06.16.2023

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Today’s Forecast

37º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 4:28 p.m.

Don your best disco outfit

10 groovy years of celebrating Donna Summer at this local disco party

Crowds singing and dancing in front of stage at Donna Summer disco party

The disco event moved from Copley Square to City Hall Plaza this year. | Photo by Isabel Leon via Flickr

Save “The Last Dance” for us, Boston? It’s time to boogie the night away during the Donna Summer Disco Party. The groovy tradition is heading to City Hall Plaza tonight from 5 to 9 p.m.

Details about Donna

Curious why our city holds a Donna Summer-themed event each year? The “Queen of Disco” is a Boston native. She was born in Dorchester and grew up on Parker Hill Avenue in Mission Hill, which has been officially renamed Donna Summer Avenue.

Born LaDonna Gaines, the five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter found her voice by singing at the Grant AME Church in the South End with her family.

After she died from cancer at the age 62 in 2012, our city began honoring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician’s legacy + Boston roots every summer. The annual tribute is hosted by Mayor Wu and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.

Two women cheering in colorful outfits at Copley Square Donna Summer disco party — Pro tip: Wear your brightest colors + clothes you can move in.
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Photo by Isabel Leon via Flickr

Know before you go

In addition to plenty of classic hits from Donna Summer, like “Hot Stuff” and “She Works Hard For the Money,” there will be a roller rink with first come, first served skate rentals, a disco ball, and glow sticks. Read: Boston is fully embracing the 70s disco era.

Plus, we can expect a tribute from Donna Summer’s sister and backing vocalist Mary Gaines Bernard + a performance of “Angel” featuring Donna Summer by O’Mega Red.

The family-friendly party is free and open to all — we recommend registering in advance.

Need a refresher on her songs? Click the link below to prepare for the event with a Donna Summer playlist.

Start the disco party early

Events

Friday, June 16

Dorchester Coffee Hours | Friday, June 16 | 10-11 a.m. | 107-109 Savin Hill Ave., Dorchester | Free | Meet neighborhood liaison Ross Cochran over a cuppa coffee.
The Cookout | Friday, June 16 | 6-10 p.m. | PRX Podcast Garage, 267 Western Ave., Boston | Free | Visit the Allston podcast garage for a 21+ storytelling event in collaboration with Zone 3 + Aeronaut Brewing.
Music on the Lawn | Friday, June 16 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Boston Synagogue, 55 Martha Rd., Boston | Free | Listen to live Klemzer music on the lawn, then enjoy food + drinks on the patio.

Saturday, June 17

“The Woman King” | Saturday, June 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Wenham Street Cinema, 23 Wenham St., Boston | Free | Honor Juneteenth with a screening of the 2022 film at Jamaica Plain’s community movie theater.
Wes Anderson Brunch | Saturday, June 17 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rosebud, 381 Summer St., Somerville | Price of purchase | Share your brunch in a Wes Anderson-themed post for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Rosebud — reservations through Resy are recommended.
“Golden Girls” Bingo | Saturday, June 17 | 7-9 p.m. | Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St., Boston | $10 | Watch a few episodes of the sitcom while playing a game of bingo — each ticket includes a $5 voucher for the cafe.

Sunday, June 18

Father’s Day/Pride Sail | Sunday, June 18 | 1 p.m. | Moakley Courthouse Docks, 2 Northern Ave., Boston | $45-$55 | Celebrate Dad and Pride aboard the Denis Sullivan schooner on this two-hour sail around Boston Harbor.
Juneteenth at Nightingale | Sunday, June 18 | Nightingale Community Garden, 512 Park St., Boston | Free | Head to the Dorchester community garden for music, spoken word poetry, and snacks at this Juneteenth commemoration.
Victory Point Father’s Day Brunch Buffet | Sunday, June 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Victory Point, 332 Victory Rd., Quincy | $39 | Spend Father’s Day drinking in waterfront views + enjoying a brunch buffet at the Quincy marina.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

Local chef Jody Adams is opening an Italian restaurant at the upcoming Raffles hotel and residential property in Back Bay. La Padrona, set to open in December, will serve a range of Italian cuisines with ingredients from both Italy and New England. (Boston Magazine)

Number

~$80 million. That’s how much money is earmarked for repairing City Hall. The city’s capital plan has designated funds for upgrades like replacing the Brutalist building’s original hot water pipes + installing energy-efficient LEDs. (WBUR)

Concert

It’s opening day for the new Suffolk Downs seasonal concert venue in East Boston. Tickets are still available for today’s Re:SET show with headliner Steve Lacy + tomorrow’s performances with headliner LCD Soundsystem.

Plan Ahead

Speaking of concerts — Summer Concerts in the Courtyard are returning to the MFA on Thursday evenings from July 20-Aug. 24. Tickets cost $24 for members + $30 for non-members and will go on sale Tuesday, June 20.

Arts

Want to help beautify the city? Local artists can apply for this year’s PaintBox program. Applications are open now through Friday, July 7 for the chance to paint utility boxes in Boston neighborhoods. Check out five of last year’s creations for inspiration.

Ranked

No. 3. That’s where Massachusetts ranked on a report of the most expensive states for renting a home. The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s annual “Out of Reach” report shared that a household income of $86,000+ a year is needed to afford a two-bedroom Bay State apartment.

Wellness

Looking to boost focus? Try NativePath’s Antarctic Krill Oil — a powerful blend of Omega-3s and antioxidants that can support energy levels and overall wellness. Learn more.*

Coming Soon

☕ Coffee with a side of sitcom memories

☕ Central Perk-inspired coffee shop is opening in Boston

Cars driving down Newbury Street in Boston

Could we BE any more excited to try this Back Bay coffee shop? | Photo by @bostonsbrownie

This news is sure to perk up any “Friends” fans out there. A real-life coffee shop inspired by the sitcom’s Central Perk hangout is coming to Boston. Take that, New York City.

The first permanent location of the “Friends"-themed cafe will open its doors on Newbury Street later this year, according to People.

Thanks to a collaboration between Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and CenPer Holdings, the fully functional coffeehouse will serve java inspired by the show. Think: The “How you Doin?” medium roast blend + “We Were on a Coffee Break” dark roast blend.

This isn’t the first time our city has welcomed a “Friends” establishment. Anyone else remember the pop-up experience in Fenway a few years ago?

While we wait for more details about the coffee shop and gossip spot, brush up on some of the sitcom’s most memorable Central Perk moments.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Sara

From the editor

While we’re talking coffee — anyone up for a caffeine-fueled road trip? I’m planning to tackle the Marylou’s challenge to visit all 42 locations before the end of August (and hopefully win that $500 gift card).

If you’ve never tried the regional coffee chain before, take a trip to your nearest location and order a “Girl Scout Cookie” with whipped cream. Before you ask — yes, it’s closer to a dessert than coffee. Nothing wrong with that.

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