By Anne Steele, News Staff
Entry of the Week: BeanTown Street Jams
Join music lovers hailing from far and wide to jam on the streets of Boston all weekend long to celebrate the blues, Latin jazz and more at the 11th annual Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival. The festival opens Friday with jazz heavyweight collaboration James Farm featuring saxophonist Joshua Redman and closes Sunday with the New Gary Burton Quartet, both ticketed events at the Berklee Performance Center. Don’t miss the city’s biggest block party, which kicks off at noon Saturday on Columbus Avenue (between Burke Street and Massachusetts Avenue) and celebrates global music and nature outdoors with musical styles and artists from around the world. The event features more than 15 artists on three stages and vendor booths offering food from around the globe. Top artists jamming on the outdoor stages include Oleta Adams, Rafael Zaldivar, Louis Hayes as well as Berklee faculty, students and alumni. Last year’s festival drew more than 70,000. Ticketed events at 136 Massachusetts Ave.; block party on Columbus Avenue; Sept. 23-25; free and ticketed events $25 to $42;
www.beantownjazz.org.
Thursday, Sept. 22
Join thousands of local students for College Night at the Museum of Fine Arts, an annual bash filled with art, music and food – for free. Music at this year’s event features Berklee alumna Liz Longley, grand prize winner of the International Acoustic Award, performing songs from her new album and Keith Fullerton Whitman’s electronic-inspired compositions. Then join local DJ LeahV for a dance party or get those hips swinging while hula hooping with Hooping Harmony. Don’t pass up good eats, compliments of Chipotle and Pinkberry. All museum exhibits will be open so be sure to check out the new Art of the Americas Wing and new Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art. Although the MFA is always free with a Husky ID, this is a party not to be missed. 465 Huntington Ave.; 7 to 11 p.m.; free; www.mfa.org.
Friday, Sept. 23
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum presents “Passing the Torch – the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy.” Approaching the 50th anniversary of JFK’s swearing into office, come celebrate the man whose election defied norms as the youngest man to be elected president, the nation’s first Catholic leader and the first president born in the 20th century. The exhibit features iconic originals including the inaugural luncheon menu, the top hat and gloves he wore to the inauguration, the Oleg Cassini evening gown Jacqueline Kennedy wore to the gala. JFK’s personal notes from his first day in office and never-before published photographs of the event. Columbia Point; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $10; www.jfklibrary.org.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Boston Chocolate Tours is offering a new mouthwatering walking tour uncovering “famous and infamous” chocolate delights throughout Faneuil Hall and the North End. Let your mouth discover the city’s rich history while sampling delicacies from bakeries and cafes. From the busy hallway of the Quincy Market Colonnade where one can sample some of Boston’s most famous ice cream shops and bakeries to the bustling North End to get a taste of real handmade gelato, the tour will show you some of the best chocolate Boston has to offer. It also features a stop at Godiva Chocolates, which opened its doors to allow samplings of its renowned seasonal offerings. 1 South Market St. in Faneuil Hall (2nd floor of Godiva Chocolates); 3:30 p.m.; $48 (advance ticket required); www.bostonchocolatetours.com.
Sunday, Sept. 25
Experience a car-free Storrow Drive while riding in the 7th annual Hub On Wheels bike ride. Explore hidden pathways and historic neighborhoods while taking in views of the Boston Harbor wheel-style. The ride begins and ends on City Hall Plaza and there are three different routes to choose from: ten, 30 and 50 miles. The event features a festival with music and food from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as free snacks and gift bags. Boston City Hall Plaza; 8 a.m.; $45; www.hubonwheels.kintera.org.
Monday, Sept. 26
Rusted Root is coming to Brighton Music Hall with a set list chock full of faithful fan favorites as well as music from their latest album Stereo Rodeo, released in 2009. This Pittsburgh band is known for their unique fusion of acoustic, rock, world and other styles of music as well as their strong percussion inspired by African, Latin American, Native American and Indian influences. 158 Brighton Ave.; 9 p.m.; $22; www.ticketmaster.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
No need to sweat about impressing employers while job searching at career fairs. Gain confidence while learning about self-presentation at Northeastern’s International Student Career Fair Prep. This workshop will explore cultural elements of body language, self presentation, levels of formality and more, which will help boost assurance and poise while approaching potential employers. You will also develop and practice an “elevator speech” – a short introduction to help acquaint you with employers. Learn about international student job search success factors and employer expectations as well as the critical role of networking. 12 Stearns; 5 to 6 p.m.; free, registration not required; contact Scott Keeler at [email protected] with questions.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Northeastern’s Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is holding a fundraiser at Conor Larkin’s Grill & Tap. For $10 you can indulge in unlimited appetizers and support a great cause. All money raised goes to the group’s Relay For Life event in March. Take the chance to talk to Colleges Against Cancer and Relay For Life Committee members and to find out more about this year’s Relay For Life of Northeastern University. 329 Huntington Ave.; 7 to 9 p.m.; $10; www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17530184749.
Have an event coming up? E-mail the details to [email protected].
Events may be canceled or rescheduled. Call ahead to confirm.
