Carrie Nation now open, with full dinner menu coming Tuesday

June 13th, 2013

It’s time to get in an early twentieth century state of mind: Restaurant and bar Carrie Nation Cocktail Club is now open in Beacon Hill for drinks, and will start serving its full dinner menu at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4. Carrie Nation Cocktail Club

The eatery joins the speakeasy-style theme currently trendy in the Boston area. Unlike many of those bars that open in the evening, Carrie Nation will be open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner — all starting on Thursday, June 6.

The namesake of the new Beacon Street bar comes from Carrie Nation, who was a radical member of the temperance movement years before Prohibition became law in 1920. Her signature move was using a hatchet to attack taverns and other places that served alcohol.

The menu offers entrees like rabbit pie, a peanut butter and chicken wrap, cheese burger croissant, and Moroccan lamb tangine, all concocted by chef Karen Murphy.

The bar will be stocked with whiskeys, scotch, and other ingredients to make drinks that are reminiscent of those popular back in the day. While the first floor will feature the main bar, the second floor is called the “Speakeasy” room and will have two billiard tables and two full bars.

Highlights from the drink menu include an Ultima Palabra ($14), made with Mezcal Vida, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino and lime, and a Rascal King (also $14), containing Captain Morgan, Deville Brandy, Peach Schnapps, and lemon, both 14 dollars each. Note: the least expensive drink on the menu is $12.

Carrie Nation comes from the East Coast Tavern Group, which also run Scholars, Emmet’s Irish Pub, Crossroads, and 6B Lounge.

Carrie Nation opened for drinks on Friday, May 31. It is located at 11 Beacon St., Boston.

By Swati Gauri Sharma Re-posted from Boston.com

Bruins’ playoff run a boost for local businesses

June 6th, 2013

(NECN: Josh Brogadir, Boston) – These can be lean times for the businesses on and around Causeway St.

But they’ve got tonight and Friday, and there could be more, thanks to the hottest hockey team going.

June around the Garden is a crap shoot.

Revenue is anything but a guarantee because businesses never know if the Celtics or Bruins are going to make a deep playoff run. But this year, there are thousands of black and gold answers to that question.

“Obviously we have a very big base of loyal season ticket holders that are here before every game. They’re still here, and we’ve got fans that are coming in for the first time, or they just bought tickets. Then we’re still getting people who come in to watch the game,” said Jimmy Ferola, general manager of The Greatest Bar on Friend Street.

He says the place fills in before the game, those fans then go to their seats inside the Garden, then halfway through the first period, a second wave arrives.

The weather helps too.

But bars and restaurants aren’t the only ones cleaning up this postseason.

The pro shop inside the Garden is packed with customers hours before the drop of the puck in game 3, showing off some anti-Penguins gear.

All the Bruins merchandise is moving. The Celtics gear… waiting until next season.

Replica jerseys sell for $195, an authentic hockey sweater goes for $300.

Janet Hilber, of Rochester, N.H. will have some new gear on for her first Bruins game ever.

“Bergeron, Lucic, and Krejci,” she said, holding up her new jerseys. “I can’t wait to see the game.”

Re-posted from NECN.com

Some people have settled bar bills from Marathon day

May 29th, 2013

BOSTON, May 28 (UPI) — The owner of a bar near the Boston Marathon finish line says people who had unpaid bills after the bombing have called him to settle up.

Tony Castagnozzi said he lost about $3,000 when police evacuated the Rattlesnake Bar after the April 15 bombing, the Boston Herald reported. He said about Boston Strong$1,200 has since been paid, starting with a man who called from Denver to arrange payment of $91.

“They all said, ‘Listen, we were there, having a good time, and we want to pay our tab,’” Castagnozzi said. “I was speechless. … You see there are so many good people out there. It makes you feel good.”

Castagnozzi said most of those who have paid up have also added generous tips for the waitresses.

The bombing on April 15 killed three people and injured many more.

While some other owners of bars and restaurants in the area say they have not had the same good experience, the operators of the Charlesmark Hotel said they have also had customers call to settle.

Mark Hagopian, one of the operators, said the FBI seized all the credit cards left at the hotel — and called the issuers to cancel them.

Aldo Velaj, who owns Vlora, a restaurant in the neighborhood, said he has not gotten payments from April 15. But he said the restaurant has done well from people coming to the bombing site to show support for Boston and for local businesses.

Re-posted from UPI.com

Music: Boston Calling Festival set for Memorial Day weekend

May 23rd, 2013

Boston —Boston’s City Hall Plaza has hosted almost every kind of event, from circuses to concerts, from protests to parades. But Boston Calling, being held on The NationalSaturday and Sunday, May 25 & 26, is shaping up to be the biggest ticketed concert downtown’s ever seen.

According to Boston Calling co-founder Brian Appel, the 18-act, two-day festival should bring approximately 20,000 people into downtown Boston. In terms of the lineup, the cast Appel and co-producer Mike Snow have assembled spans the vast offerings of the current indie music scene.

Headliners and popular favorites like fun., The National, and The Shins will be joined by up- and-coming acts like MS MR, St. Lucia, Of Monsters and Men, Youth Lagoon, Bad Rabbits and Young the Giant. Flushing the festival out are indie acts who have already made a name for themselves, through relentless touring and/ or album releases: The Walkmen, Ra Ra Riot, Caspian, Dirty Projectors, Matt and Kim and Andrew Bird.

You can check out a custom made Spotify playlist highlighting a few of our favorite songs from each of the featured Boston Calling bands right here.

Boston Calling has been an 18-month project, started by Appel and Snow after they left their previous jobs at WFNX and the Boston Phoenix. The festival sold out of general admission tickets two weeks ago, a huge relief for organizers and a good sign, according to Appel.

“We forecasted that we’d probably sell out but when it happened it was reassuring, that we’d been correct and our idea had worked. I’m thrilled and it’s a relief as well,” he said. “We’ve got a few VIP packages left through the website and the box office.”

Construction started early this week, as crews are currently swarming City Hall Plaza, setting up the two main stages, a spacious beer garden, and a food pavilion with room for food trucks.

“At our former jobs, for the Phoenix and WFNX, we’ve actually helped put on free shows at City Hall before,” Appel said. “But we saw an opportunity here to do a ticket event. The big hurdle was just working through logistics. When we left we thought we’d try it.”

Properly planning the festival took months of working with the city, sorting through the lease, and securing funding, said Appel. He said the bands were booked in two phases. First, he said, organizers reached out to the National’s Aaron Dessner, who wanted to help curate the festival.

In October of last year, Appel met with Dessner in New York.

“We talked about our plans and he wanted to be involved,” Appel said. “He said he was a big fan of Boston and was just amazed with the fan base here and how many tickets they sell each time they visit. Boston has a vibrant music scene and we were happy to have him on board curating.”

But Appel said many bands were reluctant to sign on to a first-time festival.

“We heard ‘let’s wait and see’ because they’re waiting to see what you can do your first year before getting invested,” he said. “Having The National as the first band, willing to come on board at the start, helped with our credibility and our reach as far as bands.”

A second partnership with Bowery Presents helped solidify the lineup. Bowery Presents books lineups for Sinclair, Great Scott and Royale.

“The people from the Bowery came through and helped finalize everything, getting the contracts in place as well,” he said.

Appel said he’s proud to have put together such a diverse and popular lineup.

“I’m a huge fan of Portugal. The Man and I’m thrilled that the Shins jumped on,” he said. “We’ve seen a surprisingly huge social media reaction with fans of Marina and the Diamonds too. If you look down the lineup, it’s an eclectic group. Young the Giant haven’t been in Boston in over a year and it’s just a great collection of bands.”

Appel said he has a simple message for attendees over Memorial Day weekend, be patient.

“This is our first time doing this and we’re trying to make it as fan-centric as possible,” he said. “You’ll be able to leave the festival to explore the city, go to bars and restaurants but there will be appropriate security so there may be lines to get in.”

“Just be patient please. All of the bands are coming and it’s looking like the weather will be nice. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend in Boston,” he added. “Also, kids under 10 are free so please bring them.”

By Dana Forsyth- Re-posted from WickedLocal.com

Last Best Show: Any Wednesday at the Lizard Lounge

May 13th, 2013

We don’t have road houses around here. We have the Lizard Lounge.

But transplant any of the four guitarists at last night’s Lizard show to any honky tonk outside Nashville (or Austin or Biloxi) and they’d crush the competition. No disrespect to the fine Southern swamp rock bands, but our guys are better.

Go next Wednesday and tell me I’m wrong. Or just take a look at the players’ pedigrees.

As a relative newbie to the Lizard scene and the dedicated Cambridge cats, I had trouble connected the dots during last night’s sets by Laurie Sargent and Dennis Brennan. I know I’ve missed a dozen, but here are the acts Sargent, Brennan and Denns Brennantheir band members have played with: Bob Dylan, the J. Geils Band, Peter Wolf, Buffalo Tom, Bill Janovitz, Warren Zanes, Face to Face, Morphine, Treat Her Right, Twinemen, Session Americana, Club d’Elf and Lori McKenna.

Opening the night Sargent and friends debuted a few songs from upcoming solo album “Little Dipper and the Shooting Star.” Sargent joked they were just rehearsing in front of us, but the looseness of the set is what made it so choice.

Behind her, Stu Kimball (10 years and counting on the road with Dylan) and David Champagne (Treat Her Right) traded wicked licks for an hour. The band hit the peak with new one “Maids at the Mountain View” — a bluegrass-meets-Zeppelin epic straight out of Montana’s misty mountains.

Up top was Dennis Brennan and band. An absurdly great frontman, Brennan combines the swagger of Peter Wolf and the hair of Tom Waits (don’t ever, ever underestimate Waits’ hair!). The singer’s best moment came when he invited Sargent on to the rug to help him out on gem “Brokenhearted I Will Wonder” — a Saturday night boozer and Sunday spiritual in one.

An ace songwriter, Brennan has the smarts to know when to keep a tune tight and when to get out of the way and let his band wail. If you’re a fan of great guitar tag teams — Keef & Ronnie, Duane & Dickey — you’d be crushed by Duke Levine (Wolf’s go to guy) and Kevin Barry (session ace and Berklee prof). I got deliciously lost in their back and forth on “Youngstown.”

You know you don’t have plans for Wednesday. Or the Wednesday after that. Go to the Lizard, it’s closer than Nashville and cheaper than the Stones.

Bonus points: Nobody rides the ride like Billy Beard.

 

By Jed Gottlieb, Re-posted from BostonHerald.com

Local Celebrities and The Hanover Theatre to Stage Variety Benefit Show for The One Fund Boston on May 24

May 9th, 2013

Local celebrity mind reader Eric Dittelman along with other Massachusetts finalists and contestants will come together for Worcester Cares- Boston Strong: a Variety Show for the One Fund Boston on May 24 at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester. All proceeds will benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Worcester, MA (PRWEB) May 07, 2013

Local celebrity mind reader Eric Dittelman will join with other Massachusetts finalists and contestants from “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice” and other popular television talent competitions to present Worcester Cares- Boston Strong: a Variety Show for the One Fund Boston on May 24 at 8pm at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts to help raise funds for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Dittelman was a semi-finalist on Season 7 of “America’s Got Talent” and is from the Worcester area. He combines mind reading with stand-up and improv comedy and has appeared in “Entertainment Weekly,” “Rolling Stone” and even the “National Enquirer.” He most recently was seen on “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

Alternative pop-rock singer-songwriter and Worcester native, Sam James from “The Voice,” also joins Dittelman. Sam James appeared on Seasons 2 and 3 of the hit NBC singing competition where he was selected to be part of Adam Levine’s team. He since has had the chance to share his music with a wider audience reaching #11 on the iTunes Rock Chart and has recently opened for Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer.

The show will be emceed by comedian Stephen Donovan of the “Jen & Steve Morning Show” on WXLO 104.5 FM. They will be joined by other acts and special guests yet to be announced, from Worcester and its surrounding areas.

The performers and The Hanover Theatre have donated their services and talents so that all proceeds from the event will go toward The One Fund Boston (http://www.OneFundBoston.org), which was established by Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to raise money in order to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during the Boston Marathon.

Tickets to Worcester Cares- Boston Strong: a Variety Show for the One Fund Boston are $30-$40, and are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org, by phone at 877.571.SHOW (7469) or at The Hanover Theatre box office located at 2 Southbridge Street in downtown Worcester.

About The Hanover Theatre
The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, located in downtown Worcester, New England’s second largest city, is recognized by Pollstar as one of the top 50 theatres in the world. After undergoing many name changes and renovations over the decades since its 1926 birth, The Hanover Theatre reopened in March 2008 following a $32 million historic restoration. Since then, the theatre has established its place as a rich entertainment and cultural venue, winning numerous awards, including The National Trust for Historic Preservation Award in 2010. Now in its fifth season, The Hanover Theatre continues to expose over 170,000 annual patrons to world-class entertainment in the form of Broadway, concerts, comedians and much more. For more information, visit TheHanoverTheatre.org. Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Re-posted from PRWeb.com

Boston Marathon Relief Mixtape

April 29th, 2013

Head over to the AP bandcamp to donate & DL.

The events that unfolded on Monday left us at a loss for reaction. There was no way we could spin the situation to make sense of it, and we knew we weren’t alone. As we searched for ways to possibly help, turning to the Boston music scene was a no brainer.

We posted a call for song donations on our Facebook page, and within a matter of minutes, our inbox was flooded with messages from musicians looking to help in any way. It was at this point that things came to perspective. We weren’t surprised in the least, but were overwhelmed by how much people love the hell out of this city. As if we needed any reminder at all, this was yet another example of how lucky we are to live in the most supportive music community that we’ve ever known. So from Allston Pudding to everyone who is a part of this (and there are many)—Thank you for being terrific souls.

The following compilation features 130 tracks from 130 different bands and artists. Boston is represented heavily, but it doesn’t stop there. Support came from all over New England, as well as various States throughout the Nation, from North Carolina to Illinois, to California. Multiple genres appear throughout the playlist as well, making it a diverse and a curious mix for any kind of listener. To all who donated a track, but it did not make it on to the mix, our deepest apologies, but we wanted to release this in a timely fashion and had to cut off donations after a certain time!

For a donation of $1 or more, you will be able to download all 130 of these songs (or download any individual track you would like if you prefer). 100% of the donations collected from this compilation will go directly to The One Fund Boston, to benefit the victims of the Marathon tragedy. If you make a donation of $10 or more in the next week, you will be entered to win an Allston Pudding sweatshirt.

Reposted from AllstonPudding.com

After tragedy, Bostonians gather ‘where everybody knows your name’

April 18th, 2013

After Monday’s bombings near the Boston Marathon’s finish line, part of Boylston Street in the city’s Back Bay remained cordoned off from pedestrians and traffic. But outside the crime scene perimeter, while some restaurants saw cancellation after cancellation, other eateries and bars kept their doors opened Tuesday, providing hospitality and respite, and donating part of their profits to a local charity. Cheers

At Cafeteria on Newbury Street only a couple of blocks away from where the second explosion took place, patrons–many of whom were from out of town–stopped by for a bite to eat. “Business is as usual for us,” Demetri Tsolakis, director of operations at Cafeteria, told NBC News. In fact, Tuesday was even “a little busier.” He said that the restaurant sees “more and more tourists every year” and that these international visitors, often from Canada or Europe, were out “enjoying the day” rather than huddling indoors.

“People are still scared,” said Tsolakis. “But it has united people. You can tell that everyone is feeling for Boston.”

Cafeteria and more than 20 other restaurants donated a portion of Tuesday night’s proceeds to the Greg Hill Foundation to benefit victims of Monday’s unfortunate events. Elsehwere, strangers and a pizza shop fed Boston’s first responders and victims.

Manager Moulay Guessous works at Scoozi, also on Newbury Street, “right behind where the tragedy happened.” As a result, business slumped slightly, though “we were expecting even less, to tell you the truth,” he said. Of those who did dine in, Guessous said, “Everyone is trying to be here on a positive note and support businesses in the best way possible.”

He pointed out, though, that among the diverse clientele of tourists, college students, and locals, the mood had changed.

“There are emotional scars. People are sad for all the people who lost their lives,” he said. “But everyone in our staff has been very helpful. Some have already donated blood.” Guessous and his team are looking for other ways to help out. “We saw New York go through it and pull together. And I think we’ll do just as well in Boston and put our city back right where it belongs.”

At the neighborhood fixture Thornton’s Fenway Grill, Marty Thornton felt less upbeat. His crowd consists mainly of locals with close ties to the city and to the marathoners. When he kept his establishment open on Monday night after the tragedy, the place was busier than usual.

“We’re a neighborhood bar, and a lot of people needed somewhere to go,” said Thornton.

Besides drinks, the bar offered its electrical outlets to people who needed to charge their phones after a day of busily trying to call missing loved ones while the cellphone networks in the area were overwhelmed. It was also a place where customers could gather and console each other.

“A lot of people were still in shock,” said Marty. “No one wants to sit home when something like that happens.” As patrons called it a night, “They thanked me for being open,” he said. “They wanted to get together with their friends. It was a relief for people.”

On Tuesday, some establishments including Mexican eatery Boloco and Italian restaurant Vapiano even offered free food and drink to emergency responders.

At one of Boston’s most famous bars, Cheers, manager Dennis Pinto said the restaurant was more crowded than usual. He said, “The marathon is one of our busiest days of the year. We get all the ‘blue and yellow jackets,’” people wearing the official jackets of the 2013 Boston Marathon. “Partly because we’re so close to where it happened, and those restaurants are closed, people came here.”

By Grace Bello, NBC News Contributer- Reposted from NBCNews.com

 

If Running 26.2 Isn’t For You, Drink It Instead: A Guide to Bars Along the Marathon Route

April 12th, 2013

Boston Marathon Route

Another year, another Boston Marathon — and you’re not running in it. That’s for the better, I say. The Boston Marathon route is among the most difficult marathon routes in the world, challenging runners to 26.2 miles of grueling hills, aggressive winds and hordes of drunk college kids. You may not be in college anymore, but if you have Marathon Monday off, take the opportunity to enjoy a little imbibing yourself. We’ve created a do-it-yourself pub crawl along the last few miles of the Boston Marathon route for you to take full advantage of on Monday (and so you’re not driving while drinking the first 20 miles). Start early, end late, and remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy!

Mile 22:  Cleveland Circle

Take the C Line out to Cleveland Circle, and do it up like the college kids do. The first runners will be through here in the 10 a.m. hour, fresh off of Heartbreak Hill, so they’re going to need your enthusiasm. Snag a spot at CitySide’s roof deck and wish them well from your cozy seat high above the course, beer in hand.

Mile 23: Washington Square

Make two pit stops in Washington Square. Jimmy’s Bar and Oven has outdoor seating, stellar pizza and a stocked bar. Across Beacon Street, The Publick House offers a huge selection of craft beer, and killer mac and cheese for some last-minute carbo-loading.

Mile 24: Coolidge Corner

Then, head on down Beacon Street to Coolidge Corner. This is one of my favorite spots to watch the marathon – the runners are in the final stretch, and the energy is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Cheer them on, then go off the beaten path to Regal Beagle to sip the “Rosie’s Green Mile” cocktail, which features Toms Barrel Aged Gin, Green Chartreuse, Bittermans Hiver Amer and fresh lemon.

Mile 25: Kenmore Square

Runners eye the Citgo sign as the 25 mile marker; you eye it as the final stretch on your bar crawl. Stop in to The Hawthorne for some classy cocktails, or drop by their neighbors at Eastern Standard for patio dining with a view. Warning: after the Red Sox game ends, Eastern Standard gets pretty packed, so get in the right mindset for shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

Mile 26: Boylston Street

You can do it! The crowds are roaring as you round the corner on Boylston Street (just kidding, they’re cheering for the actual runners, but you can pretend it’s for you). Choose from one of several options on race day. Pour House and Whiskey’s are good bets, but I personally would opt for the margaritas at Cactus Club.

Mile 26.2: The Finish Line

Still kickin’? Round out your marathon day of drinking at Solas with cold, refreshing pints. Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for making it through.

Boston Marathon signsWhere will you be drinking on Marathon Monday?

By Lisa DeCanio, Re-posted  from BostonInno.com

Steven Wright to receive Johnny Carson Comedy Legend Award

April 9th, 2013

Comedian Steven Wright will receive the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award this summer in Norfolk at the 2013 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival.

When Steven Wright made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in August 1982, little did he know that he’d soon be invited back.

Very soon.

Carson enjoyed Wright’s offbeat comedy routine so much that he invited  him to appear again within a week — a rarity for “The Tonight Show.”

This summer, Wright will be making another return trip of sorts. He’ll be in Norfolk to accept the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award at the 2013 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival.

Eddie Brill, who is the festival’s artistic director and warm-up comic for David Letterman, went to Emerson College in Massachusetts with Wright. Brill said he’s excited to have Wright at the festival.

“Steven is one of the most prolific and brilliant minds in our industry . . . continuing to make people laugh all over the world,” Brill said. “His very first appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ with Johnny Carson was one of those moments in time where the world stopped and even Johnny had to take a breath to realize what he had just witnessed.”

Brill will interview his fellow comedian as part of the festival performance on Saturday, June 15, that also will feature headliner Drew Carey.

The festival’s Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award is one of only two awards in existence that bear the Carson name. Previous recipients have been Dick Cavett, Bill Dana, Ed Asner, Cloris Leachman and Jimmie “JJ” Walker.

“With Drew, Steven and the finals of our stand-up competition, that’s going to be quite a show,” said Lori Williams, executive director of the festival.

Wright has enjoyed a stellar career as a stand-up comedian, writer and actor.

His first stabs at comedy came after he graduated from college and became a regular performer at Ding Ho’s Comedy Club and Chinese Restaurant in Cambridge, Mass.

His subsequent back-to-back performances on “The Tonight Show” helped put his fledgling career into high gear. The comic soon found himself performing his routines on “Saturday Night Live” and “Late Night” with David Letterman.

Wright expanded his comedy career to include comedy albums, film and television appearances. His 1986 debut album, “I Have A Pony,” earned him a Grammy nomination. In 1985, he starred in his first HBO special. In 1989, he was honored with an Academy Award for Best Short Film for his film “The Appointments of Dennis Jennings” in which he starred and co-wrote.

Wright has been seen in numerous films including “Desperately Seeking Susan,” “So I Married An Axe Murderer” and “Natural Born Killers.” In 1999, he had a guest-starring role in “The Muse” starring Albert Brooks, Sharon Stone, Andie MacDowell and Jeff Bridges. In 2008, he was honored as the first inductee into the Boston Comedy Hall of Fame.

He recently was seen in a guest role on the FX comedy series “Louie.” Wright is a regular guest on “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno and “Late Night” with Conan O’Brien, along with making appearances on Jimmy Kimmel’s and Craig Ferguson’s late-night shows. He continues touring the U.S., Canada and overseas.

By Kent Wareneke , Re-posted from NorfolkDailyNews