Category: Jack

By Jack Schwed

Amid the vast urban landscape of Boston, there is a treasure trove of gorgeous lush plots blanketed with grass and overflowing with colorful flowers and trees. Here are just some of these many green spaces:

1. Charlesgate Park: In the 1950s, this green space was severely impacted by the construction of Storrow Drive and the Bowker Overpass. However, in recent years, The Charlesgate Alliance and Emerald Necklace Conservancy have come together for an ongoing revitalization project that would improve the natural feel of the park and add several amenities. Last year, a dog-friendly farmer’s market was opened here, welcoming many local vendors and live music every Sunday from June to October.
2. Fenway Victory Gardens: During WWII, over 20 million “victory gardens” emerged across the country, which served to feed troops overseas. This garden, located in the Back Bay Fens area, is the only one that continues to operate continuously. Today, the 7.5-acre site is home to more than 500 individual garden plots tended by Boston residents, and it is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
3. Ramler Park: Tucked away in the Fenway neighborhood is a half-acre park with a majestic fountain sitting at the center. Surrounding this centerpiece is a variety of vibrant flora, which are there to attract migrating birds. Over the summer, jazz bands liven up this usually quiet space for small, intimate performances that are open to the public.
4. Amory Playground: If you want a wide open space to play a recreational game of soccer, tennis, kickball, or a number of other activities, this park is the perfect place, with a full-sized baseball diamond, six clay tennis courts and an open field. The playground also includes an off-leash dog area where you can bring your dog, or just sit, relax and watch others’ dogs run about and play. The park is conveniently located minutes away from west campus, and is also connected to Hall’s Pond Sanctuary, one of the last remaining natural ponds in Brookline.
5. The Esplanade: If you cross the bridge connected to BU Beach, you will find yourself on a three-mile long path along the Charles River. Here, you can bike, walk, run or take a seat on a bench with a beautiful view of the city skyline. Due to its proximity to BU, many students are familiar with this space, but you may not have walked far enough to find the Hatch Memorial Shell. This half-dome art deco outdoor concert venue hosts performances across a wide range of genres and movie screenings for all to enjoy.

By: Jack Schwed

Do you enjoy supporting small local artists? If so, you are in luck because Boston is home to many incredible musical talents. Since a lot of them tend to fly under the radar, I am going to share two of my favorites:

1. Tripwire

This band, recently formed by four Berklee College of Music freshmen, blends the shoegaze influence of bands like Fleshwater with a post-hardcore sound, forming what they call a “heavier shoegaze.” They debuted at Middle East in Cambridge (which is an awesome venue by the way) in late February. A few weeks later, they dropped a three-song demo on streaming services, which I highly recommend you check out!!! Their Instagram is @tripwirema. 

2. Leila Lamb

Leila is an absolute icon! She too is a Berklee student, but unlike Tripwire whose brand comprises four members, she is the star of her project. However, she does not take the stage alone. She is accompanied by spectacular musicians, even including a violinist and a keytarist. Although her music is fantastic on its own, it is her stage presence that truly captivated me. My favorite song that she performed live is “American Spirit,” which she  actually dropped on streaming services not too long ago, so I would suggest you check it out!!! Her Instagram is @needspower.

 

There are even some bands featuring BU students, including Uma Thermos and Humana Humana.

However, it is not just the music itself that makes the scene so special — it is also the people. These “DIY” and house shows, dating back to the mid-70s punk rock scene, have historically acted as havens for marginalized groups, like women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. So, regardless of your background, you are welcome! Plus, for only $5-15, you might get to experience some of the most memorable performances of your life.