Category Archives: Boston

GLAAD Boston Pride reception at Emerald Lounge

The Boston chapter of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) hosted a cocktail party at the new Revere Hotel’s swanky Emerald Lounge on Friday, June 8th.  The sold out event was a great way to start the weekend.

The event was mostly attended by gregarious 20 and 30 something gay men who were looking forward to mingle and enjoy the Ketel One Vodka drinks being liberally poured by a hard working and attentive Emerald Lounge Staff.  I created a quick 2 minute video compilation of photos from the cocktail reception.

Happy Birthday: MBTA Orange Line turns 111

MBTAThe MBTA Orange Line (one of Boston’s Metro Lines) turns 111 years old today.  Back when this line started passengers paid $.05.  Apparently demand for the service was underestimated and the line was plagued with overcrowding and delays. Hmm… here we are 111 years later and it seems like those problems persist.

Regardless, of the ills that can sometimes plague this often maligned subway line, I have to say Boston just wouldn’t be the same without it. The Boston Globe has a collection of photographs chronicling the history of the Orange Line which you can peruse here.

Boston block party tomorrow 1:30 – 7:00pm

Boston Gay PrideEach year, following Boston’s Pride Parade, which can only be described as “boring”, the unofficial block party on Chandler Street starts.  One might assume the reason this block party is so awesome has everything to do with the fact that the Boston Pride Committee has nothing to do with it, but whatever the reason if you are in Boston for Pride Weekend check out this party.  This is the best part of Pride week in Boston.

A $15 donation is requested with all proceeds going to The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. The fun starts at 1:30 and concludes at 7:00pm, providing sufficient time for all to go home, sober up and take a quick disco nap.

Chris Tobie’s: Posh Pride Patio Party

Boston PrideWill I see you at Chris Tobie’s annual Pride party on Friday?  More information about this event is here.

Celebrate Boston Pride with GLAAD on Friday

This Friday for the third year in a row the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) volunteer leadership council in Boston will host what looks to be a very cool party to celebrate Pride in Boston.The Revere HotelLooking for something fun to do?  Check out this party at the swank, new Emerald Lounge in The Revere Hotel on Stuart Street in the Theater District.  Admission is $25 and includes complimentary Kettle One cocktails as well as an entry for raffle prizes.   Be sure to register and reserve your space before the event sells out.

Event Details

Boston GLAAD Pride Party – Friday, June 8 6PM – 9PM

The Revere Hotel 200 Stuart Street (Theater District)

Tickets $25 – Purchase online Here

Boston needs to increase the number of liquor licenses

Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times

Later today, Boston’s City Council will consider a request from Councilor Pressley to host a hearing on ways to convince the Massachusetts State Legislature to increase the number of Boston liquor licenses.

Pressley (and I too) believe Boston’s antiquated approach to doling out liquor licenses needs to stop.  The system has put a strangle hold on new businesses wanting to open.  Recently I wrote about how restaurant owner, Brian Piccini proposed buying Columbus Cafe’s liquor license for nearly $300k so he could open his new South End steak house, Boston Chops.   Is it any wonder Boston lacks affordable dining options?

Do you agree? Contact your Representative in the MA State Legislature.

You can read the full article on Universal Hub here.

30th Annual Scooper Bowl: June 5-7

If you are an ice cream lover and you live in the Boston area, this event is a must attend.  You can get more information about Boston’s Scooper Bowl by visiting www.scooperbowl.org.

AIDS Walk Boston today

AIDS Action CommitteeI’m not able to participate in Boston’s AIDS Walk this year but my thoughts are with the organizers from The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. If you are not participating in this year’s walk which started earlier this morning won’t you consider making a donation to this worthwhile charity?

AIDS Action of Massachusetts

Boston’s summer slumber

At the start of each June, the city of Boston heaves a sigh of relief as the student population leaves for the summer; I’ve read reports that suggest this is approximately 20% of Boston’s population.

Their departure is immediately obvious to anyone who lives in Boston. The student population and the academic institutions that instruct these men and women are part of Boston’s DNA, and as they leave, Boston goes into what I can only compare to as a slumber.

I don’t mean to imply if you come to Boston this summer it will be a ghost town, but the city does become a shell of its former self. However, before we know it, the fall semester will be in full swing and literally tens of thousands of students will be here for their September 1st apartment rental.  So if you happen to live in Boston and read my blog, I wanted to wish you a happy and restful student-free summer.


Hey Pops! Would you still love me if I were gay?

Gay BullyingThis has been plastered on a building wall next to an elementary school in my neighborhood.  It is a pretty powerful message and I’m sure that is why the “post card” was so prominently posted by this school.

I assume this is an attempt to raise awareness, hopefully remind us all about bullying in schools and the need for parents to talk to their children.  I’m wondering if this is a one-off or part of a campaign that is going on in other places.

Jennifer Hudson to perform with Boston Pops on July 4th

Boston’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the largest in the United States and this tradition which started back in 1973 is now televised around the country, but if you live in Boston you can go down to the Esplanade park and watch this free concert with your friends.

Hudson will belt out some of her biggest hits backed by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops orchestra.  In short, it’ll be “wicked awesome”. Don’t live in Boston? Her performance will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

Want to learn more, visit the event’s website www.july4th.org.

Check out these Boston theater performances

SpeakEasy Stage, Lyric Stage, Huntington TheaterHere are a few worthwhile theater performances from some of Boston’s local theater companies. Support your community’s local theater scene and plan an evening with friends to see a show.  Select the links below to learn more about each performance and to purchase tickets.

Support Boston’s Local Theater Companies

Xanadu – SpeakEasy Stage Co. – This  fun performance elevates “camp” and will leave you humming familiar Olivia Newton John songs from the early 80s all the while laughing heartily with friends.  In my opinion its the surprise show of the summer, which I give “two glow sticks up.”  See the show and you’ll understand my reference. Xanadu closes on June 9th.

Private Lives – Huntington Theater Co – Can you imagine bumping into your former spouse while away on your second honeymoon? Neither can I but that’s the premise of this hilarious production which will run through June 24th

Avenue Q – Lyric Stage Co. of Boston – Have you never seen this popular Broadway musical, best described as Seasame Street for adults?  This show has fantastically funny songs like The Internet is for Porn, and will leave you laughing out loud. Due to demand, this show has been extended and will run through July 1st.

Red Sox fans are sexy

Boston ranked one of the best cities for brunch

Does your weekend revolve around brunch?

Sometimes it can feel that way here in Boston, and thanks to a recent Food & Wine survey, I now understand it is probably due to Boston ranking as one of the best cities to have brunch.

Although I question the methodology of their ranking (how else can one explain San Francisco ranking 12th best; I disagree), Sunday brunch in Boston is a weekly ritual for tens of thousands.  If this post has reminded you to make reservations for the holiday weekend, you can check out this article for some quirky brunch suggestions in Boston.

Not from Boston? Check out  how Food & Wine ranks your city, here.

Boston ranked 4th most bikeable city in US

bicycle in BostonBoston has long been known as a very walkable city. Its small, mostly flat and many people walk to work each day here. However, Boston’s reputation for aggressive drivers, cramped roads, lack of access to bikes as well as bike lanes probably never made you think of the city as a bike-friendly place, but that has changed.

The city’s community bike system, the Hubway, which started last year, has exceeded expectations.  Many of the city’s rotaries are gone and bike lanes have popped up nearly everywhere you look.

WalkScore recently ranked Boston as the 4th most bikeable city in the US.  According to the site, scoring is based on bike infrastructure (lanes and trails), hills, destinations and road connectivity, and the number of bike commuters.  You can read more about this and compare Boston to other cities around the US by linking to the WalkScore website.