On the Town: Re-discovering Boston

April 11, 2013

Become a member to meet other people interested in the arts, connect  with events, and more... Join us

Hey there friends, Kyle Thomas here! Remember ages ago when I promised that 2013 would be the year of special guest columnists for #OnTheTown? Well look at me, making good on that promise! Please allow me to introduce our first #OnTheTown special guest, Rachel Cossar. Rachel is our newest Opus Affair cohost and—quite possibly—the world's only food blogging ballet dancer (Yes, I know, it's not fair. At all.). Don't worry, uncomfortably Photoshopped images of me wrapping my legs around things will be back next week; but until then, give Rachel a big warm welcome to the Opus Affair blog!
–Kyle Thomas Hemingway


Boston has long been a leader in art and culture. With its wide range of theatrical troupes, thriving dance community and music resources, it is an ever-evolving hub of activity. Exploring the city through these avenues is always a sure bet towards experiencing something fantastic and with touring companies itching to get in on the town, there is something different and exciting every weekend. Amid all this excitement however, it is easy to overlook some of Boston’s truly local flair. A couple of quirky offerings go on all year round and if their longevity is anything to go by (which it is), then maybe this weekend, you check out one the following Bostonian institutions!

SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THANG

Get your disco on at The Donkey Show, a regular Saturday night occurrence at the ART’s second stage, Oberon in Harvard Square. This frenzy of color, music and dancing is a perfect way to kickstart your Saturday evening and it is so much more than a show. As an audience member, you are a part of the performance and as you dance, sign and live with the artists, you became an integral unit in this living organism. Every Saturday evening. Two shows: 7:30 and 10:30. Tickets begin at $25.

ALL PUNS INTENDED

On the other side of town in the North End lives another longstanding element of Boston’s performance culture, the Improv Asylum. Described as a cross between Whose Line is it Anyways and Saturday Night Live, this is another great option for a late night something different. Running since 1998, this comedy troupe holds various improvisation based performances every weekend. Like The Donkey Show, Improv Asylum has a participation credit and perhaps this is what makes it so fun, different and relevant. Main Stage runs Thursday through Saturday evenings and tickets are no more than $25.

GET READY FOR YOUR CLOSEUP

Just as regular an occurrence, but on a different scale is Boston’s International Film Festival. Held every year, this festival celebrates some of the best local, national and international independent films. Running from April 12-21, check out their website and you are sure to find something that suits your taste. Films are viewed all over the city as well, so it is a great opportunity to check out a more remote theater and a different part of town.

So perhaps this weekend, instead of looking for the next best thing, check out one of Boston’s famed institutions you have never gotten around to!

Comments