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Free things to do Memorial Day week: Self-defense, museum admission, and burgers

Free things to do Memorial Day week: Self-defense, museum admission, and burgers

Boston Globe25-05-2025
CULTURE, COMPED
This Memorial Day, tickets to enter multiple local cultural favorites will be free. The Museum of Fine Arts invites all Mass. residents to join guides, curators, speakers, and artists for a day of tunes, connections, and interactive activities, including the opportunity to make your own embossed metal sculpture. The Institute of Contemporary Art in the Seaport will also grant free entry for guests who want to explore innovative art with a view.
May 26. MFA, 465 Huntington Ave.
; ICA, 25 Harbor Shore Drive.
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LIFE IS A CABARET
If you're not a fan of the large, rowdy crowds at concerts or festivals, the cabaret may be the musical immersion you've been waiting for. At the Club Café, these live music experiences are a common occurrence, and next Tuesday, the bistro will feature Crystin Gilmore, who also performs in SpeakEasy Stage's play 'Jaja's African Hair Braiding.' The triple-threat actress, singer, and dancer will perform from a repertoire of soulful classics, including tunes by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Billie Holiday.
May 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 209 Columbus Ave.
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SUNSHINE BEATS
If you missed out on tickets to this year's high-demand (and costly) music festivals, no need to fret. The Esplanade Association is teaming up with the Department of Conservation and Recreation once again to host the GroundBeat Concert Series. Local musicians and artists will take the stage at the Hatch Memorial Shell for concerts across three more weeks, including this Wednesday's lineup of world sounds including reggae and Caribbean jazz.
May 28, 6-8 p.m. Charles River Esplanade, Hatch Memorial Shell, Beacon Street and Beaver Place.
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BOP TO
THE TOP
Whether you're graduating this year, in the future, or passed the milestone long ago, there's nothing like watching Disney's 'High School Musical' to evoke toe-tapping nostalgia. At Trident Booksellers & Café, attendees can reminisce on the angst and elation of their school days at the bookstore's free screening night while singing along to those classic hits.
May 29, 7-9 p.m. 338 Newbury St.
Downtown Boston burger joint Big Grin will be giving out free burgers to the first 100 customers this Saturday for National Hamburger Day.
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T
ASTEFUL HOLIDAY
This week, the country celebrates another important holiday: National Hamburger Day. At The Lineup, a downtown restaurant collection, Big Grin, the location's burger joint, will be serving up free burgers to the first 100 customers. Even those who miss the limited giveaway won't walk away hungry — vouchers for free crinkle-cut fries are a welcome concession.
May 31, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 115 Federal St.
EN GARDE
Knowing self-defense techniques can make a difference in a dangerous situation, and the City of Boston and the NAAAP are teaming up to provide a free defensive action and de-escalation workshop. Verbal, nonverbal, and physical skills will be taught by Nic Emmons, owner of Waltham's On Point Krav Maga martial arts school.
May 31,
noon-2 p.m. 161 Harvard Ave #13b, Allston.
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LOVELY MEETINGS
Cambridge's romance bookstore, Lovestruck Books, will be hosting an event with five writers, giving local bookworms the chance to meet their favorite authors — or maybe fall in love with new ones. In attendance will be Aashna Avachat, YA author and Harvard alum; indie writer Caroline Frank; purveyor of gothic stories Cat Scully; Elle Thrasher, a romantasy writer; and self-proclaimed 'Kitchen Witch' Dawn Aurora Hunt.
May 31, 3-5 p.m. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge.
The annual Beacon Hill Art Walk will fill the historic neighborhood with art this Sunday, June 1.
Handout
ART WALK
The first day of June means more than just the steady approach of summer. Next Sunday, the Beacon Hill neighborhood will inaugurate the new month with free art demonstrations, including outdoor galleries, live music ranging from folk to classical, and displays of various styles and mediums. These displays will be scattered across the Hill, with starting points at 135½ Charles St. and the corner of Cambridge and West Cedar streets.
June 1,
noon-6 p.m. Beacon Hill.
Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to
.
Marianna Orozco can be reached at
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'Little House' Carter Family Actors Talk Final Season
'Little House' Carter Family Actors Talk Final Season

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'Little House' Carter Family Actors Talk Final Season

It's been over five decades since Little House on the Prairie first graced television screens, and the beloved drama still inspires generations. While fans usually associate the iconic little house with the Ingalls family, Season 9 introduced the Carters: Sarah, John, Jeb, and Jason. Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Little House, I sat down with Stan Ivar and Pamela Roylance — who played John and Sarah Carter — to talk about stepping into television history, favorite behind-the-scenes memories, and reuniting for the play Love Letters. BuzzFeed: You both entered the show in Season 9, when the Carter family moved into the Ingalls' house. What was that first day on set like, starting as new characters on an established show? Stan Ivar: Our first day was in Simi Valley, on location right in front of the little house. It was a scene with Pam and me facing each other, and then Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert standing right alongside us. The four of us were standing in a tight circle, and it was when Charles was turning the house over to the Carter family. We're doing our lines, and I'm just not getting them out right; I keep flubbing them. Michael was directing, and he said, "Let's cut. Stan, why don't we go out behind the little house?" So we did, just he and I, out of earshot of everybody else, and he asked me, "What's wrong?" I said, "I'm just nervous. I mean, I'm here with Little Joe from Bonanza, and Half-Pint!" He said, "Look, don't worry. I'll make you a promise. I'll never let you look bad. So leave it up to me, and don't you worry about it. You just do what you do, and I'll tell you if I don't like it, okay?" He took the pressure off me completely. He was a great guy that way, and then we filmed the scene, and it was fine. You know, Michael was from New Jersey, and I'm from Brooklyn. Every now and then, my New York accent would come back. Sometimes when he was directing, and I had just filmed a scene, he would walk up behind me and whisper (in New York accent),"I hear New York!" Pamela Roylance: That first day was really beautiful because it was the four of us, and the whole cast and crew were very gracious and accepting of the new actors. For me, Little House was a dream come true. It was one of the shows that I wanted to do when I left my teaching job in Portland, Oregon. I remember standing in the little house and looking up at the loft for the first time. I was thinking, "I am the only woman on this entire planet who gets to be in these boots, in this prairie dress, and have this be my home for however long it lasts." I love Season 9. I love the edginess of it. We entered an iconic show with the gift of being series regulars. We got to live in the little house and be best friends with Laura and Almanzo. Michael really set it up so the audience would accept us. He gave us two adorable boys who were irresistible. He brought in Shannen Doherty to play Almanzo's niece. Michael put us in a position of being able to be utilized almost every episode that season. It didn't occur to me that people might not like us. It wasn't until recently, meeting fans and doing autograph signings, that I discovered not everybody liked the Carter family. I understand where they are coming from — as a fan, I wouldn't have liked seeing my favorite characters leave either. But I was so happy to be a part of it. The Carters had a few run-ins with my personal favorite character, Mrs. Oleson. Can you share what it was like working with Katherine MacGregor? Stan: Katherine was special. The first day I worked with her, it was on the soundstage, and I was in my dressing room getting ready. All of a sudden, there was a little knock on the door. She didn't wait for anybody to open it; she opened it herself. She peeked in, looked at me, and said, "So you're the new stud in town!" She was generous in a lot of ways. I'd never done a TV show before, but I had worked on stage and in some commercials. I remember our first scene was with Billy Barty [the episode "Little Lou"]. We had a scene together outside the Oleson's store. We were standing around, and during the filming, she looked at me. In the script, she didn't need to look at my character at that time. When it was all over, she said, "Do you know why I looked at you? I looked at you because then the camera has to come to you." She was a pistol, but she was fun to work with, a really, really great gal. Pamela: She was so intelligent and articulate. It was wonderful to just sit and visit with her off-camera when we weren't working. We enjoyed talking about the old days, talking about her husband, and talking about the actors that she had worked with. I remember when we did the scene in the newspaper office. She brought such wonderful energy. As Sarah Carter, you couldn't help but be intimidated by Harriet — you couldn't help but do a better job because of the talent she brought. Katherine and Richard [who portrayed Nels] would give gifts as Nels and Harriet at Christmas time. I still have the 'Nels and Harriet' platter that they gave me, and it's just lovely. I also remember driving in the lot one evening, and Katherine saw me leaving. She saw me in my Nissan Sentra, and she said, "Oh, we'll get you in a Mercedes in no time!" (Pamela laughs) She was kind-hearted, and I saw her years later and just really enjoyed laughing with her. She could seem scary as Harriet Oleson, and like you said, Stan, she was a pistol, but there was this heart under there that was easy to access. There were some incredible child actors in Season 9. David Friedman and Lindsay Kennedy played Jason and Jeb Carter, and Shannen Doherty portrayed Jenny Wilder. What was it like working with them? Pamela: Those three kids were amazing. I didn't get to work with Shannen as much as I did with the boys, but they all really seemed to enjoy each other and get along. It was amazing having the little Carter family, especially for me, the only female around these three male energies. They were hysterically funny and always cracking jokes. Stan had those boys laughing all the time. I don't ever remember us having a difficult time together; it was a joy to be there. I remember doing the scene in "The Last Summer" where I go up to the loft, and Jason is exhausted after working for Ruthy [portrayed by Vera Miles]. In the scene, I reached out and touched his cheek. I just remember the love I felt and how special it was to have that moment with him. It was such genuine love from Pamela to David, not just Sarah Carter to Jason Carter. Stan: Yeah, definitely. They were great kids, and now they're great men. The scene I really remember was with Lindsay, when John and Jeb talk about swimming. I remember when I read the script at home, I said, "My gosh, I hope I don't have to go in the water and show this kid how to swim!" I graduated from the New York State Maritime College, and I went to sea on container ships before I started acting professionally. Even though I sailed all around, I don't know how to swim! When we did that scene, I knew I was going to get phone calls left and right from classmates of mine from the Academy. (Stan laughs) There were never any rough spots; the four of us fit together as a family. We really enjoyed working together. Shannen was great as well. I didn't work that much with her on Little House, but I did do a Beverly Hills, 90210 episode years later, where I saw Shannen again. Stan, I want to hear your thoughts about the episode "Alden's Dilemma," where John and Almanzo have quite an adventure in California. Stan: It was fun! I enjoyed that episode a lot, because we went to San Francisco. It was the first time in Little House that I had been away from Walnut Grove, so it really was cool. With the bath scene, we got to work with Professor Toru Tanaka [professional wrestler], and it was a fun scene to do. I have a tattoo of an anchor on my left shoulder, so they had to cover it for that scene. We got to work with a lot of extras in the Grange convention that John and Almanzo attended. Pamela, I would love to hear about "The Last Summer," where you got to work with the legendary Vera Miles. That episode always makes me cry! Pamela: It's a beautiful episode. When I discovered I got to have two scenes with Vera Miles, I can't even tell you how honored and excited I was. When I first met her, it was in the dressing room, and she was so sweet. She had watched the episode "Sins of the Fathers" that had just aired, and she said, "You really got me last night." I probably floated 10 feet off the floor! Later, we are filming the scene where Sarah goes to Ruthy and apologizes. I'm sitting on the couch with her, and she reaches out and puts her hand on top of mine. It was so tender and touching. In that moment, I immediately logged that as something I was going to cherish for the rest of my life. We proceed to do the scene, and all of a sudden, [director] Maury Dexter calls cut. He says, "I'm hearing the same voice coming out of both of you. I can't tell the difference between your register and your pitch. Let's pick up the energy." I offered to fix it, and he turns to Vera and says, "No, no, let's let the pro do it!" I was humbled, but in the most beautiful way. Afterwards, Vera sent me the most beautiful card, which I still have. As you open it up, there's this delicate lace, and it's handwritten. It's one of the things I still cherish to this day. Finally, you are both reuniting to star in the play Love Letters, directed by Little House casting director Susan McCray. How has it been to reunite? 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Anthro charges $130 for wide-leg white jeans — Amazon does it for $32
Anthro charges $130 for wide-leg white jeans — Amazon does it for $32

New York Post

time2 days ago

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Anthro charges $130 for wide-leg white jeans — Amazon does it for $32

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The nine most annoying people you'll meet at the beach — and their cabanas, music, and sports equipment
The nine most annoying people you'll meet at the beach — and their cabanas, music, and sports equipment

Boston Globe

time2 days ago

  • Boston Globe

The nine most annoying people you'll meet at the beach — and their cabanas, music, and sports equipment

It's almost enough to make you nostalgic for the days when people complained about the 'When you living your life your way starts to harm the people around you, [you need to rein] it in,' read one particularly popular comment. 'Wake the hell up.' Wake the hell up??? Is this the beach we're talking about — or the Advertisement Maybe I'm misremembering, but at some point wasn't the beach the poster location for, you know, relaxation? Feel the sand between your toes and all that . Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up On some beaches, mainly south of Massachusetts, the tension over the pop-up shade villages has gotten so intense that officials (on the Jersey Shore, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Ocean City, Md.) have laid down 'shade policies' restricting or banning the structures. Related : Alas, not unlike the Lone Star tick, tents and cabanas are multiplying — 'Umbrellas, canopies or sport-brellas Advertisement The SPF 50-rated McMansions are the latest irritant, but hardly the only one. With several weeks of summer remaining, here's a ranking of the nine worst people you'll meet on the sand. No one likes a Smokey the Beach Bum. VINCENT FEURAY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images Smokey the Beach Bum The world is this person's ashtray. This offender not only smokes in nature, but litters butts around his blanket, your blanket, and manages to make paradise feel like a dive bar parking lot at 2 a.m. It's enough to make you wish he would vape. The Seashell Sargent She spends the entire day berating the spouse, the kids, and the kids' friends. People aren't eating enough of the food she spent all morning preparing. Or they're hogging it all. They're spending too much time in the water. Or not enough. After what we've paid for parking! You've unintentionally bought a front-row ticket to the most depressing soap opera on the beach. A seagull with a snack at Crane Beach in 2022. Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff Lord of the Fries The guy on the next towel over gave a gull part of his burger, and now word has gone out in the sky: free food 17 feet southwest of the lifeguard stand. You're in a real-life scene from " Chad from Marketing Spends the entire afternoon on an endless stream of business calls. Yelling about key performance indicators, synergy, and 'touching base' like the beach is a WeWork with a good Zoom background. The Trespasser Stomps across your blanket like it's a public thoroughfare, not noticing as he kicks sand in your hummus, rumples your carefully smoothed set-up, and almost ​runs over the baby with his enormous $500 wagon. Advertisement A crowded at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham last summer. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The Olympian Look, buddy, we're glad you enjoy every land, sea, and sand sport known to man and Amazon Prime. But we're not charmed by the shuttlecocks, footballs, frisbees, and kites coming our way at all times. We came to the beach to let down our guard — not to play goalie. The Close Talker, Beach Edition This family sets up about three inches from your turf, even though there are miles of open beach. Why? They're too lazy to walk even a few minutes (OK, you were, too, but you got here first). They're having so much fun, and have brought so many supplies, that pretty soon their stuff starts to bleed onto your towel, forcing you to spend the afternoon patrolling a border only you are focused on. Two beach-goers played football a respectful distance from others in June of 2020. It's no fun when you're having to dodge stray balls. Blake Nissen for the Boston Globe The Self-Appointed DJ Announces his arrival on the beach with a walk-on song and things only get louder from there. Decides the beach needs his playlist — and it's heavy on electronic dance music. You came to the beach to listen to the birds and the sound of the waves in real life. Now your only move is to put on your noise-canceling headphones and pull up the 'beach sounds' app on your phone. The Land Grabber She hits the beach at 5:30 a.m., sets up her multiple cabanas and chairs in a primo spot, then — her turf claimed — heads home. The villa sits empty until 11 a.m. when she strolls back to claim her oceanfront view. If you don't like it, tough. The lifeguard is her nephew. Advertisement The Universe OK, not technically a person, but rather everyone and everything that has conspired to put you in a bad mood before you even got to the beach. Traffic that turns a one-hour trip into a three-hour ordeal, with the arrival time ticking ever upward. Nonresident parking fees that have hit $45 on weekends in Gloucester, and, oh, And worst of all: The beach isn't always as perfect as you'd hoped — but even so, it's what you'll pine for come winter. Beth Teitell can be reached at

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