As the semester comes to a close, finals approach and the stress of the holidays comes along, – keep your sanity by enjoying the best of what Boston has to offer. String up some lights, pour some peppermint schnapps and perfect your Mariah Carey lip-sync, here’s this year’s round-up of budget friendly activities.
FEATURE:
Friday, Nov. 30
The Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra, a full symphonic ensemble made up of students, staff and faculty will be performing its fall concert tomorrow. The group performs a variety of music genres ranging from symphonies to film scores and contemporary music, and its selections span from the baroque to the present day. Part-time lecturer and Director of Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra, Evan Bennett, a national award winner for his compositions, will conduct the orchestra. “The orchestra draws talented students, faculty and staff from multiple disciplines at Northeastern, including marketing, biology, criminal justice and nursing. Many of our members have been playing an instrument since they were young, and are continuing their passion for music in NUSO,” said Arthur Rishi, concert coordinator. “They are an extremely talented and dedicated performers, and their love of music truly shines in their performances.” Sponsored by the Music Department. Fenway Center, 77 St. Stephen St; 8 p.m.; Free; www.nuweb9.neu.edu/orchestra.
While being president is a big deal, few could boast that movies are made about their lives almost 150 years after their death. Abraham Lincoln is one of these presidents, still remembered and beloved today. The new film “Lincoln” is a biopic war drama about President Lincoln and his fight to end both slavery and the Civil War, not through good politics, but through bribery and deceit.
The City of Boston “seduced” internationally renowned photographer Mario Testino, the artist told the Boston Globe. And on Oct. 21, he came back to seduce the local crowd with his first exhibits in the United States at the Museum of Fine Arts, with “Mario Testino: In Your Face” in the Ann and Graham Gund Gallery, and “British Royal Portraits” in the Herb Ritts Gallery. The exhibits uncover the special bond between Testino and his subjects and art.
On the surface, it seems like our Thanksgiving celebration is the epitome of our tradition-light holiday style. Thanksgiving is practically synonymous with family; it’s a day to be around those who you value and love. Some people who aren’t close with their extended families spend the holiday together, even if that means more bickering and politically incorrect comments than anyone should have to endure. My family is an exception to that rule.
Saturday, Nov. 17
If you like to collect rare and vintage books that are nowhere to be found in modern book stores and malls, the 36th Annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is a must-see. The fair will mostly exhibit antiquarian books, which are highly valued as ‘unique’ physical objects. The value may come from the edition, the quality of the printing, binding or illustrations. Some of the featured items in the fair include an autographed letter signed, “John Hancock” from Oct. 5, 1780, and “Cunning Cookery” from 1938 by Geoffrey M. Boumphrey. Throughout the day, there will also be events and programs featuring guest speakers discussing rare books, the American antiquarian society’s first two centuries and also the process and pleasure of collecting in areas of antique clocks and restoration. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St. Boston; 12 p.m.; $8; www.bostonbookfair.com
Lan Kim, a 25-year-old sophomore graphic design major, has made most large decisions in his life based on whims. Acting on an impulse drove him to attend Northeastern, to take up photography, and, in what may be the most significant decision made thus far in his life, to join the Army.
Giving local student musicians the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and show off their most recent work, the Boston Students Art Network (BSAN) will host its first Student Showcase on Sunday, Nov. 11. Students from Boston area schools will come together to demonstrate their talents and hard work to the community.
In 12 days, I will turn 21. And while I’m not anywhere near 40, it still sits there on the horizon awaiting me. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m scared to turn 21. It means I’m that much closer to having to be a grown up.
FEATURE:
Thursday, Nov. 8
Ranked as one of the best poets of his generation, Ted Hughes is known for his poems and children’s books. His play, “Tales from Ovid” is being presented onstage by Boston’s Whistler in the Dark company. “Tales from Ovid” stems from myths that have been the basis for contemporary stories. It is made up of 24 passages from “Metamorphosis.” This play tells the story of transformation and passion, of gods and mortals in combat until that “entanglement combusts in a new state of being.” The myths will be explored outward in this adaptation. Whistler in the Dark is a company that usually goes into dramatic texts to encourage young people to go to theatre. This is one not to miss. The Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington St. Boston; 7 p.m.; $25 - $49; www.artsemerson.org.
In honor of the election year, the Boston Public Library is featuring political maps as part of its “America Votes: Mapping the Political Landscape” exhibit, which began in late March and will run through Nov. 10.
