to stay dry for long. Its 50-foot rock wall and Savage Games circuit of obstacles like tire-flipping, rope-climbing and doing a handstand until you literally drop are sure to make you work up a sweat.
Outdoor Fun
Grass Roots
Throwback to childhood with some outdoor playtime this summer, whether it’s with traditional backyard games a ferry ride away on Georges Island or on solar-powered swings in South Boston’s collective backyard, The Lawn on D, entering its second summer season. In addition to its regular selection of pingpong, cornhole and bocce, The Lawn on D will add an inflatable maze and host Boston Children’s Museum on July 18 for a PlayDay featuring Tangle, an interactive web of ribbons that encourages adults to get as wrapped up in the fun as the kids.
Those Summer Nights
Photo Credit: Celebration of Summer: City of Boston
Hey, Hot Stuff, show off your boogie grooves at the free Celebration of Summer roller disco party at City Hall Plaza on June 19 at 6 pm. Honoring Boston’s own Donna Summer, the sunset skate features tunes from DJ Kon and reps from Dance Spot Boston, Jacques’ Cabaret and the Boston Derby Dames.
As Seen on TV
Suit up in the house that Tom built for a gridiron challenge of your own when Gillette Stadiumtransforms into the Wipeout Run 5K obstacle course on Aug. 1. Complete with monkey bars, foam slides and the largest inflatable water slide in the world, it’s worth the Zipcar rental—if only to see your friends bounce face-first off the Big Balls.
By Improper Staff
Summertime Stages
Curtain calls by major talents.
20/20 Vision
Photo Credit: Shakespeare on the Common: Ryan Maxwel
It’s fitting that the 20th anniversary of Shakespeare on the Common will feature Will Lyman in the titular role of King Lear. The veteran stage actor has previously taken part in four other Commonwealth Shakespeare Company performances on the Common. And it was his role as Prospero, along with Tony nominee Scott Bradley’s set designs for The Tempest in 2000, that helped give Shakespeare on the Common momentum, according to CSC founding artistic director Steven Maler. The next year’s production of Twelfth Night featured a stacked ensemble, and soon Maler and his crew became a summer mainstay. “You literally see people out there year after year,” Maler says. “You’ve created a body of work that people are looking at, referencing. And people who started coming are now bringing their kids.”
With a young acting program and a theater residency at Babson College, CSC has grown quite a bit—enough that Maler was willing to tackle King Lear, a play he deems daunting but nonetheless irresistible. “The bulk of the success of most plays depends on the casting of four or five people. With Lear, you have eight to 12 people who have to be excellent,” he says. “There’s an enormous moment where the success or failure of this civilization is at stake. And yet it all boils down to people and to humanity and to bad decisions and to rivalries and to loyalty and disloyalty. It’s all these very human experiences… Tackling that is more than a summer project, I guess.”
Dancing in the Streets
Photo Credit: BoSoma: Tony Mistretta
lives up to its name, bringing eight troupes to Somerville parks, plazas, parking lots and even a basketball court on weekend evenings from May 23-July 11. Some highlights: a calligraphy-inspired piece from Chun Jou Tsai, a work that’ll have Quicksilver’s dancers wrangling with giant elastic bands and a take on the trials of modern tech from BoSoma Dance Company.
Hard Tackle
Colossal is more than just the title of the play Company One is producing July 17-Aug. 15 at the BCA’s Roberts Studio Theatre. It’s also the proper adjective to describe the undertaking of playwright Andrew Hinderaker, whose mentor challenged him to write a play that was impossible to produce. Following a football player forced to reconcile with his father after a catastrophic play, the end result includes dancers, a drumline and a structure with four quarters, complete with a halftime show.
Catch Some Familiar Faces
Jennifer Coolidge The Boston-born blonde may be forever known as Stifler’s mom, but Coolidge is taking on the role of another matriarch for the Nora Theatre Company’s production of Saving Kitty, playing July 9-Aug. 2 at Central Square Theater, where she’ll portray a liberal atheist who’s meeting her daughter’s evangelical beau. The show’s Bay State ties run deep, as it premiered on Cape Cod and was workshopped at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Hershey Felder Summer’s usually the time for franchise movies, but Felder’s made his name on a franchise of plays known as “The Composer Sonata.” The local debut of his first, George Gershwin Alone, came 13 years ago in Cambridge, and his latest, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, won rave reviews and smashed box-office records when it debuted in November at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A. Felder and ArtsEmerson bring it to the Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre July 8-26 for its East Coast premiere.
Photo Credit: NEWSIES: Deen van Meer
Jacob Kemp Spread the news! Known for his role on ABC’s Black-ish, the Boston native hits town as part of the NEWSIES cast June 23-July 5, when the touring Broadway production stops by the Boston Opera House. Kemp spent time in the Huntington Theatre Company’s young actor program, and he honed his craft as an eight-year company member of Wheelock Family Theatre.
View All Events
Related Articles