Performing June 30th – September 7th
Are you visiting Provincetown this week or later this summer? Do yourself a favor and go see a show while you are there. The town is full of incredible talent, like these guys – WELL STRUNG – who are back for their 2nd season in Ptown.
This guy with excellent taste in baseball teams, was a Furry Friday post in May, and I thought he’d make for an excellent Bear Week bonus post.
The following review was written by Michael C.
Friend and contributor to BosGuy blog, Michael C., recently reviewed SAMURAI! ARMOR FROM THE ANN & GABRIEL BARBIER-MUELLER COLLECTION now on view at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts through August 4, 2013.
OK, so I’ll admit it – the MFA’s Samurai! exhibit (April 14 – August 4, 2013) was not at the top of my to-do list for this summer’s Boston (vs. P-Town) weekends. Warfare-themed shows or anything that’s inspired Tarantino-league “visionaries” really isn’t my cup of tea.
But at the urging of my highly-evolved designer friend Marty (I think “amazeballs” was the word he used to describe his experience), I decided to give it a shot. And with that, off to the MFA I went, and man was I surprised! The creativity, craftsmanship and art that goes into creating that armor – indeed that whole look – will blow your mind away. Picture this: armor made of sumptuously luxurious fabrics and leather, interwoven with iron. Brocade-lined and fur-trimmed overcoats. There’s lacquer and gold ornamentation that signifies the warrior’s clan and overlord. Add to that intricate, tasseled silk knots, helmets and masks so seriously embellished that they belong more on a catwalk than in a battle scene. Yes, I dare say I was intrigued too.
The show makes the viewer wonder whether these works of art were really designed and crafted to be worn in battle. It’s like debating whether to wear couture to tea dance 🙂 And that’s when I realized how off I had been in my uninformed preconception of the whole Samurai culture. For example, I did not know that, though initially elite warriors, the Samurai came to represent one of the most influential forces in the evolution of modern Japan as we know (or not know) it. Their function as ultimate fighters, often glorified and romanticized in comics and cult movies, gradually became obsolete but their personal qualities as respected men of integrity, loyalty and unparalleled wisdom, have endured, thus affording them their gleaming aura of the “perfect” citizen.
And in turn, Samurai! is a perfect activity for a rainy Saturday in Boston (a.k.a. every other Saturday this summer). Whether you’re into the Japanese culture and art or simply into art or anything educational, this show will satisfy all your tastes. Hey, it’ll even please your junk food-munching, football-watching brother-in-law and your 10-year old nephew, so you may as well make it a family outing. It’s all so manly!
About the author: A former banker, Michael C offsets the sobriety of his professional life with his passion for design, music, the arts and anything beautiful.
© Michael Constantinides 2012 – all rights reserved
I have zero interest in football, but this guy is making me reconsider and think perhaps I should start to pay more attention to those pick up games that happen in the park across the street from where I live.
Gym memberships can be costly, but during the summer months Boston has so many free classes throughout the city you needn’t spend any money to get into shape. Yoga, Zumba, Crossfit, Boot Camp, Pilates and Running Clubs all offer affordable ways to get / stay in shape and meet people.
Free classes are also being hosted around the city including along The Greenway, City Hall Plaza and in East Boston. For additional details about free, outdoor fitness classes (most run through the end of August) link to BostonMovesForHealth.org calendar.
David Bullock or @AlaskasVeryOwn (on Twittah) sent out a Tweet today that really placed a lump in my throat. Earlier in the day I had posted this video created by Howard University alumni and students, because I thought it went a long way to challenging people’s perceptions, but my corresponding Facebook post resulted in people arguing about the verdict rather than coming together.
Bravo to David for imaging a world I think we’d all like to live in. I’m thoroughly disheartened by the Trayvon Martin verdict and the racially charged dialog that has ensued. I don’t like how violent our society is, I can’t understand why we have “stand your ground” laws, and I’m frustrated that many feel a young guy dressed in a hoodie is perceived as suspicious.
But mostly I can’t help but admire David Bullock’s Tweet and agree 100%.
Heads up to all in Provincetown this week. Check out this week’s special Fur & Gold party at the Grotta Bar from 11 pm to 1 am tomorrow, Thursday, July 18th.
Starting this Thursday and running through Sunday, July 21st is Boston’s Fork Lift Food Fest; hosted in conjunction with Boston’s music festival, Outside the Box.
Boston’s Fork Lift Food Fest – July 18 – 21
The Fork Lift Food Fest features local restaurants and celebrity chefs in City Hall Plaza. In addition to a lot of great food, check out the Wine & Beer Pavilion (for those 21 and over).
More information is here.
The Welcoming Committee (TWC) has organized a 3-day, 2-night take over of The Forks Outdoor Fun Resort at the Kennebec River in Maine. This latest adventure includes white water rafting, beer, bonfires, live music, lawn games and karaoke.
TWC Rafting Weekend August 23rd to August 25th
Curious and want to learn more? You may check out the full itinerary and purchase tickets here.
Spread the word – feel free to share.
This weekend a few thousand gay men and women will head to Asbury Park on the New Jersey shore for Sand Blast Weekend. Will you be visiting Asbury Park and participating in any of the parties scheduled for Sand Blast Weekend? Have you attended this event previously? You can get a taste of what to expect from this year’s promo video… looks like fun.
Two weeks ago Provincetown was overrun with guys who self identified as a Twink, Boi, etc… Now Bear Week in Ptown brings a whole new group of guys. Not up on your gay slang? Never fear, that is why I describe my blog as “educational”.
Cub – a younger (or younger-looking) version of a Bear, typically, but not always, with a smaller frame.
Otter – A slimmer or less hairy Bear regardless of age.
Muscle bear – A Bear whose size derives from muscle rather than body fat.
Panda – A Bear of Asian heritage.
Polar bear – An older Bear whose facial and body hair is predominantly or entirely white or grey.
In the wake of the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman regarding Trayvon Martin, students from Howard University have created this very poignant video worth watching. Please share.
Pepe’s Wharf is located in the East End of Provincetown just off of Commercial Street. The restaurant has been around for four decades and consistently serves good food with a beautiful view of MacMillan Wharf and Provincetown harbor.
I like Pepe’s for three reasons: the view, the food is consistent and our friend Miro (shown above) works as a host at Pepe’s this summer so its a good excuse to say hello.
Pepe’s menu is divided into soups, salads and appetizers that range in price from $8 to $24 — most of the more expensive options are if you add lobster. The remainder of the menu is divided between burgers and sandwiches that range $10 to $21 and main plates that range from $17 to $32.
My advice when dining at Pepe’s is to stick to the burgers and sandwiches. The food is filling and satisfying – but it is the view that I appreciate most. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended and if you stop by, be sure to tell Miro that I say hello.
Posted in Provincetown, Restaurant Review
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Provincetown, Restaurant Review
Wednesday, July 17th from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm local do-gooders also known as the Gay for Good Boston Chapter heads to the Greater Boston Food Bank at 70 South Bay Avenue in Boston.
G4G needs volunteers for the Greater Boston Food Bank.
If you have not made plans for tomorrow, won’t you consider joining friends and neighbors who will also be volunteering for a few hours in a comfy climate controlled room?
If you have any questions about the group or the volunteering program feel free to reach out to me or you can read more about it on the Facebook event page here.
BosGuy 