
A major country star stepped in to help buy a space for a Jack Kerouac center in Lowell
Advertisement
After Sylvia Cunha, head of marketing and business development for the Kerouac Estate, posted about plans for the center being put on hold, Bryan reached out.
Get Starting Point
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
'How can I help?' he wrote.
27zachbryan FOXBOROUGH, MA - 6/26/2024. Zach Bryan performs during his concert at Gillette Stadium. Kayla Bartkowski For The Boston Globe 27zachbryan
Kayla Bartkowski For The Boston
Today, the Kerouac Estate is announcing Bryan's purchase of the church for an undisclosed sum from TMI Property Management and Development, which bought the building from the Archdiocese of Boston in 2006.
Kerouac grew up near the Byzantine Romanesque Revival-style church, where he served as an altar boy. When he died in 1969, his funeral Mass took place at the church.
Earlier this week, Bryan
Advertisement
Bryan, a former active member of the US Navy who was born and raised in Oklahoma, has been on a dizzying trajectory. He released his self-produced debut album, 'DeAnn,' named for his late mother, in 2019. In 2022 his triple album 'American Heartbreak' marked his major-label debut. Last summer,
Bryan opened his self-titled 2023 album with a spoken-word piece that sounded like Kerouac incarnate: 'I'd say I've seen some beautiful days, I've walked countless coastlines, awoken on mountaintops.'
'He's 29,' Cunha said of Bryan, 'but he's an old soul. Kerouac is part of the reason he got into songwriting, he told me.'
Bryan's commitment to Kerouac's legacy should go a long way toward ensuring that younger generations engage with the writer's work, said Jim Sampas, the estate's literary executor.
'I think what's really important about both these artists is the genuineness,' Sampas said. 'In the same way that Jack Kerouac's 'spontaneous prose' touched so many people — he's probably the most influential writer ever for musicians and artists — if you listen to Zach's music, it's so heartfelt and true.'
In 2023, Sampas and Cunha co-edited a collection of Kerouac quotes titled 'Truth and Beautiful Meaningful Lies,' part of the estate's ongoing efforts to sustain the writer's legacy.
'We're hoping that more people will discover Jack,' said Cunha. 'That's the whole point.'
Bryan's investment in the proposed Jack Kerouac Center, Cunha said, makes his admiration for Kerouac official: 'Now they're intertwined forever.'
Advertisement
James Sullivan can be reached at
.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Looking for a unique way to style flowers? Martha Stewart and Meghan Markle's vase alternatives will make you rethink conventional vessels
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. There's never a bad time to dress your entryway with flowers, but if there's ever a particularly good time, it's summer. It goes without saying that the upcoming season offers every excuse to fill your rooms with beautiful blooms, but for 2025, I wanted to take things further than a conventional glass vase. This is where Meghan Markle and Martha Stewart's inspiration comes into play. A unifying thread between Meghan and Martha is their unique alternatives to vases. Starting with Meghan. She recently shared footage of her flower arrangement from her Montecito home, in which she styles roses in a cream urn, typically a vessel that's used for much larger flower arrangements. It's undeniably unique; however, it's not the first time I've seen a unique vase alternative this week. Only a few days ago, the celebrity style team also covered how Martha Stewart uses footed compote bowls as a substitute for a classic flower vase, and I couldn't help but notice the similarities between her choice and Meghan's urn, despite Martha's footage dating back through the decades. This planter offers durability and style for your entryway, living room, or outside on your patio. It's perfectly sized for presenting your favorite plants and flowers in a modern and stylish manner. Was $84, now $73.99 at Wayfair Nothing says chic like a glass compote bowl, and this sturdy, Roman-style one meets the mark. From $19.99 on Amazon Give your flower arrangement a luxe vessel with this gold compote bowl, featuring a dainty stem and scalloped edges. From $26.99 on Amazon Despite seeing Meghan's and Martha's vase alternatives in the same week, the latter is certainly nothing new. Martha Stewart first showed off her footed compote arrangement over three decades ago, but the lessons remain just as inspiring in 2025. 'This is a footed compote really meant for candy or fruit, and just take the covers off,' she says in the footage. I have a pair of these and I'm really very fond of them for flower arranging. They stand up off the table and they're pretty.' Martha also shared a tip to ensure your footed compote bowls remain fit for purpose after you get rid of your blooms. 'Protect your containers with a little bit of plastic. If this were silver, the frogs might scratch it, and if it's glass too, a little bit of rust might be left in the bottom of the bowl,' she demonstrates. 'I'm going to use this large spring frog placed right on top of that plastic.' Is this the summer of unconventional vases? With examples from Meghan and Martha to follow, I'm unlikely to go back to a regular flower vessel for the rest of the season.


Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Washington Post
How to spruce up your outfit with a hat
Arts & Entertainments Wearing hats can be fun. (Trust me.) June 8, 2025 | 1:30 PM GMT Hats can be intimidating. Washington Post fashion critic Rachel Tashjian offers helpful ways to introduce them into your daily life.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Fjcrew-double-discount-summer-sale-tout-8cd911cf775e4a59ab283eca306dab44.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Travel + Leisure
17 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
J.Crew's Double Discount Sale Has Black Friday-level Deals Up to 85% Off—Shop the 35 Best Finds From $18
Over the years, has firmly positioned itself as a one-stop shop for effortless, refined wardrobe staples. So, when it comes time to refresh your closet ahead of a summer of travel, you know just where to turn. The retailer is taking things a step further this season, hosting a secret double discount sale on already marked down pieces, and we've even spotted price cuts up to 85 percent off with the code SHOPSALE at checkout. Since these deals are guaranteed to go fast, we browsed virtual racks to uncover the 35 best extra-discounted items that are well-made, perfect for travel, and endlessly stylish. From flowy maxi dresses to travel-ready bags, these are the best picks for upgrading your summer style, starting at just $18. preppy, timeless wardrobe essentials are the dreamiest additions to your summer packing list, and so many eye-catching styles are now majorly discounted thanks to the latest secret sale. Since the ever-rising temperatures can be tricky to dress for, take this as a sign to snag the breathable Off-the-shoulder Slip Dress while it's almost $150 off—it's the perfect piece to dress up or down throughout your trip, and it's even top-rated on the site. And if you've been on the lookout for a stylish and sensible purse for your adventures, you can't go wrong with the Cadiz Hand-knotted Rope Tote now that it's on sale for $57. Amelia Popover Shirtdress, $29 with code SHOPSALE (originally $148) (originally $148) New Gwyneth Skirt, $18 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Drapey Jacquard-print Shirt, $21 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Off-the-shoulder Slip Dress, $31 with code SHOPSALE (originally $178) (originally $178) Short-sleeve Corded Terry Camp-collar Shirt, $42 with code SHOPSALE (originally $110) (originally $110) Slim Long-sleeve Vintage-wash Cotton Pocket T-shirt, $21 with code SHOPSALE (originally $55) (originally $55) Tassel Mule Leather Loafers, $65 with code SHOPSALE (originally $198) (originally $198) Georgina Sandals in Canvas and Leather, $94 with code SHOPSALE (originally $148) (originally $148) Cadiz Hand-knotted Rope Tote, $57 with code SHOPSALE (originally $90) (originally $90) Berkeley Overnight Tote, $180 (originally $348) Breathable tops, effortless skirts, and elevated basics have all received major markdowns at for the summer, making it easier than ever to check off everything on your shopping list in one fell swoop. At just $18, the elegant New Gwyneth Skirt is undoubtedly the best deal we've spotted while it's 85 percent off with the code SHOPSALE at checkout. Pair it with the newly-$49 Ruffle-trim Camisole, and you're ready for a night out on the town. However, if you're preparing for an upcoming beach vacation, it's the flattering Gemma Ruched Bandeau Cutout One-piece you'll want to add to your cart—it's almost $80 off and can even be styled as a sleek top when worn beneath a pair of lightweight pants. Cabana Top in Striped Linen, $42 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Premium Rib Side-button Top in Stripe, $32 with code SHOPSALE (originally $70) (originally $70) Mariner Jersey Relaxed Boatneck T-shirt in Stripe, $28 with code SHOPSALE (originally $80) (originally $80) New Gwyneth Skirt, $18 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Gemma Ruched Bandeau Cutout One-piece, $50 with code SHOPSALE (originally $128) (originally $128) Drapey Jacquard-print Shirt, $21 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Wide-leg Pants in Stretch Ponte, $33 with code SHOPSALE (originally $90) (originally $90) Ciel Cotton Poplin Top, $21 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Crinkled Gathered-waist Skirt, $29 with code SHOPSALE (originally $138) (originally $138) Ruffle-trim Camisole, $49 with code SHOPSALE (originally $90) While has an impressive selection of vacation clothes at the ready, it's the dress section that really shines, with prices starting as low as $25 in the form of the stunning Bubble-hem Mixy Dress. For casual poolside wear, the Swingy Tie-back Beach Dress is a top-notch pick at $41, while the Gathered Popover Dress is another standout at $53. And if you need fresh picks for fancy dinners or sightseeing days, rest assured, the Gathered Waist Mixy Dress can do it all—and at $50, you may even be tempted to grab it in multiple colors. Bubble-hem Mixy Dress, $25 with code SHOPSALE (originally $118) (originally $118) Swingy Tie-back Beach Dress, $41 with code SHOPSALE (originally $128) (originally $128) Squareneck Midi Dress, $84 with code SHOPSALE (originally $148) (originally $148) Gathered Popover Dress, $53 with code SHOPSALE (originally $168) (originally $168) Airy Gauzy Babydoll Dress, $30 with code SHOPSALE (originally $98) (originally $98) Gathered Waist Mixy Dress, $50 with code SHOPSALE (originally $158) (originally $158) Off-the-shoulder Slip Dress, $31 with code SHOPSALE (originally $178) (originally $178) Amelia Popover Shirtdress, $29 with code SHOPSALE (originally $148) (originally $148) Soft Shine Slip Dress, $44 with code SHOPSALE (originally $98) (originally $98) Seamed Denim Mini Dress, $63 with code SHOPSALE (originally $168) Men's summer clothing is already going fast, but still has some unbeatable deals on packable, lightweight essentials left that you'll be happy to have in your closet. The Performance Polo Shirt with Coolmax Technology is a prime example of a stylish, heat-friendly shirt that's now double discounted to a mere $18, and the vibrant Short-sleeve Corded Terry Camp-collar Shirt is another top selection that's on sale for $68 off. Plus, if you need a new addition to your collection of basics, the Druthers Organix Cotton T-shirt is a top pick at $34 that comes in seven neutral colors—just don't wait too long to shop since it's selling out quickly. stylish summer sneakers, sandals, and slides are already running low on stock, but we managed to uncover several under-the-radar picks you'll be happy to get your hands on before they too sell out. Now available for $76 in a bold leopard print, the Rec Sneakers are the best option for sightseeing and long days on your feet, not to mention they're probably unlike anything else in your wardrobe at the moment. At $94, the Georgina Sandals in Canvas and Leather are also a great selection no matter what's on the agenda during your travels, and they've even earned an impressive 4.2-star average rating from happy shoppers. Among the droves of beautiful apparel and footwear deals on sale at right now, a secret selection of bags is also marked down and ready to be added to your packing list for the summer months. The double-discounted Cadiz Hand-knotted Rope Tote is a unique pick that will stand out during beach and city trips alike, and at $57, it's practically a steal. Plus, we even spotted the Berkeley Overnight Tote on sale for $180, and there's no denying this high-quality, spacious duffel is the ideal selection for a long weekend away. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.