May 31, 2023
5 things to do this weekend, including a Lego exhibit and Boston Marathon Fan Fest
Advertisement Boston, I’m buzzing. We’re looking at a long weekend, it’s Boston Marathon time, and I just stocked up on discount Easter candy at CVS. High on sugar and adrenaline, I’m bouncing into
Advertisement
Boston, I’m buzzing. We’re looking at a long weekend, it’s Boston Marathon time, and I just stocked up on discount Easter candy at CVS. High on sugar and adrenaline, I’m bouncing into the coming days. We’ve got marathon fun, Miley Cyrus tributes and Legos. Let’s go.
The 127th Boston Marathon is Monday. Make sure to find your spot along the route to watch some 30,000 athletes from more than 100 countries go for their dream. The race is part of the fabric that makes our city what it is. It’s now been 10 years since the Boston Marathon bombings, making this year extra poignant. There are also events surrounding the race. Head to Copley Square Park for the Boston Marathon Fan Fest, free and open to the public April 14-16, for live music, activities, guest panels and discussions, interviews with past champs and more. A few highlights:
It’s a Berklee College x Miley collab and I’m here for it. The Miley Cyrus Ensemble “is a production showcasing the contrasting layers and intricate components of Miley Cyrus’ life through music,” according to Berklee’s website. Directed by professor Tia Fuller and assistant directed by Mimi Jones, the group pays homage to Miley and her evolution, from “Hannah Montana” to “Plastic Hearts.” They rock two shows at Berklee Performance Center this weekend with “Untamed: The Miley Cyrus Ensemble.” (I love to imagine that Miley’s godmother Dolly Parton will be watching from the audience.)
Red Sox fans, beeline to City Winery for Hot Stove Cool Music. The fundraising concert returns with a special theme: celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Sox’s 2013 World Series championship. Former Red Sox stars Ryan Dempster, Bronson Arroyo and Jake Peavy will be joined by Letters to Cleo’s Kay Hanley, Belly’s Gail Greenwood, local singer-songwriter Will Dailey and more. The Boston star-studded evening raises funds for the Foundation To Be Named Later, founded by Theo Epstein and his twin brother, Paul. Arroyo, who pitched for the 2004 Red Sox World Series championship team, will rock with his band: Bronson Arroyo and the ‘04. Former Sox pitcher Dempster, meanwhile, brings his Off The Mound show. Billed as “a late-night-style talk show,” this version will, according to a press release, feature “comedy, stories and unfiltered talk, with expected appearances by several of Dempster’s ‘13 teammates to discuss the magical 2013 World Series run.”
Just in time for the marathon, the Boston Public Library hosts author Sarah Gearhart to talk about her new release: "We Share the Sun: The Incredible Journey of Kenya's Legendary Running Coach Patrick Sang and the Fastest Runners on Earth.” In a nutshell, the book tells the story of coach Patrick Sang who runs a secluded training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, where a small group of world-class runners — including Olympic champions, world record holders and the fastest marathoner of all time — share simple dormitory-style rooms and endure grueling workouts. Gearhart’s work has appeared in The New York Times, ESPN and Runner's World. The Hawaiian-born runner has also raced the Boston Marathon three times. The event is free with a Q&A following the presentation.
Beep beep! This is not a drill people. LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya’s epic Boston exhibition — including over 70 works — closes April 30. Whether you’re looking for a way to kick off April school vacation in style, or have been meaning for weeks to check out the blocks, I’d suggest going sooner rather than waiting until the very last days.
See Lego versions of Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and Van Gogh's “Starry Night” as well as originals like “Yellow,” Sawaya’s sculpture — and Instagram bio pic — of a man ripping his chest open. Kiddos might want to check out the 20-foot-long T. rex and go face-to-face with a giant Lego skull. For a sense of what to expect, check out this YouTube video. Want to see another Lego creation? Head to the MFA for a Hokusai-inspired work.