The Xfinity Center puts on a fantastic show, hosting national acts in an outdoor arena that seats nearly 20,000 fans. Originally the Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts, the venue later became the Tweeter Center, then the Comcast Center, and now the Xfinity Center. Most Bostonians still know it as Great Woods. You can pay more for seats in the covered pavilion, less for seats in chairs vulnerable to rain, and less still for a spot on the angled lawn. It's not a great idea to bring kids, as concert goers like to come here to enjoy the atmosphere and to party.
Parking and public transportation at the Xfinity Center
General parking is free, and there are sixteen free lots on the premises. You will be directed to a spot by staff and may have quite a trek to the actual venue, so wear shoes you can walk in. For $45, you can pay for premier parking. You will be closer to the venue, but most importantly, you get priority exiting after the concert is over. There is no public transportation here, but a little online research might yield a private company offering bus service from wherever it is that you live.
Getting tickets at the Xfinity Center
There is a box office, but tickets are readily available through LiveNation and Ticketmaster. You will pay a service charge for tickets not purchased in person.
Types of concerts at the Xfinity Center
Because this is such a large venue, concerts are generally headliners, from Aerosmith to Mumford & Sons, Dave Matthews Band to Nine Inch Nails.
Other places to visit near the Xfinity Center
If you're hanging out in Mansfield, check out the Old Country Store and Emporium, a cute country store with great gifts, penny candy, old-fashioned lemonade, and more. Then head to Flynn's Irish Pub for a spectacular burger and a choice of forty-six beers on tap. For those looking for some zen, there are also several conservation areas in Mansfield that are worth a visit.
Where to stay near the Xfinity Center
A convenient choice at a good price is the Holiday Inn Mansfield-Foxboro area. There's also a Red Roof Inn, which is not quite as nice. Either option is just a five minute drive from the venue. Of course, you can also stay in Boston, only forty minutes away.
Insider tip for visitors to the Xfinity Center
A few things to note: Most importantly, it will take you likely an hour or so to get out of the parking lot after the show. Be mentally prepared, and be sure you have used the bathroom. The $45 premier parking is an option, as are private parking lots outside the venue. Also, there will be traffic on the highway and roads as you approach the venue before the show, so plan accordingly. Tailgate before and/or after the concert instead of sitting in traffic. You are now allowed to bring a factory sealed water bottle and some food; check the the website for current allowances.. Booze is not cheap so be willing to sell an organ if you plan to drink a lot.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She has seen several shows at Great Woods and has only once completely forgotten where she parked her car.
Music Together of Blackstone Valley offers music and movement classes for young children with their families. Classes feature playing drums on the wall, singing, rhythmic chants, movement and other instrument play. Classes are available for newborns to children up 7 years old.
Cafe 939 is a Berklee College of Music student-run coffeehouse. The shop is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers live music and performances including styles such as rock, jazz, hip-hop, electronica, and avant-garde.
Coffee specialties include mocha, lattes, cappuccinos and espressos as well as chai and hot tea. The shop also offers sandwiches and breakfast goods including bagels, scones, and danishes.
The café showcases talent from local areas as well as Berklee student performers. The location has a 200-capacity concert space, PA and lighting systems, video and DVD capabilities, and flexible seating. Berklee students also work as ushers, box office clerks, and stage crew.
Millennium Bostonian Hotel is located in the heart of Boston. It is a luxury hotel that boasts 201 guest rooms. Millennium Bostonian Hotel also features banquet facilities and a fitness center. Please stop by, call or visit it's website for more information on it's services.
Originally built in 1926 as a silent movie house, the Orpheum was reopened in 1993 by Bay Colony Productions. The theatre company holds performances and hosts special events, films and classes. The facility is also available for meetings and parties with a seating capacity of 427. Call or visit the website for a current event schedule.
Blackman Auditorium is located in Ell Hall and seats over 1,000 people. The auditorium hosts various events throughout the year, such as lectures, movie screenings, theatre performances, dance shows, choral groups and orchestral ensembles. Past guests include comedian Seth Meyers, former pro-footballer Tedy Bruschi, scientist Bill Nye and poet Dr. Maya Angelou. For upcoming event information, call the front desk at the number provided.
The Colonial Chorus Players are a nonprofit community theater group that has been around since 1962. The organization is run completely by volunteers, and is always looking for people who are interested in all aspects of theater. Even those interested in helping with concession and ticket sales are encouraged to contact Colonial Chorus.
The group's past performances include classic productions such as Nunsense, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Technical Dreamcoat and Oklahoma. ShowKidz members have performed in acts like the Jungle Book, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Through the Looking Glass and many more popular children's musicals.
There are frequently held workshops with focuses on acting and dancing. Colonial also offers an annual summer children's theater workshop called ShowKidz for youth ages 8-13. The group also performs for fund-raisers and charity events.
See the Web site for more information on auditions, show times and how to join the organization.
Overlooking Salem's scenic downtown square at Essex and Washington Streets, the Gulu-Gulu Cafe welcomes visitors with tables inside and out. The cafe is the brainchild and heart of Steven Feldman and his wife Marie Feldmannova, who wanted to bring a piece of Prague to Salem. The couple met at the original Café Gulu-Gulu in the Czech Republic, and like its counterpart, wanted to offer a relaxed and comfortable place to hang out, read, eat, and drink.
Gulu-Gulu features local art on the walls in addition to music and spoken word performances during the evenings. "This area has such a pool of talent," says owner Steven Feldmann.
The savory and sweet menu offers a variety of tastes for every palate. Some popular items include crepes, panini sandwiches, exotic cheeses and cured meats. They also boast an extensive beer menu, with brews ranging from Krušovice Imperial Lager (the only place on the North Shore that serves it!) to fruity beers like Fruli Strawberry Beer.
Regardless of what you order, it will be served under the watchful eye of Jack, a five-year-old Boston Terrier and Gulu-Gulu's original mascot, whose face is in numerous places in and around the cafe. In addition to a variety of tasty foods and drinks, Gulu-Gulu also offers its patrons a hardy dose of character, a kind you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
The Center for the Arts in Natick, affectionately called TCAN, is a local music venue in a historic building that was once Natick's central fire station. The venue is cozy with only 290 seats, so audience members feel at home here. Artists are typically in the folk, jazz, and rock genres but include comedians, Beatles cover bands, and more. TCAN also features family shows, classes, and open mic nights for local folk musicians. Additionally, the lobby functions as a gallery for local artists. TCAN plays a large role in Natick's community.
Parking and public transportation at TCAN
There are several options for parking at TCAN. The closest is a public lot on Middlesex Ave. with an entrance on Summer Street. There is another nearby lot on West Central Street and some spots on this and other streets as well. These are metered but free evenings and weekends. Note that parking in other business's lots might result in being towed. Conveniently, you can also take the Commuter Rail's Framingham/Worcester Line to the Natick stop and walk a block to TCAN.
Getting tickets at TCAN
You can buy tickets in person or by calling 508-647-0097 during box office hours or online any time. The box office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and one hour prior to showtimes. There is a "no refund" policy except on the rare occasion that a show is cancelled. Discounts are available for most shows for children, seniors, and students with college I.D.'s. A $1 Restoration Fee applies to headline events and goes towards maintaining the historic building. Another $1 fee applies to tickets ordered by phone, and online purchases may incur nominal fees as well.
Types of Concerts at TCAN
TCAN features acts from nationally renowned artists to local musicians and is devoted to bringing the arts to the Natick community. Typically, main stage shows bring folk and acoustic artists, singer-songwriters, rock or pop groups, classic rock cover bands, jazz bands, and classical ensembles. Additionally, you'll find comedians, special guests lecturers, local musicians performing at Folk Open Mic nights, and TCAN's own TCAN Players, performing old and new favorites. There are also many great family shows to choose from.
Other places to visit near TCAN
TCAN is located right in Natick Center, which is a charming area to walk around and has a lovely town common. There are many restaurants to try, so grabbing a bite before or after a show is a must. Walk to The Dolphin for some delicious seafood and cocktails, or drive to Culinary Delights for authentic Chicago dogs, Italian roast beef, and home-cooked Russian treats. For a more gourmet yet still approachable dining experience, try Maxwell's 148, a very short drive or ten minute walk. History buffs will also love Natick's Museum of WWII (by appointment only, Tuesdays through Saturdays but well worth a visit).
Where to stay near TCAN
There are many hotels located in and around Natick. The Crowne Plaza Natick is TCAN's sponsored hotel, but the Hampton Inn in Natick offers TCAN patrons a discount as well. For longer stays, try the Residence Inn in Framingham, and for affordable family stays, there is a Red Roof Inn right off of the Mass Pike in Framingham.
Insider tip for visitors to TCAN
Casey's Diner, Natick's famous and historic ten-stool diner was originally a horse-drawn wagon and offers delicious burgers, hot dogs and a unique ambiance. The place is tiny and also has a pick-up window, but it's worth eating inside if you can get a seat.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who is from and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it.
Since 1967, Sharon Community Chorus has offered a performance opportunities to male and female singers in and around the community who are interested in singing holiday songs and pop music. Sharon Community Chorus is directed by Brett Hinkel, with accompaniment provided by Ed Barresi.
77 Arts Academy offers instruction for young musicians in painting, drawing and music. It offers programs for students interested in learning and improving their singing and ability to play such instruments as piano, violin, cello, guitar, trumpet, saxophone, flute, drums and more. Students will also be able to play with musical ensembles. Painting and drawing classes are available for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The headquarters of this school theater project are housed at this location, inside the Paulist Center. Check in at the reception office for access inside the building and then take the stairs or elevator to the second floor.
