Diner en Blanc: 5th Anniversary!

This year's Diner en Blanc took over City Hall Plaza transforming the epicenter of Center Hall into an all white picnic du jour! What began 3 decades ago in Paris has now spawned an international sensation!

Now in its fifth year in Boston, the tradition continued with volunteer hosts leading participants to the top secret location, revealed to guests, only when they arrived on the very site. Partons bring their own tables and chairs. Table clothes, chairs, and all attire are required to be white. In keeping with the age old tradition, the diner began with the waving of the white napkins. New this year, participants had the option of purchasing a Gold Shimmer Brut from One Hope Wine in celebration of Boston's 5th Diner en Blanc. More than 1,400 participants took part in this momentous event. 

Feast your eyes on Diner en Blanc 2018!

Diner en Blanc: Boston EN BLANC!

Boston: Can you keep a secret???

The World’s Most Elegant Picnic Celebrates its 5^thEdition in Boston on Sept. 9

BOSTON, MA (August 25, 2018) – A leading summer event in Paris for the past 30 years, this elegant and secret affair is now well on its way to becoming THE Fall tradition in Boston. On September 9^th, Le Dîner en Blanc - Boston celebrates its 5^th anniversary. 

Year after year, the breathtaking scene of thousands of white-clad guests descending upon one of the city most prestigious public space becomes more extraordinary for guests and passerby alike.

To maintain the uniqueness of Le Dîner en Blanc as well as staying true to tradition, guests must observe certain requirements and follow a few key rules:

• Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions.  This is a rain or shine event.
• Dress code:  head-to-toe in elegant and white only attire.  Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
• Table setting:  all white!
• To ensure that the location secret is kept undisclosed until last minute, guests meet at assigned departure location and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc volunteer.
• In order to leave the event location as clean as when they arrived, guests are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.

About Dîner en Blanc

2018 marks the 30^th anniversary of Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris! Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces.  Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.

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Dirty Dancing: Boston

Dirty Dancing will work its fancy footwork over to the Shubert Theatre next month. Come see the classic story live on stage from June 13 through the 17th. You will find yourself having the time of your life in Boston! Be sure to check back here for exclusive offers on Dirty Dancing the musical. For more information be sure to visit: www.bochcenter.org/DirtyDancing

The Sound of Music

   An all new production of the Sound of Music is heading to Boston! The show features music from Richard Rogers and promises to provide audiences with more than a few "favorite things!" You can catch the show at the Boch Center from May 1st through the 13th. The Red Balloon is pleased to offer an exclusive discount.

Stomp: Exclusive offer

Stomp: Boston

    Stomp invades Boston from April 20th to the 21st. This time the show promises new surprises with the addition of two new full-scale routines using everyday objects in unique ways. See what all the noise is about when the show stomps into the Shubert Theatre. Stay tuned to The Red Balloon for an exclusive offer on tickets to Stomp in Boston.

Boston TechJam 2018

Boston TechJam 2018 to Celebrate Region’s Tech Culture & Innovation

Largest Regional Technology Festival Back for its 6^th Year

BOSTON, March 28, 2018 -- On June 14, 2018, City Hall Plaza will again be home to the annual Boston TechJam, a celebration of the technology ecosystem and culture of New England- and Boston-area entrepreneurs, startups, established tech companies, venture capitalists, non-profit organizations and higher learning institutions. The event, now in its sixth year, uniquely combines a tech block party, innovation showcase and live music to connect the community and celebrate the local startup economy.

"Boston TechJam has grown beyond anything we could have imagined when launching, in large part due to the amazing partners who’ve returned year after year to bring this celebration to the community,” said Christine Nolan, co-founder of Boston TechJam and Sr. Director of Communities at MassTLC. “It has become a massive gathering for anyone who loves technology and wants to see and be part of the vibrancy of our local ecosystem. For 2018, we’re taking over the entire City Hall Plaza space to allow for additional attendees and offer even more entertainment and engaging content like a Robotics/IoT Village.”

The event, which drew over 7,000 attendees last year, is made possible by the visionary thought leadership and financial support of underwriting sponsors Autodesk, Cengage, Chewy, Everbridge, Kronos Incorporated, Liberty Mutual, MathWorks, PTC and The Predictive Index. Additional sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are still available.

"The pace at which technology impacts our lives accelerates every day, and events like these are needed to harness new ideas and inspire people to continue to innovate,” said Jack Little, CEO of MathWorks, developers of the MATLAB technical computing software. “We’re excited to partner with Boston TechJam to showcase and celebrate the culture of innovation, collaboration and creativity this region has to offer organizations and individuals alike.”

Boston TechJam will feature live bands, appearances from entrepreneurial leaders, local craft beer, food truck fare and “street-festival”-type games and giveaways from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.

New in 2018 is an area dedicated to robots and the Internet of Things, as well as a “theater-in-the-round” – a central stage showcasing a mash-up of amazing talents of our local techies. From juggling to slam poetry to pitching the next big idea in tech, if you think you’ve got what it takes to make it onto the stage, apply to perform. 

The event is led by co-founders Christine Nolan of MassTLC and Mark Lorion of Arxan Technologies along with founding team members Dave Polcaro from East Coast Catalyst, Ben Maitland-Lewis from Pretty Instant, Dave Cutler from Influence Central and Sarah Babbitt from SHIFT Communications. 

How to Get Involved

• To register to attend and get the most up-to-date information on the schedule of events, visit www.bostontechjam.com and follow @bostontechjam (#btj2018).
• To exhibit or sponsor, contact exhibit@bostontechjam.org.
• To be considered for the “theater-in-the-round,” contact ruth@masstlc.org or complete the form here www.masstlc.org/apply-to-perform-at-boston-techjam/.
• To attend as a member of the press, contact btj@shiftcomm.com.

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About Boston TechJamBoston TechJam is a showcase and accelerator for new ideas and world-class innovations coming out of the Boston region. The event brings together early stage companies, entrepreneurs, students, established enterprises, venture capitalists and artists to celebrate the region’s technology, entrepreneurship and culture. Equal parts idea exchange and celebration, Boston TechJam is an unconventional meeting ground for local innovators, visionaries and up-and-comers. The 18+ event will take place June 14, 2018 on Boston City Hall Plaza.

Boston TechJam is supported by Autodesk, Cengage, Chewy, Everbridge, Kronos Incorporated, Liberty Mutual, MathWorks, The Predictive Index and PTC. Founding collaborators include Arxan Technologies, MassTLC, East Coast Catalyst, Pretty Instant, Influence Central and SHIFT Communications.

Media Contact:

SHIFT Communications

btj@shiftcomm.com

The Magic of Adam Trent: Exclusive Offer

The Red Balloon proudly presents an exclusive offer for those wishing to see The Magic of Adam Trent live at the Shubert Theatre. Enter the code above for exclusive savings on select performances.

The Magic of Adam Trent

Coming soon to the Shubert Theatre in Boston: The Magic of Adam Trent. The New York Times raves that the show is "A high-tech magic extravaganza."Stay tuned for an exclusive offer on The Red Balloon!

Hasty Pudding 2018

The Red Balloon brings you behind the scenes in the press room for this year's Hasty Pudding: Man of the Year. This year's honoree, Paul Rudd, graciously accepted the honor in the Hasty Pudding playhouse otherwise known as Farkas Hall. Before Paul entered the press room, a reporter from People Magazine called a restaurant asking what Paul ate for lunch. When Paul entered and he was asked the question of who he would be rooting for during the Patriot's game you can only imagine the grimaces and shock and horror when he announced that he would not be cheering on the Patriots!

Needless to say, Paul made quite an impression in Boston!

Feast your eyes on some photos:

To purchase for the Hasty Pudding's current theatrical: Intermission Impossible go here:
https://hastypudding.org/buy-tickets

Elf in Boston

It is THAT time of year Boston: nearly the return of Elf the musical live on stage at the Boch Center! Based on the beloved film, Elf will follow the beloved Buddy on an adventure for all ages. The Red Balloon is sharing an exclusive offer to save 20% on all select performances.

Tis the Season!

Elf the Musical

Elf the musical is heading to the Boch Center. The story, based on the film starring Will Ferrell, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for elves of any age! Elf will be live on stage at the Boch Center from November 28 to December 10th. Stay tuned to the Red Balloon for exclusive content and offers for Elf the musical at the Boch Center in Boston's historic theater district.

For more information visit:
http://www.bochcenter.org/elf2017

The Color Purple: Boch Center 2017

Read all about the theatrical performances coming to the Boch Center this fall here on The Red Balloon! The first featured is The Color Purple.

Looking forward to all of the theatrical performances coming to the Boch Center this fall...especially The Color Purple at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre! This fall, immerse yourself in The Color Purple, on stage from November 21st through December 3rd in Boston historic theater district.

USA Today raves, "You'll emerge uplifted and wiping tears from your eyes!"

This fall, you are invited to The Color Purple, on stage from November 21st through December 3rd in Boston historic theater district. For an exclusive discount, see below:

Use discount code PURPLE at bochcenter.org/thecolorpurple when purchasing tickets for an exclusive 25% off discount on select performances.


For more information visit:
https://www.facebook.com/bochcenter/

EzFoodFest

This year's EzFoodFest invaded the Lawn on D bringing with it the best from all over Boston and the 'burbs. Whether you order food for meetings, sales, or special events, EzCater has you covered. The event showcased a wide variety of cuisines including:

Andres Cafe
Anna's Taqueria
Avellino’s Restaurant
Beta Burger
boloco
Boston Catering & Events
EvyTea
Hearth Pizzeria
Kitchen Millie
Lanta Asian Cuisine
P.F. Chang's
Phinix Mediterranean
Sa Pa Vietnamese Kitchen
Spinelli’s Catering
Trio Cafe

In addition to great tastes, the event also featured a signature cocktail shown below.

Cheers to Fall in Boston!

Diner en Blanc: Boston

Interested in joining this year's top-secret Diner en Blanc Boston?

What began nearly 30 years ago in Paris by Francois Pasquier and a group of close friends has grown to a gathering of thousands which takes place across six continents.

It is not until the last second that the meeting location is revealed. Thousands join together dressed all in white to meet for what can only be termed "the greatest picnic of all time."

This year's Diner en Blanc Boston stands to be yet another epic event. Today is the last day to order picnic baskets from Bon Me Foods, Captain Marden's Seafoods, and Pennypackers Food Truck, as well as wine.

To register and find more information visit: https://boston.dinerenblanc.com/register

For photos and video from previous year's: https://boston.dinerenblanc.com/media

It may be past Labor Day, but it is not too late to wear your very best white.

Bonne soirée,

The Red Balloon

Perks Convention 2017

The Red Balloon presents an exclusive interview with Alexa Baggio, the Co-founder of the Perks Convention. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming 4th Annual Perks Convention.

• Can you talk about the history behind the Perks Convention?

​Perks started as a simple meet up group for like minded businesses.  We had the founders of New England-based in-office service providers coming together on a regular basis to share strategy, make introductions to clients, and generally just help each other out.  We were all selling the HR managers at the same offices, so it makes sense to have a network.  The concept grew legs from there when we realized HR teams were looking for an easy way to discover our services without the hassle of organic discovery.  

The second phase of the organization came in the form of an annual convention that attracts HR managers from innovative offices all around New England.  We originally expected about 75 sign ups and were pleasantly surprised when we saw 600 plus attendees sign up.  

The last phase of the organization will be to continue developing out our online portal for the convention to then live on-line all year round.  

• Now in its fourth year, what can participants expect to be different from past years? What has stayed the same?

​We are excited to be hosting at Hatch Fenway this year.  The layout is amazing and the vibe is exactly what we look for - fun and non-traditional.  We have a ton of new vendors this year, but it will be the same atmosphere of fun music, drinks flowing and ​unforced networking.  We often call ourselves the 'unconference' of the HR world, hoping that attendees will feel more like they are at a party then a professional event. We commit to being #unconventional.  

• Can you give us an idea of what goes on behind-the-scenes of the Perks Convention?

​We are acting as connectors in the B2B services world.  We really feel like it's our duty to connect forward thinking companies with amazing on-site services that range from yoga to on-site haircuts.  Behind the scenes you'll see a lot of introductions happening and a lot of prep work for what tends to be a rather large event with a lot of moving parts. ​

• What are your goals for this year's Perks Convention? What do you hope the convention can accomplish?

​Our goal of the event is always pretty simple.  We want to add value to companies looking to explore ways to enhance culture and we want to help innovative start ups find great clients.  We also want to make sure that everyone has fun in the process. ​

• How do you envision the convention will grow and change in the future?

​We see this growing market over market.  What we are building here in New England can and will be replicating in every major market.  We hope we can spend the next few years developing the road map for a nation-wide expansion of the platform and the convention itself. ​

For more information and for ticket information:

http://www.awesomeemployeeperks.com/

Fall into Fashion: Eileen Fisher

The Red Balloon recently attended an inside look at Eileen Fisher's upcoming fall line.

This sneak peak revealed some new colors, fabrics, and styles. Some exclusive photos from the new line are here:




The Eileen Fisher mantra is that everything follows a system, meaning that everything is meant to be interchangeable in a sense. You are able to mix and match as you see fit. Many of the clothing is from a Italian designer and has a very European feel.



Some of the current fashion forward items in the store:









Here's to falling into fashion!

Taste of Back Bay

Tonight is the night!

The 21st Taste of Back Bay is taking place at the Prudential Skywalk.

Be sure to stay tuned to The Red Balloon for exclusive content that you will only see here!

Man of the Year 2016

The Red Balloon is posting a favorite photo from this past Friday night's Hasty Pudding 50th Man of the Year Celebration: seriously, women everyone are asking, "Who wouldn't want to be that Pudding Pot?"

It was an honor to be part of a tradition with the utmost artistic integrity, including that one part when Joseph Gordon-Levitt took his pants off.

This year Joseph Gordon-Levitt became the 50th Hasty Pudding Man of the Year joining the ranks of Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Walken, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Robert Downey Jr. and Billy Crystal, all of whom have their very own Hasty Pudding Pot. The story of how the Man of the Year title started comes from the very first man of the year, Bob Hope, who contacted the Hasty Pudding Theatre as he knew they had only a Woman of the Year distinction at the time. He told them he had the perfect candidate for Man of the Year: Himself! And so the rest is history. Today the tradition continues as Joseph Gordon-Levitt received his latest title with honor! Here's to the Man of the Year!

Exclusive Review: The Revenant

While here it is:
The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.
The film is based on the true story of Leonardo DiCaprio's character who has a very BAD DAY.
His day goes like this: first he witnesses the death of his son (while being unable to do anything about it) and subsequently he is buried while still Alive. Both of those happen at the hands of: Tom Hardy. Leonardo DiCaprio becomes WAIT FOR IT:

THE REVENANT
Yes, that is an actual word. Though, The Red Balloon initially thought it was made up for the film, the word means: "one that returns after death." Yes, that's right Victor Frankenstein may have learned something from the Revenant (as in, Victor Frankenstein may not have needed that Lazarus fork after all.)

Keep in mind that prior to being buried alive, DiCaprio witnessed his son being burned while alive and his wife and/or love of his life killed in front of him. As if the earlier stuff on said BAD DAY wasn't bad enough.

Both actors, DiCaprio and Hardy, are superb in their portrayal of their real-life counterparts. The film itself is extremely long. As in 2 hours and 36 minutes long. The Red Balloon can't deny that the 2 hours and 31 minutes of graphic scenes are worth watching for the final five minutes of the film. The Revenant has possibly the most epic ending of any movie made all year.

Ending aside, there is a memorable scene involving Leonardo DiCaprio and a stolen horse. And let's not even delve into the scene which can only be dubbed, "DiCaprio versus Bear."

But then again, The Red Balloon, as always does not want to provide any spoilers. Leonardo DiCaprio does partake in what can only be termed the original "farm to table" experience for most of the film. As in, he grabs a fish out of the water and well - eats it - head first. And this continues with many, many more wildlife. The film is dark and at times, it seems to be at such extremes that you almost want them to flash on the screen the words, "This is entirely as it occurred in real-life." But, there have been a few embellishments to the film to say the very least. You can see it for yourself later this month.

The Revenant opens Christmas Day in limited release and January 8th nationwide.