The Scene In and Around Boston . . . (Photo by Lynn Lim) For Boston's "movers and shakers," the Autumnal Equinox means the beginning of the social season - with its galas, fundraisers and traditional special events, such as "Opening Night at Symphony." However, for many of the glitterati and literati, the season does not officially begin until Smoki Bacon and Dick Concannon host their traditional elegant cocktail party at their Back Bay home. In addition to greeting friends and catching up on what everyone did over their summer vacation, one gets to mingle with many of the guests who have appeared on Smoki and Dick's popular television show, "The Literati Scene," which focuses on writers and authors. (Full disclosure: This columnist has enjoyed being a guest on more than one occasion.) But Bacon and Concannon's field of activity is all encompassing, covering current events, theatre, books, museums, commerce, medicine, politics, science and arts organizations-and much more. Many of Boston's high-profile visitors often appear on the show, and an array of highly respected local talent regularly appears as contributing commentators to compliment the creativity and excitement of the hosts. Recently, radio and TV personality Upton Bell shared his thoughts on the Boston sports scene, and Ken Gloss of The Brattle Bookstore explained the technique for identifying authentic first editions. Radio and TV commentator Richard Flavin is a frequent guest who talks about the many and varying New England lifestyles. Among this year's guests at the September 23 soiree were: Vernon Alden, "Being Myself"; Joan Arnaud, Director, First Literacy; Susan Bailey, Director, Wellesley College Center for Women; Rick Beyer, "The Greatest Scientific Stories Never Told"; Linda Bratley, Director, Mass. Commission on the Status of Women; former Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington; Chris Gabrieli, "Time to Learn" (Chris is Smoki's son-in-law); Magdalene Kantartzi, Communications Director, Greek Consulate; and Josh Kimball, "The Man Who Made Lists." Also: Vivien Li, Director, The Boston Harbor Association; Bill Martin, "The Lost Constitution"; Emily Pardo, Boston Book Festival Director; Leo Romero, Casa Romero; Joshua Rubenstein, Director, Amnesty International; Lloyd Schwartz, "Elizabeth Bishop"; Jane Thompson, "Design Research"; and Tracy Winn "Mrs Somebody" - just to name a very few. Smoki and Dick began covering events and personalities on their "Celebrity Time" radio show in 1980 and have been producing and hosting their popular TV show since 1996. The format is officially produced by "Bacon-Concannon Associates." "The Literati Scene" can be seen Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. on Channel 23 in Boston, as well as on 16 other TV stations throughout New England. Episodes are archived and showcased by the International TV Show Archive site www.chanz.tv/smoki.htm. Take a look! We know you're going to like it.
Pops Holiday Concerts Return on December 9 Continuing one of Boston's most beloved holiday traditions, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops open "The 2009 Boston Pops Holiday Series" on Wednesday, December 9, kicking off a season that runs through Sunday, December 27. This year's Holiday Series includes 35 pre- and post-Christmas evening and matinee concerts. The season also includes six special kids' matinee concerts. These family concerts include a children's sing-along, and parents can bring cameras to take photos of their children with Santa after the concert. Table seats will include a kid-friendly menu, along with special holiday treats. Holiday Pops tickets are available online at bostonpops.org. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at SymphonyCharge at 617-266-1200 or 888-266-1200, and through the Symphony Hall Box Office, located at 301 Massachusetts Avenue. The Box Office remains open through intermission on concert nights. Note that there is a ticket handling fee for tickets ordered by phone or online, and that all Holiday Pops patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. The 2009 Holiday Pops season is sponsored by Fidelity Investments. New England Coffee is the official coffee of the Boston Pops. The 8 p.m. concert on December 10 is sponsored by The Fairmont Copley Plaza, the official hotel of the Boston Pops. The 8 p.m. concert on December 11 is sponsored by Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, the official chauffeured transportation of the Boston Pops. American Airlines is airline partner of the Boston Pops and has sponsored the 8 p.m. concert on December 15. Patrons with disabilities can access Symphony Hall through the Cohen Wing on Huntington Avenue. An access service center, accessible restrooms, and elevators are available inside this entrance. For ticket information, call the Disability Services Information Line at 617-638-9431 or TDD/TTY 617-638-9289. Programs and artists are subject to change. For further information, visit the orchestra online at www.bostonpops.org or call the Boston Pops at 617-266-1492. Enjoy! |
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In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
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Enjoying the Bacon-Concannon soiree are, left to right: Radio and TV personality Upton Bell; author William Martin; author Sarah Smith; and Emily D'Amour Pardo, Executive Director of the Boston Book Festival.