Safari #40: Honk Fest

Activism has a sound and a rhythm all its own.  Instead of words, others choose music.

'Honkers,' members of acoustic, mobile street bands, use their instruments and their collective spirit to rally the masses and bring people back to the streets.  This fusion of creativity, openness, participation, and community building takes place every year in Somerville at the Honk Festival.

Upon exiting the Davis Square T station, music could be heard and felt from every direction.  Collective singing and drums brought us to Davis Square Plaza where AfroBrazil, a 12-piece percussion ensemble, gave a thrilling, participatory performance.  With hands in the air and whistles blowing, AfroBrazil made it impossible for the crowd to remain still.

Next, we headed to Statue Park for EE -Environmental Encroachment and What Cheer? Brigade.  The rhythms, improvisation, and diversity of performers and instruments all working together to create amazing sounds left my ears wishing for more.

Safari travelers - there are no spectators Honk.  Release yourself and let the experience be all your own.

Safari #39: The Paramount Theatre

When was the last time you saw something so inspiring that it made your creative spirit glow?

Laurie Anderson's performance, Delusional, was unlike any other performance I've ever seen.  For those of you not in the know (and I wasn't until the show), Anderson is considered to be one of the greatest American performance artists.  Her performance was an extrasensory, multimedia experience full of amazing music and visualizations. She is multitalented (musician, artist, poet) and uses multimedia to tell you a story.  Delusional posed multiple questions, and some of the answers I've found are still resonating with me tonight.  Because of her, I'm embracing my peripheral vision.

Anderson's performance was held at Paramount Theatre - another first for me.  The Paramount was opened in 1932, named for the Paramount Pictures films it showed.  The theatre closed in 1976, but after much effort to revitalize the Downtown Crossing area, it reopened in 2010 with funding  from Emerson College.  The rehabilitated art deco interior made my jaw drop.  It was a pleasure to sit quietly a few moments before the show started to simply stare at the ceiling.

Many thanks to @EvolvingCritic for the special invite!

Safari #38: How Do You Like These Apples?

With the freedom to use public transportation and access to walkable, open spaces, the thought of getting behind the wheel has simply become foreign.  I'm realizing however that there are many beautiful places in Massachusetts, and by staying only in the greater Boston area, my safaris are missing out.

My recent articles on apple picking and fall foliage have inspired me to get out of the house.  This past Sunday, I jumped in the car and headed to Lookout Farm in South Natick.  Founded in 1650, the farm  is believed to be the oldest working farm in the country.  The farm includes a store, children's play area, concession stand, and a pick your own orchard that includes apples, pears, peaches, and pumpkins.  It was idyllic, picturesque, and a great way to spend a warm Fall day.

Best of all - the apples.  I picked Jonagold and Golden Delicious.  They are large, crisp, and simply perfect.  Which orchards have you been to recently?  Tell me about your trip in the comments below.

Tips:

• Find a Farm Near You.  There are a number of pick your own farms in Massachusetts.  Visit the pick your own website to locate a farm near you.
• Choose Your Shoes Carefully.  The orchard was damp and muddy in some areas.  Boots or comfortable shoes are the best for making your way around.
• Cost.  Prices per pound vary, and some farms also charge admission. Despite the cost, go for the experience.  I was reminded of my childhood in Ohio on the family farm.

Safari #37: What the Fluff?

Marshmallow fluff is the Nutella of New England.  As an Ohio-raised transport to Boston, my first thought upon encountering fluff was, "You're supposed to eat that with peanut butter?"

If you're looking for a venue to help assist you in dismissing your predisposition to fluff, head to the annual Somerville Fluff Festival in Union Square and sample the traditional fluffernutter (a sandwich with peanut butter and fluff) or a multitude of fluff-inspired confections like whoopie pies, smores, and beer - yes, beer.  The Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project (Somerville, MA) served it's flagship brew this year with a topping of malted fluff and called it the Fluffelmouse.

Even if you're not open to sampling fluff, the festival is a great place for people watching and reveling in good, old-fashioned Americana.  Costume and food contests, live bands, and children's activities keep Union Square abuzz for hours.



Tips:

• Just Do It.  A fluffernutter is $2, so there's no harm is taking a little bite.  
• Take public transport.  With the road closures and increased traffic, your best bet (where possible) is to let the MBTA buses transport you there.
• Bring your camera.  With all of the excitement and costumes, this is a great place to people watch.  I really enjoyed the vintage T-shirts pulled out just for this occasion.

*Images graciously borrowed from http://unionsquaremain.org/tag/fluff-festival/

Safari #36: What Speaks to You?

I have always believed that “things” can speak to us – a beautiful song, an interesting image, an object with a history. I’ve found many objects full of history recently at the SOWA Vintage Market (560 Harrison Avenue, South End). I'm making this special entry to tell you about it.

I was sorting through a pile of $5 rings, and one in particular stood out to me.  The design, patina, materials (copper lined in sterling silver), and a marking (“Orb Handwrought”), led me to believe that there was something special about it.

Upon initial research, I learned that Otto Robert Bade (the O-R-B), a Pennsylvania coppersmith, created my ring. Bade later moved to New York City and worked in the Rebajes Studio. Francisco Rebajes, a silversmith originally from the Dominican Republic, founded the Studio in the 1950’s.  Over the years, Francisco and Otto, working in their respective materials, created many wonderful pieces of modernist jewelry that still survive today.

It’s hard to believe that from a random pile of rings, I found this one.  My heritage is Dominican, so learning that the ring was made in a modern jewelry studio founded by a Dominican is truly inspiring. Second, given the age of the ring, I never thought that Mr. Bade would still be alive today; he is (aged 88) and lives with his wife at the relocated studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania. 

After finding the ring Mr. Bade made so long ago, part of me wants to contact him to tell him about my find and to thank him. I may just do that.

Safari #35: The Mapparium at the Christian Science Center

Many Bostonians are familiar with Christian Science Park - the lovely fountains and large reflecting pool are a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the working day.  Few actually enter the adjacent Mary Baker Eddy Library to to visit a little known wonder - the Mapparium - a three-story painted glass globe located within the library.

With construction completed in 1935, the Mapparium's view of the world is frozen in time - and reminds viewers of how much the world has changed for the better.  I was in awe from the moment I entered.

Tips for your visit:

• Admission is only $6.  Guided tours are 20 minutes and also include a multimedia presentation.
• Whisper Away.  Go with a partner and test the Mapparium's acoustics.  Occupants can communicate with each other by standing at opposite ends of the room and whispering.  The acoustics will carry your conversation - privately - across the room.  Stand in the center,whisper, and hear yourself speak in surround sound.  
• Learn More About Mary Baker Eddy.  While I do not follow the beliefs of Christian Science, I did find the history of Mary Baker Eddy's life, the philosophy's founder, very interesting.  The self-guided Quest Tour on the second floor of the library will offer you a great introduction.

Images kindly borrowed from AtlasObscura.com and Boston.com. 

Safari #34: Yoga on the Esplanade

We've been enjoying some amazing weather this summer in Boston, and sadly, it's almost to a close. Labor Day weekend is nearly upon us, and if you're still looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, head to the Charles River Esplanade. For the past month, I've been taking free yoga classes every Wednesday night. If you're looking for a new experience and a way to enjoy low-impact exercise outdoors, these classes are for you.

The Charles River Esplanade Association, formed in 2001, is a non-profit organization that offers free summer programs along the river. The classes I've been taking are part of the Healthy, Fit, and Fun Series, which also includes Zumba, running groups, and fitness boot camps. One of the most popular Esplanade Association events is “Sundays in the Park” where free activities are held on select Sundays all along the walkway. Activities include individual and family yoga, volleyball, badminton, and other lawn games for children.

Tips:

Landmarks Orchestra at the Hatch Shell

• Cover Your Downward Facing Dog. If you've never done yoga before, take your cue from other yogis and wear form fitting clothing. Given the number of positions you'll be bending and twisting yourself into, you will need your clothes to stay put.
• Enjoy Treats. Representatives from Vita Coco and Luna Bar are onsite offering free coconut water and health bars to refresh and energize you after class.
• Give Back. With all of the money you're not spending on yoga classes (ahem ahem), make a donation to the Esplanade Association and help support them as they continue to offer free programming to residents. Visit http://www.esplanadeassociation.org for more information.
• Don't Let the Relaxation End. Whether you're with a group of friends or by yourself, take a short walk over to the Hatch Shell and relax even more with free outdoor concerts from the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. Not to worry if you don't have picnic supplies - concessions and chair rentals are available onsite.