Free Movie Night and Discussion Starting Thursday 2/2/2012

Centerboard is hosting a films series, Heroes of the City at The Pulse @ JB Blood. The Pulse is a new community center in the front of 20 Wheeler right in front of Centerboard's administrative offices. This movie series is centered around the concept of the urban hero. As you may or may not know, Centerboard's mission is tied completely towards the revitalization of Downtown Lynn. It will be very interesting to watch these films followed by great discussion with Dr. Nick Parker, a film writer, professor, and Downtown Lynn resident as well as several from the Centerboard staff.  There will be refreshments served. Make sure you RSVP. There is limited seating.

Heroes of the City: A Film Series - "Taxi Driver: The Doubtful Urban Hero" 2/2/12 7PM - 10PM 

 

Heroes of the City: A Film Series - "Falling Down: Mapping the city in Falling Down" 2/23/12 7PM - 10PM 

 

Heroes of the City: A Film Series - "The Fighter: The Struggle of Men and Women in the City" 3/15/12 7PM - 10PM

 

 

New England Light Opera comes to Downtown Lynn with Some Cole Porter

Night and Day II: A New Cole Porter Celebration
Saturday, March 3rd 7:30PM
Central Congregational Church, 97 Broad Street
$20 includes light refreshments
For tickets call Joan Breed 781-593-2210 or David Kay 781-599-8643

Central Congregational Church at 97 Broad Street in congunction with New England Light Opera is producing an event titled: Night and Day II: A New Cole Porter Celebration. It will be held on Saturday evening, March 3rd at 7:30 pm at Central Church, 97 Broad Street, Lynn. A new staged revue of the songs of Cole Porter including Begin the Beguine, just One of Those Things, and You're the Top. $20 per ticket, cabaret style seating with light refreshments included. Tickets by phone: Mrs Joan Breed @ 781-593-2210 or David Kay @ 781-599-8643. Free parking behind Central Church at Harrison School (Dexter Street, off Broad)

Yeah, I Know...I've Been Too Busy to Blog

Every once in a while I get the kind of busy that makes the blog really grind to a halt. For weeks all I can talk about is the show. Well...this month is one of those times.

A lot of people have put some blood and sweat to make this show happen and I am forever grateful. For this show, we had incredible community support including many downtown neighbors chipping in to help with sound, costumes, props, and various needs.

I just wanted to take some time out to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who even touched this show for 10 minutes. Without you, that moment in the show, wouldn't be perfect.

Thank you to everyone who came out for opening weekend and bought tickets. We had 100 more people than we had for Spelling Bee's opening weekend. This is audience growth of 20% and is a huge statement. More and more of you are discovering that you can have high quality theatre experiences without having to go into Boston. Please spread the word.


Join us on Facebook or visit our website to learn more. Coming up next we have our 2nd annual Bourbon Street party. Don't miss out on all the great happenings downtown.


-Corey

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change Opening Night

Last night Arts After Hours opened it's second full scale musical production at LynnArts in the Rantoul Black Box Theatre. The show, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, takes the audience on a hilarious roller-coaster of the trials and tribulations of connecting with the ones we choose to call sweetheart.

Don't miss this show. The blog has been quiet because we've been working day and night to make this a high quality professional night of theatre for all of you. We do this to get people into the Downtown experiencing quality arts programming and we hope you will grab dinner before hand at a local restaurant or a drink after with the cast at a local bar. Thank you, as always, for supporting Downtown Lynn.

Lynn Legislators at the Lynn Museum on Jan 18th

Lynn Museum Kicks off the New Year with an Evening with Lynn's Legislators

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm.     

Join the Lynn Museum as they dive into legislative history from the unique perspective of the incumbent Senator and the four State Representatives who serve the City of Lynn. Senator Thomas M. McGee and Representatives Robert F. Fennel, Steven M. Walsh, Lori Ehrlich and Donald H. Wong will share their experiences and provide an insider's look at the legislative process and how an idea becomes law.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm. Immediately following the program there will be a reception for the public to mingle with the legislators. Attendees are also invited to explore the Lynn Museum's newly-renovated space and exhibitions including Painting Land and See, I Heart Lynn and FOTO: Focused on the Object.

  

Moderated by Attorney James J. Carrigan, An Evening with the Legislators is the third in a series of forums designed to provide an exchange of ideas between experts and the public. Additional forums are planned for the spring, including one featuring Jennifer Nassour, former Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party and John Walsh, current Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. What's more, Congressman John F. Tierney will join the forum series to share his experience in the United States Congress.

Admission to An Evening with the Legislators is $10 for Lynn Museum members and $15 for non-members. Student admission is free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Museum. Proceeds from the forum help to pay for the Museum's educational programs, such as the Free Winter Celebration Family Day on January 21, 2012.  

For more information on all of these exciting Lynn Museum happenings, please call 781-581-6200 or visit www.lynnmuseum.org.

Wine Down Thursday

Centerboard presents Wine Down, a pop up burger and wine experience at the top floor of the JB Blood building in Downtown Lynn.  

Featuring a live music trio with Laura Grill.  

Come taste delicious burger sliders, experience the “Mash Potato Bar”, and learn about great and affordable wines from our wine expert. This is a great way to network and enjoy LIVE music. The unusual location will surprise you with great views or our city and the Ocean.

$15 dollars gets you delicious Burgers and as many visits to the "Mash Potato Bar" as you like. 

Check out http://lynnwinedown-eorgf.eventbrite.com/ for more information and to buy tickets.

Incredible Line-up at Lynn Auditorium

Lynn Auditorium has a great series of shows coming up. Wanted to make sure you guys are all aware and get your tickets fast. I hear Pat Benatar is already selling FAST!

Peter Frampton - February 3rd 8PM

Pink Floyd Experience - February 19th 7PM

Irish Rovers - March 17th 8PM

Charlie Daniels - March 22nd 8PM

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo - April 19th 8PM

Get tickets and find out more at lynnauditorium.com!

-Corey

Share in the Vision for Professional Theatre Downtown

I want to tell you all a secret. In 3 years, we're going to have a professional Equity theatre in Downtown Lynn run by Arts After Hours. How do I know this?

Because I won't stop until it happens.

We've already proven with every event we have, with every night of theatre, with every gallery show, with every music event, receipts in Downtown restaurants go up.  Yeah I have a passion for theatre, but it equals my passion for our amazing potential in Downtown Lynn.

70% of our Arts After Hours' audience is coming from outside our borders. People coming to Lynn, having a phenomenal quality experience and leaving to tell their friends. You can't beat this.

So, here's where you come in. Our next show opens on January 19th. Click on the link to artsafterhours.com or call 781-205-4010 and buy two tickets (or more) to I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Use code "LOVE" for $5 off each ticket.  Even if you don't know who you are going to bring yet, buy the tickets, and challenge yourself to introduce someone to Downtown Lynn in 2012 (could be rediscovering it yourself?).

Really great modern score, really funny dialogue and an incredible cast and production crew.

This is your chance to make a specific impact in Downtown Lynn. Come to the show. Before the show, go to a downtown restaurant. After the show, go to a Downtown Bar. Might we suggest our sponsors, The Blue Ox for dinner and Northern Nights on the Lynnway for drinks after the show.

Make this show a success, make the next one even bigger. I might even be able to squeeze that 3 year projection down a bit. Let's get a professional theatre operating in Lynn.

Happy ticket buying,
Corey

Ring in the New Year In Downtown Lynn

For those of you who are looking for some fun in Downtown Lynn this New Year's Eve. There are the loft parties if you're in to that, but there are plenty of other ways to support the Downtown Lynn economy this NYE.


Cirque  
47 Central Ave

Cirque Soiree NYE Breakdown: Martha Wash (It's Raining Men, Everybody, Everybody, Strike It Up, Sweat! Everybody Dance Now) LIVE on stage!!!!!

Option #1: VIP Invite: Secure an invitation to be part of the Cirque Soiree for the ENTIRE evening. Start the party at 7:30 p.m., receive priority, unobstructed premier seating (It's your seat all night long), at least one bottle of champagne for your table, and a personal cocktail server at your call. You will enjoy Ravioli in Authentic Homemade Italian Marinara, Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Succulent Roast Turkey, Baked Lobster Pie, Roast Potatoes, Green Bean Almandine, and a sweet tray at your table at midnight. There are still a few of these exclusive VIP invites available. Call Richie at 978-586-0551. 

Option #2: Martha Wash LIVE, NO COVER, Doors at 9:30 p.m. Champagne Toast at midnight CASH BAR. STANDING ROOM ONLY! See you at Cirque New Years Eve!


Fran's 
776 Washington Street
$10 Cover - DJ Frenchy, Free midnight buffet, Jello shots, drink specials, party hats and noise makers included.  781-598-5618


Northern Nights
649 The Lynnway

NYE Two Thousand & Twelve at Northern Nights.... 2 great deals, and something to fit everyone's budget

Package #1 $30.00 Includes a 4 course meal served with; Shrimp Cocktail, Ceasar Salad choice of Chicken Cordon Bleu or New York strip sirloin w/ Baked Potato or Rice Pilaf and Tarragon Butter Carrots, Dessert, and coffee or tea served between 7:30 and 8:30 This also includes party Favors buffet served at 11pm, Balloon drop with prize$ and champagne toast at midnight. Along with the Admission price to our New Year's Eve Party (a $10.00 Value)

Package #2 $10.00 Admission to New Years Eve Party only, starts at 9:30 till 1:00 and includes party favors and a buffet at 11pm, Balloon drop with prize$ and champagne toast at midnight.


Tatiana's  8PM-1AM
70 Market Street


"THE END OF 2011 IS UPON US AND WHAT BETTER WAY THEN TO END IT WITH A BASH AND BRING IN 2012 WITH GREAT FRIENDS, NEW FRIENDS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF FOOD, LIQOUR AND DANCING?!?!?!

COME DOWN FOR TATIANA'S NEW YEAR'S EVE JAM, STAY LOCAL, PARTY FOR FREE AND HAVE AN AWESOME TIME.

NO COVER.
NO KIDS.
NO DRAMA
AND HOPEFULLY NO HANGOVER.....(YEAH RIGHT!!!)"

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: They will be open for breakfast on NYE to nurse those Hangovers! 



Sand Bar  
714 Washington Street
 
NYE !! Italian Buffet 7 - 9 PM; Supertonic Band 9 - 11 PM ; DJ Christie 11 - Close!! Toast at Midnight !


The Blue Ox

The Blue Ox is fully booked according to open table.


 
Turbine Wine Bar
I'm not sure if they will be open or not. I know they were last year, but they've been closed this week with no notice on the door, so I would call first if your plans are to head to Turbine for some delicious wine, beer and food.  781.780.7301

For beyond downtown, please visit Lynnhappens.com for a very full calendar 

More than a Party at Lynn Museum - Karaoke with local celebs!

For those of you who haven't pledged at least a small amount to the kickstarter campaign for More Than a Number, please do! An amazing group looking to produce a wonderful exhibit at our Downtown Lynn museum.   Here's another way you can help out! Attend this party!
 
More Than a Party: A benefit celebration to raise funds for More Than a Number
Friday, January 13th, 6-9 PM
Mark your calendars for a very special evening filled with good food, fun, dance, kickboxing and karaoke performances by “local celebrities”! This event is a fundraiser to benefit the More Than a Number exhibition and schedule of programs at the Lynn Museum. The exhibition is scheduled to open on February 1, 2012.

Wishing Downtown Lynn Readers a Very Merry Christmas

Thanks for another great year. While the blog writing has slowed down a bit, it has only been replaced by more activity on the streets. I hope I have even less time to write as Arts After Hours builds more and more music, visual art, and theatre in the downtown in 2012 alongside Centerboard, Lynn Museum, and LynnArts. In 2011, Arts After Hours added a full-scale musical, a cabaret music series, a jazz series, and several new visual art events including Cuba: In Form, Lynn's Got Sole and our Bourbon Street event. This activity has and will continue to encourage more development and action on the part of landlords, residents, and City Hall. All I want for Christmas is for our 15,000 unique readers of downtownlynn.com to stop and think about how they can make a positive impact on the Downtown local economy next year. It can be as easy as attending an event, bringing 3 friends to a Downtown restaurant, taking a walk to discover a new area, writing a positive story and promoting it online. I want to thank a lot of you for already taking part in many of those activities. Together, we are building something larger than we can even understand right now.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza!  (and everything else I'm missing)

Be healthy, safe, and support local in 2012!

-Corey

Arts and Culture Holiday Social - Friday at 7PM

This Friday at 7PM, come down to Turbine Wine Bar and socialize with our friends, neighbors, and employees in the Arts and Cultural District. Many of our organizations are one or two employees so we don't have the crazy office parties to look forward to this year. Almost all of our organizations couldn't do what we do without YOU! Yes you, even reading this blog makes you a part of it all. Buying a ticket is even better but we'll take any interest we can get at this stage.

Come and meet some of the folks behind the arts movement Downtown or just have a nice glass of wine and a stuffed popover or twelve. Come down at 7PM on Friday. The band Harvey Mapcase featuring songs from their CD "Three on a Match" will begin at 9PM. Every single one of you is welcome! Hope to see everyone and if we don't, have a Happy Holiday!

-Corey

2011 - A Year of Progress?

As we approach the end of the year, I like to pontificate a bit on what has worked, what hasn't and whether or not we've taken steps forward or steps backward in our development as a community. Before I lead the witness (my normal approach), I was wondering what you all think. Has Downtown taken a step forward this year?  What do you wish was happening that isn't?

Keep it constructive. For this post, I will delete anything that doesn't advance the conversation. Fair warning!

C is for Jobs, That's Good Enough For Me! Wicked Tasty Cookie Sale

It's Christmas time... You know? That time of year you all pull out the cookie cutters and start melting chocolate to make goodies for your loved ones to enjoy for the entire season. Or, you are like some of us, and never quite have time with all the other hustle and bustle to get the cookies done.

Have no fear! Wicked Tasty is here.

I have had the priviledge of getting to know the crew at Wicked Tasty over the past year. They partnered on the Carolyn Cole event to produce a phenomenal pre-show spread for Arts After Hours patrons. They were instrumental is providing several summer jobs to our youth this year and just recently hosted the first pop-up dinner in Lynn, MA over at the JB Blood building.

Wicked Tasty is a shining example of Centerboard's innovation when it comes to skills and business. It's not just about counseling, budget coaching, and tax returns. They've taken a whole step further and formed this delicious startup. This Christmas Cookie sale is a way for us to support the fantastic work they are doing. Well, that and we don't have to pretend like we're going to get around to baking ourselves.

Here's how you do it.

They answer phone orders on Monday, Tueday, Thursday from 9-5, Wednesday 12-8, and Friday from 12-4 781-598-9417 or you can e-mail Caleb at cisabella@spinlynn.org at any time to place an order. The order form is available at this link, so read up, order up, and fill your tummies! Tis the season.

-Corey

The Nutcracker at Lynn Auditorium

 

Go to http://lynnauditorium.com/ for tix!

Holiday Harmony Coffee House for Building Bridges Thru Music

You Gonna Get the Led Out?

Led Zeppelin tribute band (which I have heard is fantastic) is coming to Lynn Auditorium on Friday night, December 2nd. There are still tickets available. Check it out!

Get The Led Out Live in Concert! from GTLO Productions on Vimeo.

World Aids Day 2011

Tonight was a busy night in Downtown Lynn. While Holiday in the Square was kicking off in Central Square, World Aids Day 2011 human ribbon ceremony was going on in Lynn City Hall. I'm consistently impressed with Harry Schnur and the kids he works with in the KAYA group. Here are some pictures from tonight's event at City Hall. Had a flash mob, a human ribbon of glow sticks and a candle-light parade. Was a beautiful thing to see so many come together for such an important reason.

Check out the flash mob that broke out!!

Oh Christmas Trees!

This past weekend was busy on 107 and 1A as people flocked to their various favorite Christmas Tree locations to scoop up their favorite fir. It's an exciting and beautiful time of year as Lynn starts to light up in holiday spirit. The Item has kicked off what is sure to be another successful year for Item Santa and the holiday pop up shops have opened in the Lynn Museum and at LynnArts.

Tuesday night begins the tree lighting events with the tree on the Common at 5PM. After the tree is lit, the Lynn Auditorium will offer a free showing of A Christmas Story projected on a large screen in the auditorium.

On Thursday night, there will be a World AIDS day human ribbon at City Hall at 5PM and the tree lighting in Central Square will also be going on at 5PM.  Central Square festivities continue until 8PM with Santa, stockings for kids, wreath raffle, and holiday music at LynnArts.

A Time for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I could sit here and ramble on about all the things I'm thankful for, but they all boil down to one thing... you! You're the ones making all of this possible. Whether you're the politican reading this blog to see what I'm saying about you, or the new resident looking for things to do, or a life-long Lynner looking for a new perspective on this town, it's you that I am thankful for.

Without you, there would be no one attending auditorium shows, Arts After Hours events and buying products in local stores. Without you no one would be going to the restaurants downtown? Without you no one would be speaking up at City Hall and voting to build a stronger government.  Without you, no one would be fighting for a stronger Lynn!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year, but as I've said before... lists always get me in trouble.  I'll let you make the list. Leave something in the comments below for which you are thankful.