The Buzz | Fall 2012

Fall 2012

JOHN BATTAGLINO HE’S YOUR KIND OF GUY

CAMPUS TROLLEY

BU’S ORIGINAL FOOD TRUCK

FALL’S GREATEST HITS

EXCLUSIVE

BOSTON MUSIC GUIDE

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PLACES TO SATISFY YOUR MIDNIGHT MUNCHIES

AUTUMN FASHION AT ITS FINEST

A NEW ANGLE ON BOSTON HOT SPOTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Gattenio Creative Director/Art Director Maggie Price CAMPUS NEWS

Head Campus News Editor Francesca Barbato Writers Mariah Fosnight, Zoe Gillespie, Nicole Leonard, Sarah Sassen ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Head Arts & Entertainment Editor Hannah Franke Writers Hannah Franke, Zoe Gillespie, Nicole Lenard, Kortney Mcpherson, Jonathon Talit FASHION

Head Fashion Editor Lauren Kaufman Assistant Fashion Editor Kelsey Mulvey Writers Virginia Ashe, Yasmeen Gharnit, Bridget Jarecki, Stephanie Kubota, Julie Ritz Credit Assistant Yasmeen Gharnit Stylist Kelsey Mulvey Stylist Assistant Virginia Ashe Models Julia Budde, Jonathan Corson CITY GUIDE

Head City Guide Editor Ashley Rossi Writers Gabrielle Fuller-Lafreniere, Christina Janasky, Julianne Lee, Gabrielle Miller, Allie Orlando, Andrew Wasserstein MUSIC

Head Music Editor Jessica Leach Writers Zachary Correia, Belen Cusi, Danica Daniels, Isaac Flores, Danielle Hibbard, Jessica Leach, Julianne Lee, Jenna Reyes, Annelise Scheck FOOD

Head Food Editor Allison Milam Writers Shelby Carignan, Chris Galantich, Alyssa Langer, Allison Milam, Sophie Miller COPY EDITING

Head Copy Editor Lisa Kashinsky Assistant Head Copy Editor Irene Berman-Vaporis Copy Editors Christine DeLuna, Sarah Epstein, Yasmin Gentry, Kelsey Hopper, Annika Klemperer, Lisa Malykhina, Gabrielle Miller, Kacie Rioux, Sonia Su LAYOUT

Head of Layout Travis Brace Senior Designer Maggie Price Layout Designers Ari Elefterin, Katharina Funder, Grace Galloway, Carol Liao, Julie Ostrow, Joanna Rugani, Courtney Schwabe, Anna Snell, Sarah Webb, Brendan Yekutiel PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography Director Rebecca Shinners Assistant Photography Director Alex Barz Photographers Pierce Abernathy, Or Ashkenazi, Alex Barz, Miranda Ciarrocchi, Anabelle Dwyer, Sarah Epstein, Kate Hohenstein, Natalie Landau, Nailya Maxyutova, Alexandra Raman, Rebecca Shinners, Arielle Shuter PUBLIC RELATIONS

PR Director Yera Ha PR Assistants Colin Brophy, Kaylee Coughlin, Lydia Dejene, Georgia Dueck, Marie Andrea Goldstein, Sam Howe, Christina Janansky, Caroline Lushbough, Denis Mahon, Sarah Sassen, Joshua Tammaro, Andrew Wasserstein ADVERTISING

Advertising Director Haejee Park Advertising Assistant Landon Beamer Human Resources Lisa Kashinsky

Letter From the Editor Hello Buzz lovers!

It’s crazy, but yet again we are at the end of another semester; it feels like it has flown by.

As you may be noticing, The Buzz has some major changes accompanying this issue. After a lot of thought and collaboration, I am proud to announce that The Buzz is going digital.

With that being said, please stay with us as we go through this huge change—there are bound to be kinks that need to be worked out, and the staff is working tirelessly to make our new online platform as amazing as the print version has become. We are planning a solid re-launch of the new and improved digital Buzz at the beginning of next semester, so stay tuned for details!

As for another big change coming next semester, you will be hearing from a new voice leading The Buzz team starting with the next issue. With my graduation right around the corner, I am both sad and excited to turn The Buzz over to the next generation of leadership who I’m sure will bring even bigger and better things. This has been an amazing experience and I want to thank all of you for reading and supporting The Buzz, as well as the beyond talented staff members that I’ve had the pleasure of working with the past four years. The amount of talent, professionalism and passion I’ve seen from staffers in all sections of the magazine is truly inspiring.

On to this issue, Fall 2012, our seventh issue. It is full of the great stories you have come to expect, from a tour of a BU alum’s art gallery, to a spotlight on campus celebrity John Battaglino, to an exploration of Boston’s fashion culture—you are in for a great read no matter your particular area of interest. So sit back, relax and enjoy reading the first ever FREE DIGITAL edition of The Buzz.

Saying love and Buzz for the last time, Michelle Editor-In-Chief, The Buzz

The Buzz would also like to apologize to food writer Chris Galantich for the misprint in Issue 6 on his “Manly Cupcakes” article. The story was mistakenly credited to the incorrect writer and should have read “by Chris Galantich.”

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Fall 2012

Sarah Epstein

ON THE COVER 24 30 36 50

60 70

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A New Angle on Boston Hot Spots You’ve never seen the city like this before Campus Trolley BU’s original food truck John Battaglino He’s your kind of guy Fall’s Greatest Hits Autumn fashion at its finest B oston Music Guide From funk to flamenco—your guide to bands and music venues M idnight Munchies Where to feast when the sun goes down

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50 42

Christine Chen

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CITY GUIDE

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6 Go the Mile With Boston Public Transportation Creative ways to get around own t 12 Future Boston Alliance Helping Boston grow to its fullest potential 16 N eighborhood Profiles Explore some of Boston’s hidden treasures 81 T he Beehive This South End restaurant more than lives up to its buzz 76 S treet Art Images come to life on the city’s walls

44 48

A dam Adelson Galleries What you can do with a liberal arts degree M ust-See Newbury Galleries From posters to textiles; see it all on Newbury Street B ringing Art to the Kids Student Studio spreads joy to kids of all ages

CAMPUS NEWS 10 78

BU Goes Lax Bro Say goodbye to club lacrosse and hello to D1 Boston University’s Very Own Politians It’s less about party politics and more about getting involved

FASHION 5

D .I.Y. Dip Dye Hippie fashion gets a makeover as tie-dye gets dipped

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Alexandra Raman

Alex Barz

8 32 66 82

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C aster Collection The T-shirt gets a new look B oston Fashion Culture Are we really that unfashionable?

B oston’s Best Secondhand Stores Thrift shopping never seemed so cool T ick of Time Watches to watch out for

FOOD 4

20 68 74

M arciano Commons Gone are the days of cereal in your PJs F ormaggio Kitchen Barbeque comes to Boston I nsta-Food Make your food into art with just one click The Goodness of Guac Four recipes that will make you adore Guacamole

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Alex Barz

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Grace Donnelly

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MUSIC 7 58 82 84

T he Movement of 12 for 12 Three BU students make hipCate Young hop hip again C ollege Radio The beat goes on through student-run radio stations H ometown Mixtape Music for the soul, one town at a time G enre Profiles Inside the K-pop of Psy

Alex Barz

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upfrontFood

Marciano Commons: Gone Are the Days of Cereal in Your PJs

By Alyssa Langer

A

fter living in Shelton Hall for the past two years and eating in that dining hall three times a day every day, I was a die-hard fan of Shelton who mourned the loss of the dining hall and could not imagine eating elsewhere on a regular basis. In addition to being able to just walk downstairs and eat in my pajamas, I appreciated the small atmosphere. I never felt awkward when I ate alone, I typically knew (or at least recognized) everyone there, and the dining hall staff knew me by name (and my daily omelet order). As I watched the new Center for Student Services grow from the ground up all last year, I knew my time eating in Shelton was waning.

When the fall semester began, I was opposed to the new Marciano Commons dining hall in an effort to remain as loyal as possible to the extinct Shelton dining hall. Needless to say, that didn’t last long.

As you walk through the large glass doors, you are instantly swept into the paradise of school dining halls. The large windows allow for natural light to shine into the space from every possible angle. The Fresh Food Company at Marciano Commons (also referred to as the “GS2,” “100 Bay State,” and more) replaced the Myles Standish Hall, Shelton Hall and Towers dining rooms. The new two-story dining hall, which can seat up to 920 students, caters to a wide audience, with separate gluten-free and vegan kitchens. The international station also features a dish from a foreign country at each meal. Marciano Commons also has two tandoor ovens and serves seasoned naan bread, a traditional Indian flatbread, at virtually every meal.

Oh, and did I mention that all the pasta served is freshly made on-site, with a new pasta machine imported from Italy?

“Even though we are a few weeks into school now, it still hasn’t lost its wonder,” said Remy Goodman (COM ’14). “Coming in as a transfer student, I am obsessed with 100 Bay State.

There is so much variety and the food here is one million times better than anything at my old school!”

After entering the building through the new

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Or Ashkenazi

high-tech gates that require students’ finger- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Late Night Kitchen, prints, your gaze immediately turns up to the open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., serves more upscale dazzling chandelier. Students hustle and bustle late-night options, such as crepes and fondue, in from station to table, table to station, all around a restaurant-like environment. you. Meanwhile, the smells at each station waft “Late night is delicious and I love the whole through the air, catching you before you can concept,” Jenner said. “Being able to pay for a move on. ‘sit-down’ meal at school with dining points is “The atmosphere is fantastic,” said Nikki awesome, and the menu variety is great.”

Jenner (SHA ’14). “I think that’s what draws Students have many other praises for Marciano people in. The building is beautiful, and it’s a Commons, including Sophia Fregoso (SAR ’13), really nice space to be in.” who is thrilled by the increase in healthy options.

Although the new dining hall is quite large, it “I’m partial to vegetables, so I’m pleased to is strategically designed in a way that it is broken see so many delicious greens being incorporated down into several smaller rooms, in attempt into pretty much every dish,” she said. “I hapto maintain that smaller dining hall feel that I pened upon one of my new favorite dishes by accident: a salad featuring quinoa on the side of the Exhibition Sauté station.”

Did I mention that all the pasta Some of my own personal favorites include a rich molten chocolate lava cake, pre-made side served is freshly made on-site, salads at the sandwich station and any type of with a new pasta machine ravioli. Overall, I have found that the breakfast pastries, desserts and omelets are much improved imported from Italy? at Marciano Commons, as well. and many others loved so much about Shelton, Yet, despite the glitz of the new dining hall, Towers and Myles. One of the areas even has a students have critiques as well. working fireplace surrounded by booth seating, “My biggest critique about the food would have while another seating area is surrounded by six to be that some of the portions are a bit small, 40-inch televisions. and waiting in line for seconds isn’t usually an “The entire building permeates a relaxing option due to the large amount of traffic,” said aura. But I also love how each area within the Lindsey Perrault (SAR ’15). “During peak meal dining hall has its own personality,” said Kara times the dining hall is a nightmare.”

Siemer, (CAS ’14).

Pat Donahue (ENG ’14) said that while smaller Marciano Commons has also put a big effort portions can be a good thing to help curb overinto going hi-tech. At dining halls in the past, it eating, he found it strange that there was food has been a struggle at times to figure out what is available on two floors. being served at which station, because students “It would make more sense to have one floor standing in line would typically block the signs. with food and another with seating,” he said.

However, at Marciano Commons, the large flat- Similar to my own sentiments, Fregoso admitscreen TVs positioned above each station make ted that while she was wary of the building’s it very clear which dishes are being served at construction disrupting the dynamic typically that meal. Another improvement? Presentation. associated with the old east campus dining halls, The grill station now serves its food in metal she has come around through the semester. containers that are modern and easy to carry.

“I’ve certainly warmed to it and, this might be Also new to 100 Bay State is the Rize Café and a bit of a stretch, but I feel like it creates a sense Bakery and Late Night Kitchen, both located of camaraderie among East Campus residents,” in the basement level. Rize serves pastries, she said. “We are all either commiserating or smoothies, sandwiches and much more from celebrating the change together.”

upfrontFashion

By Yasmeen Gharnit and Julie Ritz

Just as your parents had to retire their beloved Woodstock tie-dye shirts, our generation is getting ready to say goodbye to ombré in favor of a more modern trend.

But, as a famous Englishman wisely wrote, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Dip dye is not altogether new, but rather a fresh take on ombré, the French word for “to shade.” Instead of gradual cover all over an outfit, dip dye provides just a pop of color on either the top or bottom of a garment.

Dries Van Noten, Alexander McQueen and Isabel Marant have all featured dip dye on the runway in the past few seasons. A

decade ago, it made an appearance at alternative music’s most memorable matrimony: Gwen Stefani dip-dyed her Dior wedding gown pink for her wedding ceremony with Gavin Rossdale.

Dip dye didn’t catch on as fast as the Harijuku Lover trend did, but the masses have finally brought dip dye to the streets.

Sure, you can buy dip dye designs by BCBG or Miss-Sixty, but D.I.Y. dip dye allows you to repurpose your old white oxford into a piece so one-of-a-kind that even Susie Bubble would envy.

MATERIALS: Large bucket or glass bowl, one measuring cup, salt, Rit powder dye (in the color of your choice), liquid detergent, one spoon, one clip hanger, rubber gloves and a freshly washed garment of your choice (preferably white).

1. Wet the garment up until the area you want the ink to disperse to and wring out the water.

2. Pour an entire packet of Rit dye, a cup of salt and two quarts of boiling tap water (not two gallons as the dye package instructs) into a large bucket or bowl, and stir until the powder completely dissolves.

3. Pour a tablespoon or two of laundry detergent into the dye mixture.

4. Wipe any dye spots around the bowl (stray dye will ruin the dip dye effect).

5. Hold the garment on a hanger and slowly lower into the dye, making sure it is being submerged evenly.

Continue to lower the garment into the dye as far as you would like the dye to go.

6. Hang the garment and let it sit.

7. After you let it sit for 30 minutes, take a cup of clean water and pour small amounts down the garment into the dyed portion.

8. After two to three hours, remove the shirt from the dye. Wear rubber gloves, and wring out the excess dye from the garment. Do not touch above the dyed portion or the lighter dyed area, as you will leave fingerprints and stray dye that will ruin the organic dip dye effect.

9. Wring out the shirt again. Remain cautious of touching above the dye line.

10. Rinse your rubber gloves in a sink, and wash away all traces of dye.

11. Take the garment to the sink and rinse off all remaining dye.

12. Clean gloves again, and wring out the shirt without touching above the dye line.

13. Rinse and wring out the shirt a few more times, making sure gloves are clean each time, and do not touch above the dye line. Repeat until the water that runs off the garment is clear.

14. Hang the garment upside down and allow it to dry overnight.

Last but not least, sport your new dip-dye apparel around campus. Trust us, everyone will be pretty jealous.

Alexandra Raman

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upfrontCity Guide

GO THE MILE WITH BOSTON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CREATIVE WAYS TO GET AROUND TOWN

BY LISA KASHINSKY Boston teems with fantastic eateries, theatres, shops, and museums tucked away in its 23 neighborhoods.

Linden Street and Cambridge Street. From these bus stops, the ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

From east campus, the 1 bus route is often overlooked. Spanning the length of Massachusetts Avenue from the edge of Harvard Square to Dudley Station in Roxbury, this bus travels directly over the bridge into Cambridge. Just walk to the intersection of Mass. Avenue and Beacon Street and take the bus to arrive at Harvard in about 10 minutes.

Coolidge Corner:

Unfortunately, the paths of MBTA subway lines sometimes limit access to these places. Finding more creative and efficient routes, even when traveling to well-known places, can save people time while exposing them to new sights around the city.

Harvard Square: Harvard Square is a hub of Cambridge student life; an area full of trendy restaurants, fashion and trinket shops cozy cafés and lots of Harvard University paraphernalia. Its diversity makes it a popular destination for students around the city, but it can take nearly an hour to get there from Boston University when using the MBTA Green Line to Red Line route.

Cue the 66 bus route, the most efficient way for anyone in BU’s west campus to get to Harvard. It stops in three convenient Allston locations: the intersections of Commonwealth Avenue and Harvard Avenue; Harvard Avenue and Brighton Avenue; and

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Coolidge Corner is a center of all things trendy and cool in Boston. It’s known in part for the landmark Coolidge Corner Theatre, which plays movies new and old, independent and mainstream. The area also hosts great eateries such as Zaftigs Delicatessen and Paris Creperie as well as the book-lovers haven Brookline Booksmith.

To get here, forget about taking the C branch of the Green Line to the Coolidge Corner stop. Take a walk on the wild side and just walk there.

Many streets lead directly from campus to Coolidge Corner or close by it. Walk straight down Babcock Street from west campus to end up on Harvard Avenue by Italian restaurant Bottega Fiorentina; the walk takes a mere 15 minutes. Also try walking down either Pleasant Street or St. Paul Street and turn right when at Beacon Street, then walk in line with the T until Coolidge Corner.

From Allston, the path is easy: walk straight down Harvard Avenue. This path gives walkers the best flavor of Brookline’s culture, as it includes plenty of Jewish shops, delis, butcheries and even a temple, with Mexican and Asian restaurants dotting the street in between. If the weather is poor, the 66 bus route also runs the length of avenue.

South End: The South End is a bit of a mystery for many BU students. It’s the home of BU’s Medical Campus, the backyard of the Berklee College of Music, and even spills over towards South Station and the edges of Chinatown. But the fusion of all these areas creates a great melting pot of food and entertainment.

Traveling down Mass. Avenue will lead towards the South End, with the heart of the area spanning east from the major avenue to Columbus Avenue and Tremont Street. Here sit restaurants such as Flour Bakery and Café and Food Network-famous Mike’s City Diner, along with the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

All of these attractions are conveniently located on Washington Street in the South End, but with subway lines skirting the neighborhood, getting there can seem quite daunting.

For a free option, take the BU BUS. It stops at 815 and 710 Albany St., both just a few blocks from Washington Street. There’s also the 1 bus route, which has numerous stops along Mass. Avenue in the South End. At the Washington Street at Mass.

Avenue stop, either walk or transfer to the 8, 10 or 170 bus route. Either bus ride to the South End takes only about 15 minutes.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the subway lines of the MBTA constrict access around Boston, but in reality, everything is interconnected. Streets flow into each other all over the city—walking isn’t always the onerous task people make it out to be. Many students only have four years in this wonderful city, so take advantage of the fact that each method of transportation can lead to a new adventure.

upfrontMusic

The

Movement of

By Zack Correia

for

12 12 B oston’s hip-hop scene has always been underwhelming. The heyday of New York City hip-hop saw connections between the genre’s leaders Big L, Jay-Z, Nas and Biggie. Today, young Chicago artists like Chief Keef, King Louie and Lil Reese can all be heard spitting ignorance over an in-your-face Young Chop beat. Yet in Boston, that sense of community has never existed – until now.

have manifested a spirit in the city that will propel Boston hip-hop into the limelight.

Growing this movement, however, took months. In February of 2012, Larew, Lineham and Antonini completely immersed themselves into the local hip-hop scene to mine a resource that had been left relatively untapped. The search required viewing countless YouTube freestyles, listening to mixtapes and attending local showcases. While the sheer For the first time, 12 of Boston’s hottest up-and- amount of material seems daunting, these men went coming rappers are being united under the new in with a clear vision of their ideal participants. movement “12 for 12.” You might expect a veteran rapper, producer, DJ or executive to be at the “We wanted people that were clearly trying to make forefront of this new phenomenon. In reality, it’s something happen for themselves,” explained Larew. three Boston University students: Tim Larew, Blair Lineham and Guillermo Antonini. These hip-hop Essentially, these rappers needed to also be artists fanatics have created the most exciting development with a clear vision of the music they wanted to create. in the Boston hip-hop scene since, well, possibly ever.

“We wanted people that could actually build the Essentially, 12 for 12 has taken the city by storm. scene,” Antonini said.

The saying can be heard at almost every local rap show, shouted out by the Boston fans that want to Once they had decided on the artists, the trio began spread the word. Its name is now attached to most to arrange meetings. They were met with a myriad of of the hip-hop events in the city. But what exactly reactions, from excitement to weariness to indifferis 12 for 12? ence, but commitment from the artists was all they

needed to get the ball rolling.

“It’s a hip-hop movement; it’s a platform,” said Anto- nini, “It’s bringing solidarity to the city.”

The initial goal for the project was to organize a collaborative show with the 12 artists and asThe original idea for 12 for 12 was inspired by XXL semble a mixtape of original music. However, Larew, Magazine’s yearly Freshman List, which recognizes Lineham, and Antonini quickly realized that vision the most promising young artists in hip-hop. But was not the most productive end product of the what first began for these three students as a simple resources they had available. list detailing the best young rappers in Boston has become something that will survive beyond its cre- “We’re trying to expand this outside of Boston, real ators. They haven’t just started a movement; they recognition and traction,” Larew said. “So we need

Nailya Maxyutova

to build the scene up before we can begin to think about the numbers.”

This change of focus grew organically once the trio started working with the artists. According to Lineham once the structure of project became more flexible it grew into something even bigger than before.

“We realized the less structure the better. We never had a discussion where we decided [to change our goals], our priorities changed naturally,” he said.

The lack of concretely defined goal actually helped the 12 for 12 project grow into a movement. Its success won’t be marked by a concert, but by something much more intangible than that.

“We’re still working to grow the community where people have awareness of the brand involved,” Antonini said. “We need to make public statements so people realize we’re not one hit wonders.”

The response in Boston has been astounding to the point that these three students are now major players in the local hip-hop scene.

“People know it is nothing but quality if 12 for 12 is attached to it,” Larew said. “It is definitely an environment you want to be around.”

The movement has attracted heavy hitters in the Boston hip-hop scene with Dutch Rebelle and Moe Pope being on board. It has also created substantial local buzz for artists such as Caliph and Avenue.

Thus, 12 for 12 is bridging the gap from the scene’s past to its present, and will hopefully push both ends of the spectrum into the spotlight.

“When these artists succeed, they’re going to look back and recognize that 12 for 12 helped them build relationships in the city and was where their career started,” Larew said.

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Campus News

Caster Collection

by Zoe Gillespie photography by Arielle Shuter

S

ix large black bins stacked in two rows are labeled with yellow Post-it notes “grey skull mustache,” “guns grey,” “dream catcher white,” “skull black,” and stuck all about the drawers. “Sorry about the mess!” apologizes Lana Caster, a sophomore in Boston University’s College of Communication, “I seriously need a personal assistant.”

Caster’s light brown hair whips over her shoulder as she combs through a cardboard box, draping flashes of light grays along with heathered blacks and whites.

“Aha! Here it is,” she says, grasping a thin t-shirt with a skull graphic on the front and open back cut. “This is the one I was telling you about!”

Caster, a Delray Beach, Fla., native and advertising major, recently created and launched her first line of t-shirts. Her newly founded design company, Caster Collection, is a unique collaboration of hand-drawn images and quality materials sold in limited edition quantities. Caster, the sole artist and designer of Caster Collection, began her company as a plan to decorate her apartment and have some creative fun.

“I started drawing this past summer to have some cool images that I could blow up as posters and post in my apartment, but then I thought it would be cool to put my images on t-shirts instead,” Caster says.

From that moment on, the designer-to-be went on a designing binge and created a dozen or so images for potential clothing items.

“I realized that I didn’t want to purchase graphic tees anymore that I could create on my own, in a more authentic, genuine setting,” she says.

The Caster Collection developed over the course of a few weeks in June and became an incorporated LLC in mid-July while Caster was still in the process of finding the best manufacturer, printer and website developer.

Even as she was putting together what would soon become profitable, Caster says she “had no idea [I] was starting to look into creating my own business.

I have always loved fashion and want to work in the

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fashion world, and so I realized: maybe this could be a profession for me.”

“Googling ‘best manufacturer for t-shirts’ was not as promising as I’d hoped,” she laughs, “and it was Johnny Earle’s advice that really helped me focus in Researching how to produce the first line of Caster on that key part of the development of my brand.

Collection shirts and working through the artistic I always think of him during this process and how process continued through the beginning of Sep- lucky I was to be able to sit down with someone so tember. Caster contacted different companies for successful in the field I am entering.” samples and advice, including popular and trendy companies such as Brandy Melville and Johnny During the first week of September, Caster was Cupcakes. While Brandy Melville is an inspiring joining many other BU students by moving into brand, Caster found that she wanted a higher quality, her off-campus apartment with her two best friends something more limited edition that a controlled and sorority sisters. Amidst the boxes and suitcases, number of people could purchase. kitchenware containers and moving supplies, a

special package arrived at Caster’s doorstop: her “I went through a few manufacturers at first and then first shipment of Caster Collection tees.

I randomly decided to stop by Johnny Cupcakes. I respect their products and wanted to learn more “I decided that I want to keep all of the shirts close about the process they use. By sheer luck or whatever to me and the brand,” she explains of the limited you want to call it, the founder and CEO of Johnny quantities, “so no one design will be printed more Cupcakes, Johnny Earle, was in the store and took than 500 times, making each shirt more than just a 45 minutes out of his day to give me the 4-1-1 on shirt—it’s a work of art. I think it makes what you’re manufacturing t-shirts,” Caster says. wearing more special.”

Earle explained the different options for manufacturers—local versus corporation—and how to make each design unique and desirable.

The Caster Collection is currently in the works and will be launching soon, so most of Caster’s current sales are through word of mouth, marketing through

“I want my shirts to be carried primarily online, on castercollection.com, but at the end of the season I am visiting a store in Miami to discuss carrying my tees,” she says.

Before starting her own line, many of Caster’s friends didn’t even know that she had a passion for art. She said she had never designed shirts before, even for high school sporting games or sorority events.

“It’s so funny because people, my friends, keep contacting me saying ‘Uh, what? You draw?’” she says.

“I guess I just kept my doodles to myself.”

Campus News

her Instagram account, and all run straight out of her apartment.

In late September, Caster released a promotional video featuring her brand new tees, presenting them to the public for the first time.

“My sorority big was my model, her roommate is helping with the PR and another one of my sorority sisters filmed and edited the video—it was so exciting to tap into everyone’s passions and talents and create something together,” she says.

The Caster Collection website is now up and running and Lana continues to sell tees to her friends, their friends, their sisters and their brothers (yes, she has a men’s line as well!).

IT’S HER DREAM CAREER THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO START AT ONLY 19-YEARS-OLD.

The same drive that allowed Caster to finally take initiative in this project is projected through her “Everyone has been extremepersonality, with her infectious laugh and warm, ly supportive,” she says of focused eye contact. her customers. “One of my girlfriends bought more “This company is a huge shock to people and, you than five shirts in one visit know, I finally feel proud and comfortable about —she just loved them all! It it,” she says. was a great moment for me to feel proud of my designs Caster’s pride in her art and creation comes with and then see them that week on campus. That’s what great business responsibility, as she has found I love about my line—it’s so wearable and unique.” through setting up her own website, creating and meeting her own deadlines, and being the sole When asked about a possible second season and proprietor for the entire company. While her fa- continued line, Caster smiles and shrugs: “We’ll see vorite part of the whole development is realizing her how this one goes but yes, I am hoping to release a dreams and making them a reality, Caster discovered second season in January. For now, I’m just enjoying that the process is more complicated than actually the amazing feeling of experiencing this at the right coming up with the funky, cool designs. place and the right time.”

For more information, please visit: Facebook.com/LCasterCollection CasterCollection.com @CasterCollection

“I received great initial guidance, but for the rest I was pretty much on my own. I have dealt with business people who aren’t very truthful, aren’t punctual with the deadlines I have and are just difficult to correspond with,” Caster says. “I tried complaining to my dad and he just said ‘Yeah? Welcome to the real world.’”

But at the end of the day, Caster realizes that her collection represents more than just a college t-shirt line: it’s her dream career that she was able to start at only 19-years-old.

Caster has been able to tap into creative resources by being a student at BU. With dozens of sorority sisters and other students in COM, she has found no shortage of helping hands.

“Being in a college environment where everyone is just starting to feel like they can challenge their true talents makes everyone so eager to test their skills!” she explains.

“It’s so great to get feedback and support from people who just want to be a part of what is growing with the Caster Collection. It is an incredible atmosphere to be surrounded by my classmates and best friends whom I trust.”

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BU goes lax bro: from Club to Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse

by Nicole Leonard photography by Alexandra Raman

Boston University has had men’s lacrosse club teams for over 80 years. Although it’s given hundreds of BU students the opportunity to play with other passionate lacrosse players over the years, the spring 2013 men’s club lacrosse season will be its last.

Yale for the past six years before he accepted the head coach position at BU. Polley’s enthusiasm for lacrosse started when he became a player in high school at a time when the sport was just growing in popularity.

Polley said was needed to build up the program. The coach has kept tabs on players he had previously looked at for the Yale team and has received positive feedback from interested players.

The end of club lacrosse, however, signals the begin- “I started [playing] in 10th grade. It was NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE FIRST TIME ning of BU’s Division I men’s lacrosse team. Starting just starting to get more popular in my STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH in 2014, BU lacrosse players will represent the Terri- area, so I had never seen it until I got to A D1 MEN’S LACROSSE GAME ON ers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s high school. That’s where I first picked Patriot League. The D1 team will play its first NCAA it up,” he said.

NICKERSON FIELD. game in January 2014, and next year will be the first time students will be able to watch a D1 men’s Polley said he went to the first club lacrosse practice “Literally from the minute I got the job, my inbox has lacrosse game on Nickerson Field. to give the “lay of the land” about upcoming tryouts been inundated with candidates, and we kind of just and the expectations the D1 program will have for have to weed out who is number one, academically High school juniors and seniors, as well as transfers its players. He said the team will look for about 35 qualified to get into the university, and then second, and current BU club players, have been scouted as of the best players qualified between a majority of who is a strong enough player to compete at the potential players for the new team. This spring will high school seniors and veteran collegiate players. highest level division,” he said. be the last time all the members of the club lacrosse team play together before competing against each “There are some good young players in the club and While the Patriot League includes highly competiother for spots on the D1 team at fall 2013 tryouts. some good experienced players, so we are certainly tive teams like Colgate University and the reigning going to give the club players every opportunity to national champions Loyola University, Polley said make the team. It will be interesting to see,” he said. the goal for the first season is to get better and Over the summer, the university’s athletic departimprove for the next year. ment hired former Yale University assistant coach In the meantime, Polley and athletic recruiters have Ryan Polley to lead the BU’s men’s lacrosse team. been looking at high school juniors and seniors to fill “It will be challenging to kind of keep that competiThe Philadelphia native was the assistant coach at about 25 spots on the team, which was something tive nature at bay if we do have some tough times

Meet the coach

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Meet the club players BRADLEY SAULN

BU men’s club lacrosse captain Bradley Sauln was one of the first that said how excited the club players are for the opportunity to try out for and possibly compete on a D1 team.

“I’ve definitely noticed an increase in intensity from last year to this year,” he said. “We’re in off-season, and we’ve almost already had fights in practice; kids are going at it, so it’s pretty awesome.”

Rogers, a New Hampshire native, stared playing lacrosse with a friend when he was around 8-yearsold. He continued to play in middle school and then at the Brooks School in North Andover, Mass.

He said the club team is now in the transitional year where the practices are more intense to come as close to a D1 practice as possible, something that has been a negative aspect for players who are not looking to tryout next fall.

The College of Engineering junior and Rochester, “The commitment that it is this year compared to last N.Y. native said there were rumors around February year is much more,” he said. “There are obviously a few players on the team that want to tryout [and] are fine with it. I’m fine “I’VE DEFINITELY NOTICED AN with it, but there are some kids that INCREASE IN INTENSITY FROM LAST are in it for more of the fun aspect.”

YEAR TO THIS YEAR…KIDS ARE GOING AT IT, SO IT’S PRETTY AWESOME” of last year about a D1 team forming at BU. Their coach came to practice one day to officially confirm that there was going to be a team in 2014.

Rogers, who said his best friends are on the club team with him, will focus on what he needs to work on to make the team as a midfielder at the 2013 tryouts and looks forward to the chance of playing D1 lacrosse his last year at BU.

while he has not thought about it too much, playing lacrosse on a D1 team would be a dream come true.

“What I’m doing is just trying to be more vocal and more respected. I’m trying to be more involved, just working out and making myself a better player,” he said.

Campus News

as we play these really strong teams, but the goal is a good opportunity, even though he would only [is] to get better and really start building a founda- have the chance to play on the team for one year. tion to winning nationally competitive programs,” Polley said.

“Back in high school, I wasn’t the best one on the team, but just to say that I played at that [D1] level or had the opportunity to play at that level, that would be cool,” he said.

Wang began playing in seventh grade in his hometown of Lakeville, Minn., after his friends started playing and has “loved it ever since.”

When he first started playing with the BU club team, Wang said he was nervous about the competition level and how it would compare to what he was used to in high school.

“I thought I’d just get my ass kicked here. Everyone was like, ‘Oh East Coast, everyone is so crazy out there,’” he said. “I was nervous, but once I got into the swing of things, I played pretty well.”

Now that he is more comfortable with the level of playing and his teammates, Wang said he worries about how playing a D1 sport would conflict with his already busy schedule, which includes engineering classes and being part of the BU fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha. Wang said he hopes to maintain the friendships with people on the club team now, even if they might not be playing on the same team come next spring.

“My dad is pumped. [My parents] are like, ‘Oh my “I wouldn’t give up one of my friendships with them God, if you make the team, we’re going to come up “I think it’ll be cool if I happen to make the team. just because we’re not playing on the same team to every single game and it’s going to be awesome.’ Right now it’s just something that’s far in the future anymore,” he said. “I think overall as a team, we’ll It’s like, ‘I don’t want you with me that much. I went [that] doesn’t seem reachable, but when and if the always be friends no matter what.” to college for a reason,’” he joked. time comes, it’ll be a pretty cool thing,” he said.

Wang said the team’s goal for this last season is to After getting introduced to the team at SPLASH work hard and go out with a bang. his freshman year, Sauln was made captain in his WILLY WANG sophomore year and returned as captain for a second As one of the younger players on the club team, “Everyone wants to play better, and that’s going to year. The first time he played at BU, however, he College of Engineering sophomore Willy Wang said make us a really good team in the spring. Play the noticed it was very different from when he played best we can and get some wins,” he said. in high school.

“The intensity was definitely different from high school. Even with our club team, we’re still a D1 club team, and everything was just faster. All the kids were so much bigger, and that took a lot of getting used to,” he said.

As a residence advisor who is majoring in biotechnology engineering with a computer technology minor and a concentration in nanotechnology, Sauln said he is worried about what will happen if he does make the team.

“Do I want to sacrifice school for this? I know a lot of my friends at home would definitely kill me if I didn’t take it,” he said.

EMERSON ROGERS Teammate and friend Emerson Rogers will be joining Sauln at tryouts next fall as a senior in the School of Management. Rogers said the D1 tryout 11

City Guide

FUTURE BOSTON ALLIANCE M A K I N G B O S T O N G R E AT A G A I N

by Christina Janansky & Andrew Wasserstein photography by Or Ashkenazi

Boston University students come together from all across parts of the country and globe to live on a common campus along Commonwealth Avenue. In four years, the city becomes an extended campus, an experience to share with 250,000 other students in the Greater Boston area.

Although many college students find comfort in this Boston bubble, the Future Boston Alliance finds something else a problem. Its mission is to take Boston beyond its college campuses and turn it into a vibrant city with culture, economic support and entertainment for young entrepreneurs and professionals.

MEET THE FOUNDERS The Future Boston Alliance came to life after Malia Lazu, the consultant and co-founder of the FBA, was referred to Selkoe by his former chief marketing officer.

“As someone who started my first non-profit when I was a sophomore in college, building organizations and having them have an impact is something that I’ve been doing for my entire career,” Lazu said. “That’s why I think we were able to do it. I really have the experience on how to bring people together and how to build an organization that will actually have buy-in.”

Lazu graduated from Emerson College with an undergraduate degree in political communications and a Masters in public relations. She also completed a two-year fellowship at the Community Innovators lab at MIT and is the founder of MassVOTE, a Boston-based non-profit organization that encourages political participation in Massachusetts.

After graduating, Lazu stayed in Boston until 2003, when she briefly moved to Washington D.C. Shortly thereafter she moved to Brooklyn. Yet, she found she could not stay away from Boston, and returned here a couple of years ago.

“It became my home,” Lazu said. “I couldn’t see another city that I would be interested in moving and starting in all over again.”

Selkoe is no newcomer to Boston either. Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, he built the massive

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street-wear empire Karmaloop and its subsidiary companies. While his creativity may have brought him to the fashion world, his roots lie in public service and community outreach.

Heading south, Selkoe received his undergraduate degree at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., before coming back to Boston. At the same time he began the concept of Karmaloop he was accepted to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he went on to complete a masters in Public Policy in 2005.

“I had no doubt that I’d be successful, but if you get into Harvard, you might as well get the degree, right?” he recalled.

After a short stint working for the Boston Redevelopment Authority post-graduation, Selkoe left to devote full attention to his business. After all of his entrepreneurial success, Selkoe is now taking on another leadership role with the FBA in attempts to promote real change and growth in the city.

“We think there are a lot of good things about Boston. We just want to make it better,” Selkoe said. “There’s not enough support for businesses that are a little riskier and more creative.”

Lazu also sees a lot of potential in Boston.

“We have a really strong economy, a recessionproof economy,” she said. “We have a history that tries to be very open and accepting to different types of people. So I think that all of those things really lend themselves to be a vibrant city.”

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BOSTON’S BUSTS

Selkoe, Lazu and members of the FBA have already taken the first step in identifying the parts of Boston in need of improvement.

One of the largest issues is Boston’s inability to keep creative minds and entrepreneurs in the city.

Major organizations that initially developed in Boston, such as Facebook and Reddit, have since moved to elsewhere. Selkoe said he believes this is due largely to Boston’s uninhabitable environment for young entrepreneurs.

“We lose a lot of good companies, and we have a lot of good ones at stake,” he said. “We want to prevent that from happening.”

Selkoe said he believes that Boston’s government plays a role in this problem. While the governor and the state government have been supportive of the FBA’s efforts, Selkoe said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has been uncooperative in furthering their mission.

According to Selkoe, Menino is an “old school politician” who is making it difficult for businesses to acquire liquor licenses, keep businesses open later, and promote creative entrepreneurs. Despite these setbacks, Selkoe said he does not think it will stop him and the FBA from pushing forward.

“One of the things about Future Boston Alliance that makes us different from other organizations is that we don’t live in fear of the administration and the mayor,” he said.

So far, Selkoe said that thousands of people have contacted the FBA through Twitter, Facebook and email to help further the cause.

“I think the reason why we’ve had such interest in Future Boston Alliance is because I think these issues do exist,” he said. “They exist even if the city says they don’t.”

Selkoe’s background in public policy has opened up his eyes to the true potential that students can harness to improve the city. He wishes that students would get more involved with Boston at large and step outside of the college bubble.

“College kids can vote in the Boston elections,” said Selkoe. “They don’t, but they can if they wanted to.”

For instance, Selkoe explained that in the last election, Menino won with only 15 percent of the city’s registered voters.

“If you get 10,000 college kids to register to vote in Boston, you can elect any mayor you want,” Selkoe said, referring to the 10- to 12,000-vote difference that separated Menino from his opponent in the last election.

BOSTON: A “GLORIFIED CAMPUS

Aside from government’s role in city life, the Similarly, Lazu said she believes the best way FBA believes that Boston has catered to college to change this view among Boston youths is to students—in a bad way. transform the current dynamic of city life.

Boston has the youngest population per capita, “Hopefully it will have college students see Boston which is due largely to the high concentration more than just their college campus but really of college students see it as a community in the area. Due to “OUR GOAL IS ABOUT ECONOMIC where people live—and the underage student DEVELOPMENT AND HAVING THE hopefully they’ll want to population, the city become a part of that CITY GROW AND RETAIN TALENT” community,” she said. neglects the older age groups of Boston. It closes restaurants, bars and Acquiring more liquor licenses for small clubs by 2 a.m. and makes it difficult for small businesses and keeping them open later isn’t just businesses to acquire liquor licenses. about partying and drinking, but rather keeping This, Selkoe said, causes students to view Boston Boston up to par with the standards of many other as just an extended college campus, which he feels major U.S. cities, according to Selkoe. ultimately prevents students from taking Boston “Our goal is about economic development and seriously after graduation. having the city grow and retain talent,” he said.

“College kids don’t want to live on a glorified Yet without these extended late-night hours campus; they want to come to a city,” he said. “So if and liquor licenses, Selkoe said he believes new you graduate and only think of Boston as a college developments will continue to leave Boston for campus, why would you want to stay?” other cities where the talent wants to settle.

KEEPING BUSINESS IN BOSTON In an attempt to prevent small, creative businesses from leaving Boston, the FBA created an “accelerator program,” a three-month process to help new businesses get up on their feet. Out of hundreds of applications, FBA chose 25 with the most potential. From there, it provided these businesses with individual mentors to help them in their fields, gave them classes on how to start businesses, and invited representatives from different financial companies to speak with them.

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“For this piece of the creative economy, we’ve been somewhat weak, and this is a group that wants to live,” Selkoe said about these businesses.

Aside from its attempts to keep talent from leaving the city, the FBA is promoting communication between different entrepreneurs and artists in the area.

Every week the FBA hosts a meeting called ASSEMBLE! at the Emerald Lounge at Revere Hotel. It brings both creative businesses and artists together at one event to encourage collaboration

and networking between them. Events like this, Lazu said, will further the FBA’s mission.

“The reason why we really created Future Boston was so that people could come together and figure out how they wanted to see Boston evolve,” she said.

What that evolutionary path will be is still unclear. However, all that Boston, the FBA, and its founders can do in the meantime is continue to unite the city’s most creative and innovative talents as they wait to see how the future of Boston unfolds.

City Guide

WHAT’S NEW: BOSTON 2012

by Julianne Lee

//FOOD

//SHOPPING

Fort Point Channel Location 12 Farnsworth St. 617.338.4333 Hours: Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sat: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. http://www.flourbakery.com/

30 Channel Center St., at A Street and Mt. Washington 617.423.1100 Hours: Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat - Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FLOUR BAKERY AND CAFÉ

PAPAYGO MEXICAN KITCHEN – TEQUILA BAR

283 Summer St. 617.432.1000 Hours: Mon - Wed: Kitchen 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Bar open until 1 a.m.

Thurs - Sat: Kitchen 11:30 a.m. – 11p.m., Bar open until 1 a.m.

Sun: Kitchen 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Bar open until 11 p.m. http://www.papagayoboston.com/index.html

//MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

MADE IN FORT POINT

THE SINCLAIR

The Sinclair is the newest venue of The Boston Bowery. The live music and restaurant located in Harvard Square plans to host 200 shows annually, making it the perfect place to catch a show and grab a bite to eat, all in one stop.

52 Church St. 617.451.7700 Hours: Sun - Wed: 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Thurs - Sat: 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

BOSTON’S BADDEST BURGER & SANDWICH CO.

Atlantic Wharf Gallery 290 Congress St. Hours: Open daily: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. http://www.fortpointarts.org/ Follow @Fortpointarts

Does the walk back to west campus leave you famished? Be sure to check out Boston’s Baddest Burger & Sandwich Co. food truck located right before CFA on Commonwealth Avenue. Students can grab and go with great burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and cookies.

Hours: Fri: Breakfast and Lunch Mon: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Sat: Lunch and Dinner http://www.bostonsbaddestburger.com Follow @BBBTruck for updates

BOSTON TEA PARTY SHIPS AND MUSEUM

ZAI

306 Congress St. Hours: Mon - Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Museum tours begin every 15 minutes http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/

On the prowl for a budget friendly dinning experience? Zai is the second Japanese sushi and yakitori from the owners of Newbury Street’s Snappy Sushi. With a modernized menu and cool atmosphere, Zai is a great option for dining out.

315 Shawmut Ave. 857.350.4450 Tues - Thurs: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sun: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. http://www.yakitorizai.com

FORT POINT ARTS COMMUNITY INC. GALLERY

MARIO TESTINO: IN YOUR FACE

“Mario Testino: In Your Face,” is a highly anticipated new gallery to arrive at the Museum of Fine Arts from the famous fashion and British royal family photographer. It is Testino’s first exhibition in the United States that will include approximately 125 iconic photographs chosen by Testino that he has taken throughout his career.

465 Huntington Ave. 617.267.9300 Mon - Tues, Sat - Sun: 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Wed - Fri: 10 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.

MADE IN FORT POINT

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by Allie Orlando photography by Natalie Landau With shops, restaurants and beautiful residential areas, the South End is a breath of fresh air from nearby, bustling Back Bay. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the largest Victorian neighborhood, it is both fashionable and friendly. Whether you’re looking for dinner, a drink or a new place to shop, the South End will surprise you.

Delux Café on Chandler Street is unique to the South End. It is a dive bar -– no windows and cheaper drinks – but with a classier tasty menu. Unlike most restaurants found in the area, the most expensive item on Delux’s menu is $13.95. Regular dishes include herb-marinated Berkshire pork chop and spinach and artichoke ravioli; however, there is a special menu that changes daily. If you come to Delux just for a drink and a snack, chips and salsa as well as grilled cheese are all available. The television at the bar that plays Cartoon Network and the walls are completely lined with old album covers, from The Clash to Ray Charles, which add to its uniqueness.

Delux is even already set for Christmas, with lights, tinsel and a mini tree on the bar. Even though it comes across as just a little hole-in-the-wall bar, Delux is packed with loud chatter, plenty to look at, and a good time.

100 Chandler St. 617-338-5558 Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Cash Only Flock, a mother-daughter owned boutique, is nestled in a quaint residential area on Shawmut Avenue.

Unlike some other South End boutiques, Flock sells clothing, jewelry and accessories that appeal to a younger audience, mainly women in their 20s, but they hit an older clientele as well. A giant peace sign-shaped lamp mounted on the wall, bird houses and a bird cage decorating the store, and a carpeted

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area outside the fitting rooms with a boldly printed couch where the owners’ two Labrador basset hound mixes may be found create warmth. Flock takes Boho chic and mixes it with a “whimsical air,” a description used on the store’s website. The merchandise comes from a variety of designers with a similar nature-inspired aesthetic, with some flashier pieces such as a pink sequined dress. When you want to take a break from Newbury or venture, “off the beaten path,” as Assistant Manager Elise Crevier said, Flock is a great place to start.

274 Shawmut Ave. 617-391-0222 www.flockboston.com facebook.com/FlockBostonBoutique Instagram: flock_boston Hours: Tues-Sat 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Literally a hidden gem, Bobby from Boston is located on the secluded Thayer Street. With old tunes and vintage fixtures, the only evidence that it is 2012 is the credit card machine at the front desk. Although composed of mostly men’s clothes, there is a decent section of women’s clothes and accessories. The store is filled with ties and bow ties galore, letterman jackets, suits, stacks of sweaters, flannels, military outfits from what seems like every war, watches, shelves upon shelves of shoes, hats and purses – real vintage treasures, all of which are reasonably priced. Visiting Bobby’s is a free trip to a museum. Bobby Garrett opened this store in 1995, but started treasure hunting in 1973. He prefers pieces from the 1960s and earlier but will happily find items from other periods. Bobby’s from Boston is a must go place for history buffs or anyone looking for some dapper wardrobe options.

19 Thayer St. 617-423-9299 Hours: Tues-Sun 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

City Guide

Fort Point

by Julianne Lee photography by Alex Barz

For many students, South Station is merely a stop on the route to get home via train, bus or T. Remaining in the confines of the train or bus station, many are unaware of the great food, shopping, museums and galleries that lie within short walking distance in the neighborhood known as Fort Point.

gallery opened this year, with its first exhibit, “Play Ball!” that has pieces created by several Fort Point artists to celebrate 100 years of baseball in Boston.

FPAC also provides great shopping opportunities at a local store, Made In Fort Point. Now in a new location at 30 Channel Center, the store both sells and exhibits art created by over 75 FPAC members.

Said to be the next big thing in Boston, the Fort Point neighborhood is a developing community that covers the Fort Point channel and harbor right outside of South Station. The area is often compared to the South Street Seaport district of New York City. Fort Point is also known as one of the largest artist communities in New England, filled with galleries, unique furniture stores, great museums and fun dining options.

In addition to the numerous galleries throughout Fort Point, you can also get a taste of Boston’s history with the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

Located right on the water, the museum and its ships send you right back to 1773 with tour guides dressed in colonial costume and a full interactive history of the event. The hands-on tours begin every 15 minutes and allow you to be a part of the reenactment and dump tea in the harbor just like the colonists. In the area, you can also check out the Boston Fire Museum and the Boston Children’s Museum.

Over 300 artists call Fort Point home, making the Fort Point Arts Community a central element of the neighborhood. As a non-profit group, FPAC helps to build the artists’ community. One of its newest galleries is the Wharf Gallery located in the Atlantic Wharf building on the waterfront. The

When you’re ready for food, Fort Point offers many unique dining experiences, including an abundance of great seafood restaurants located on the water. For

a taste of something different, try a popular Mexican kitchen and tequila bar located on Summer Street.

It has both front and back dining rooms with a bar in the center. The bright paintings that fill its rooms create a great atmosphere.

Fort Point is known as one of the largest artist communities in New England If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, venture over to Flour on Farnsworth Street. Though a bit hidden, it is well worth the search. The bakery and café offers a wide variety of fresh pastries and food prepared in-house. Flour now even offers monthly classes where you can learn how to make their best treats.

Though still growing, you can expect more to come from this area while still taking advantage of the many attractions it currently has to offer. From food to entertainment, the world outside of South Station is a perfect weekend outing to see great local art, learn about Boston’s history and get delicious food.

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Arts&Entertainment

Adam Adelson Galleries

by Hannah Franke photography by Sarah Epstein

A

fter graduating with an undergraduate degree in liberal arts, many are unsure where to begin looking for employment. Boston University 2012 graduate Adam Adelson didn’t have that problem. He used his liberal arts education in arts and architecture and philosophy to embark on an entrepreneurial endeavor to open his own art gallery: Adelson Galleries Boston.

When I entered the opening reception of Adelson’s inaugural exhibition, “Andrew Stevovich: Games and Players,” I was taken aback by the exceptional quality of not only the gallery but also the crowd. Both the young and the old roamed around, dressed in high attire, sipping on wine with brie in hand and appreciating the aesthetic experience made possible by Adelson and Stevovich.

To Adelson, having Stevovich featured in his inaugural exhibition was quite an honor, as he said he has admired Stevovich’s work since he was young.

“More often than not, I felt those emotions [in Stevovich’s work] and his paintings only reflected that emotion in me,” Adelson said.

Stevovich’s paintings depict the daily life of people taking the bus, playing cards, going to a racetrack, dancing, conversing and sipping coffee. Simple enough, right? Yet these paintings become tapestries of life, combing the small actions of day-to-day comings and goings to characterize life itself. His signature use of almond eyes allows figures to cast a veil upon their thoughts, giving each body equal amounts of mystery and the same pictorial importance in any given piece. Stevovich often displays a figure’s hands—another gesturing body part—that can either bare or disclose the emotional state of a being. He captures average movements and catapults them to the significance of a once in a lifetime affair.

As I walked around Adelson Galleries Boston, it was clear that attendees were not only taken aback by the artwork itself but also by the young entrepreneur that had created the aesthetic experience that they were experiencing.

It is quite an accomplishment, and thus, Adelson’s gallery is quickly becoming a significant part of Boston’s premiere art community.

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Arts&Entertainment

What made you decide to open Adelson “Works on Paper” show will feature several artists, Galleries Boston? including Stephen Scott Young and Jacob Collins.

My family is in the art business, so I’ve been sur- In February, we will exhibit Winfred Rembert—an rounded by beautiful art my entire life. Throughout African American artist who tells his amazing life high school and college, I knew that this was a story on tooled leather and ink. profession that I could handle—despite the constant reminder that I received from my father’s friends that “it’s a tough business.”

What was the most challenging aspect I curated an art exhibition, “Nature’s Helmet: The of opening Adelson Galleries Boston?

Human Skull,” my senior year at Boston University. Knowing little about business (and art for that I collaborated with 10 different artists (one of them matter), this undertaking has been frightening and included the artist that I am currently showing) and difficult. Throughout my life, I have been warned displayed their work in the Extension Gallery of about the challenges of going into the art business.

Orchard Skate Shop – 156 Harvard Ave. in Allston. Being the youngest in my field, I feel the daily finanAfter the experience, I was certain that I would cial pressures as well as pressure from dealers who enjoy the art business. As I finished my undergradu- have been in the business longer than I’ve been alive! ate degree in the history of art and architecture at BU and completed my internship at Grogan & Company auction house, I made a decision with the encouragement of my father to open my own gallery. How has the opening of the gallery affected your life thus far?

It has only been one week since the grand opening of Adelson Galleries Boston, yet I feel as if my sister and What types of feedback have you I have accomplished a lot. We have been humbled have received since the opening of by the scale of this project and feel grateful for the the gallery? immense amount of help that we have received by According to the crowd at the opening, most people our parents and piers. I hope that the success of our are pleased to see a new, big gallery in Boston. inaugural opening was a sign of our future endeavors According to my previous boss, Michael Grogan, in the art world. owner of Grogan & Company, “This is just what Boston needs!”

What kinds of art and aesthetic experiences do to you hope to feature in the gallery?

We plan to exhibit fine contemporary and modern art and create an environment that is comfortable and welcoming. Many contemporary galleries, especially abroad, embrace a certain attitude and display artwork that is meant to give the visitors a unique, sometimes shocking experience. For example, I believe Berlin, Germany, is the contemporary art capital of the world; however, when you finally find the gallery that you’ve been looking for, the employees tend to treat you like an inconvenience.

Also, many contemporary galleries aim for a shock value, which often leaves the artwork devoid of meaning or purpose. The artwork that we plan to show will be aesthetically pleasing and have depth in meaning.

How many exhibits per year do you plan on to curate?

Our exhibits will be up for four to eight weeks.

We will have about eight exhibitions per year. The next will open on the first Friday of December. The

For more information: Adelson Galleries Boston 520 Harrison Ave Boston, MA 02118 http://www.adelsongalleriesboston.com 617-832-0633

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Food

FORMAGGIO KITCHEN 20

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GORGEOUS, GOURMET WEEKEND BARBECUE

by Allison Milam photography by Alex Barz

W

hen the icy tundra releases its grip on area code 617, a prodigious, charred grill is rolled onto Huron Avenue.

Here, the crew at Formaggio Kitchen, a Cambridge cheese shop and mecca of all things gourmet, cranks out some of the most authentic barbecue New England has ever seen.

Served sidewalk-style each Saturday, the food draws a line of customers that reaches all the way down the block, with everyone from prim Harvard coeds to dog-walking foodies enduring the long wait. Grillmaster Eric and his crew begin the meat smoking process every Thursday, so that it reaches tender, juicy, falling-apart perfection by the weekend. The ribs are imbued with smoky goodness. The pulled meat sandwiches are tender and sumptuous. As for the sides, they are plentiful and absolutely killer.

Trust us, this grub is legendary and worth the schlep.†21

Food At Formaggio Kitchen, a variety of delicious sights and smells await those who brave the lines.

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Around here, pulled meat is nuzzled within a charred, pillowy bun before being covered with caramelized onions and a ridiculously delicious barbecue sauce. The pulled brisket, pork and spicy chicken are unreal, but tears are shed when the pulled lamb sandwich with garlic and rosemary runs out. Pulled, smoked and scrumptious, the lamb takes the down-home, open-pit concept and thoughtfully shocks it with a gourmet edge. It’s truly the essence of Formaggio barbecue. Get on it, carnivores.

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The ribs are an absolute must-have—they are tender and moist on the inside and charred to a crisp on the outside. Snag a half-rack or go the per-rib route, but don’t forget to snatch a few napkins for your doggy bag.

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Swaddled in foil, it’s the most down-to-business execution of sausage you will ever see. Stuffed into a hollowed, ultra crusty baguette, the Pearl in the Hole is delectably blackened and full of flavor.

Take a breath, take a rip and repeat.

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Chicken has never been so dynamic. Forget the fork and go to town on this roasted and grilled half-bird.

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Barbeque ain’t barbecue without the sides. An apple and raisin studded slaw keeps things fresh while the spicy cornbread is ideal for soaking up the surviving juices and barbecue sauce. The chili-lime corn is roasted and served with queso fresco. Oh, and the baked beans? They’re honeyed and luxurious after being cooked for hours on end.

Food

A GUIDE TO BU SWIRLS Sophie Miller

PINKBERRY It’s as mod as they come and as refreshing as a summertime sprawl on the BU Beach (Oof, doesn’t that sound good right about now?).

Based on South Korean-style froyo, Pinkberry has joined the GSU family and brought its quintessentially topped treat along with it.

Oh, and getting all that swirly goodness with the swipe of your Terrier Card? It’s just too good.

BERRY LINE Oh, Berry Line. How we love you for your silky disposition and ceaselessly surprising flavor lineups. For those of you who insist on sampling every flavor before coming to that life-altering final decision, Berry Line and its lovely swirlers have your back. Hey, sometimes you have to try it before you buy it, right?

MIXX AND ZINGA For the controlling froyo lovers among us, self-swirl shops are the way to go. Thankfully, with these two located in Allston and in Kenmore Square respectively, you can consider your east and west covered.

Formaggio Kitchen, 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge 617-354-4750.

ANGORA Not into pucker-inducing yogurt? Morally against manual mixing?

Turn to Angora for chocolate-and-vanilla treats that come customblended with your favorite fruits, candy and sweets.

J.P. LICKS While J.P. Licks is known as Massachusetts’ premier native ice cream shop, few know it for its frozen yogurt. We’re all about the classic soft swirl, but its hard yogurt is a whole different ballgame. Sink a spoon into sturdy flavors like Oatmeal Cookie, Coffee Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookie.

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City Guide

A New Angle on Boston Hot Spots

by Gabrielle Miller photography by nailya maxyutova

Boston is one of the most historical cities in the country. Politicians, presidents, world leaders, Nobel Prize winners and other extraordinary people found their home here in one of the most beloved places in the country. With numerous landmarks enriched in American history, Boston is a land of must-see natural and cultural exhibits.

One of the most captivating features of every attraction is its physical splendor. This spread is designed to step away from the educational aspect of Boston benchmarks and instead promote the beauty that makes Boston so unique. The pictures might appear unrecognizable at first, but hopefully they will inspire you to develop a deeper appreciation for not only the historical facet of these locations but also the aesthetic facet.

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Fenway from the Green Monster Seats Built in the early 1900s and, to this day, the oldest Major League Baseball stadium in use, Fenway Park is a green monster masterpiece. Home of the Red Sox, Fenway Franks and a chorus of “Sweet Caroline� during the seventh-inning stretch, Fenway is the epitome of Boston pride.

City Guide

Customs Tower The Customs Tower in the Financial District of Boston is one of the city’s tallest buildings, stretching to a whopping 496 feet. Originally built to monitor inspection and registration of cargo at the waterfront, it now is the home to an 87-room Marriott vacation resort.

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City Guide

Louis Boston A high-end clothing store for both men and women, LouisBoston is a definite stop for shoppers in the city. Not only will one find luxurious clothing, but a restaurant with beautiful views of the harbor; this place the full package deal.

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Campus News

CAMPUS TROLLEY:

BU’s Original Food Truck

by Sarah Sassan photography by Miranda Ciarrocchi

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E

very year, Boston University gets a new group of students, faculty and tourists walking up and down Commonwealth Avenue. BU hotspot Campus Trolley is not new to this street; however, the changing community around the trolley is something that the owners still have not gotten used to.

Nadim and Diana Kiwam currently own and operate Campus Trolley. The trolley has been kept within the same Lebanese-American family for the past 24 years. Diana’s brother previously ran the Trolley before handing it over to her and her husband 10 years ago.

Campus Trolley opened its windows in 1988 and began selling traditional Lebanese food at its location on the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Granby Street.

After convincing BU to lease the small space where the trolley still stands, business took off.

Selling food from a trolley was a completely new idea to Boston in the 1980s. The trolley itself has been in the same location for decades, and it is still the original cart from when it opened.

“We were the first non-restaurant food establishment.

Just a few years ago, food trucks became a trend, but we have been here for much longer,” Nadim said. “We are one of the longest food establishments on Comm.

Ave. So many restaurants come and go.”

“

We are one of the longest food establishments on Comm. Ave. So many restaurants come and go.

“

Nadim credits the trolley’s traditional Lebanese food to its success. As the only option for Lebanese food on the BU section of Commonwealth Avenue, Campus Trolley has solidified its customer base by making the same quality food for years.

Despite the increase of food trucks on the street, Nadim said he is not competitor driven because he thinks the other food trucks have menus that taste quite different than his. The menu at the trolley stays the same, unlike some food trucks where the menus fluctuate weekly. Some even combine two types of food to make a unique fusion of tastes.

“Not everyone likes the same food all the time, not even me,” he said.

Nadim also said that Commonwealth Avenue is the perfect location for his business because, “there is always foot traffic and it’s a busy street.”

With the Charles River in the background and rapid pace from the street in front, there is always something new to look at. The amount of students and faculty that crowd the sidewalks during the workday is something that never changes.

Other than fashion trends and the seasons, Nadim said he does not think that BU has evolved very much. Campus Trolley’s customers may come and go but Nadim said his new and old customers are friendly and “from good families,” which he expects will not change.

According to Nadim, the only evolving aspect of his clientele is the growth of campus buildings. With the new lacrosse field under construction in west campus and the newly completed Marciano Commons dining hall on Bay State Road, it seems likely that the university’s development will continue.

The expansion of BU’s campus could be a determining factor in the future existence of Campus Trolley.

Nadim said he is wary but hopeful about the future success of his business.

“We plan to be at this location until we no longer can,” he said.

In reference to the BU parking lot currently behind the trolley’s location, he said, “What happened in Kenmore Square might also happen here, but it is not definite.”

BU has yet to release any plans to convert this parking lot into a new on-campus building. Until that time comes, Nadim said that he is hopeful that he will continue to sell the traditional Lebanese food that has made Campus Trolley famous at Boston University.

“We will just have to wait and see,” he said.

Campus Trolley is located at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Granby Street. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cash only.

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Boston Fash

by Bridget Jarecki photography by Miranda Ciarrochi and Rebeccas Shinners

“Boston is like America’s Bad-Taste Storm Sewer: all the worst fashion ideas from across the country flow there, stagnate, and putrefy.”

JOHN B. THOMPSON, GQ MAGAZINE

T

he writer whipped these semi-satirical accusations at the historical city in July 2011 when he and 18 other GQ writers gathered to aggressively strip 40 United States cities of their fashion dignity. Dodging the insults and brushing off any shame, we set out to analyze what exactly made for such a harsh ridiculing. Were the GQ writers, as brash as they might have been, seeing something we just weren’t seeing?

Is Boston really that badly dressed?

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Fashion

hion Culture Boston is known for two things: its colleges and its sports teams. To an outsider coming in, these “undergraduate hoodie monsters” as Thompson fondly called us college students, may seem like they’re taking over the city. Our sports jerseys, with yellow and black, green and white, and the ever so “tacky” red, white and blue of the New England Patriots surely do not exemplify our youthful figures.

However, our tendency to wear these things originates from one thing: pride! Pride for our city, pride for our academia, pride for our sports teams and pride for our history.

“It’s important for a lot of Bostonians to honor their New England roots, and that loyalty is evident in their day-to-day wardrobe,” said Amelia Eichholz, Boston-based author of Colour-Bloc.com, a style and art blog.

Even so, we’d like to believe that Thompson was clearly not looking in the right places, or that he frankly must suffer from blurred vision. Boston University has students from around the world, many of whom bring an impeccable sense of style and effortless edge. His negligence of this factor leaves us in a state of confusion.

According to Boston blogger Michael Tornato of The Trendy Dwarf, style is an effortless expression of an individual’s inner personality. It can be found in minor details, like the scrunching of a pant leg or the choice between a silk or cotton tie. The question is this: do Bostonians have the confidence to boast their inner personality to the world? Are they, and

we, articulate enough to pinpoint the minor details of an outfit that set them apart?

We think, although with slight hesitation, yes.

It must be recognized that we are bold and we are confident, we just use a different set of raw materials than other cities.

As Tornato stated, “Bostonians stick to classic preppy pieces instead of making bold, crazy fashion statements.” From there we add a twist, like pairing a royal purple capri pant with a fluorescent yellow cardigan and a bold necklace. We’re big fans of prints, polka dots and jacquard stripes. It doesn’t really matter if we’re loud and “crazy,” as long as we’re doing it right. Local Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, for instance, was recently seen in a plush emerald green velvet blazer.

“I really care about my appearance,” he told Boston Common in a recent interview. Rondo reportedly owns 100 pairs of shoes of designer names ranging from Lanvin, Louboutin and John Varvatos. Is that not fashion?

Boston is often compared to its East Coast competitor New York City, but we don’t think we deserve that comparison. The Big Apple’s style is romanticized by television shows like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl, but the reality is that some New Yorkers commit fashion faux pas. After all, who ever said that every New Yorker looked absolutely

Do Bostonians have the confidence to boast their inner personality to the world?

Tori Coyne / BU student

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Fashion

fabulous 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Even GQ writer Sean Fennessey, Thompson’s counterpart in the article, plopped Manhattan amongst the other 40 worst dressed cities in America.

“For every strike of greatness, there is an equal force of evil at work. [There are men] outfitted in tacky black ‘Go Out’ button-downs, embroidered denim and product-inspired conflagrations on their head. These are the men that are sapping one of fashion’s capitals, stride by douchey stride,” Fennessey wrote.

While New York Fashion Week presents the crème de la crème of international designers, Boston’s fashion events focus on local talent like David Chum, Avni Trivedi and Emily Muller, just a few of Tornato’s favorite Boston designers. Our emphasis on local designers is not to say that we’re worse than New York City in the style department, just that we’re walking to the beat of our own drum.

We’re a city bold with confidence and infused with the eagerness to try new things, even if it means making fools out of ourselves. Otherwise,

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how would we ever know if something worked or not? This being said, we know we have a long way to go. Style needs to join Boston’s list of priorities, along with sports, business and academia.

“I think we’re getting there, but I wish people saw our potential,” said Tatiana Cueva, a designer who lived in Boston for seven years and established the beginning of a clothing company.

She also noted that things are changing with the establishment of companies like Karmaloop and Rue La La in Boston. Cueva mentioned that some of the models she has worked with in the past are starting to get legitimate jobs.

“We probably have the smartest models in the world!” she joked.

Thus, we see an evolution coming. Let us hope that one day we’ll not only be recognized for our knowledge, but also for our style and edge. In the meantime, we’d like to say “thank you” to Thompson for shining the light on such a “dire” situation because, after some serious reflection, we have recognized our worth as the City of Boston!

BOSTON & LONDON

by Lauren Kaufman

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

COCO CHANEL Walking down the street in Boston, you may not see what she means, but come to London, and it will all make sense. In Boston, most people wear what is practical, comfortable and accessible. They say it’s because the weather is bad, or because they’re only walking around the block.

It seems that people in Boston dress according to occasion—casual attire for class, a little dressier for the bars.

We’re walking to the beat of our own drum…We’re a city bold with confidence and infused with the eagerness to try new things

In London, people dress for themselves, and they dress for the city. They don’t dress for where they are going. The confines of ‘appropriate’ exists only to define what is considered as decent. A true Londoner gets dressed for the day, not what they are doing during the day. And yet, the weather is just as poor.

While there are exceptions to every rule, the main difference between the street style that I have seen in London and Boston deals with a willingness to stand out and look like an individual.

In London, people dress for themselves, and they dress for the city.

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Campus News

John Battaglino your kind of guy

by Mariah Fosnight photography by Alex Barz

J

ohn Battaglino can’t walk down Commonwealth Avenue without greeting at least 10 students by name.

As the executive director of student activities and assistant dean of students at Boston University, it’s Battaglino’s job to be involved around campus.

However, Battaglino doesn’t just do his job—he lives and breathes it.

“I spend an inordinate amount of time, my wife will tell you, outside at night events,” he said. “I like Terrier athletics; I like going to the games. I like seeing dance groups and student groups performing. I like getting around campus.”

Yet, Battaglino’s investment in the university goes far beyond a dedicated work ethic. His kind heart and deep connections to the university give him an invested interest in all goings-on around campus.

“BU is my home. I live in Shelton Hall. I’ve got three Terriers for children. I’ve got two degrees. This place is my life,” he said.

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Campus News

the family guy Anya Battaglino resembles her father.

“I’m short,” Anya, 20, said. “And that’s his fault. You write that down,” she laughed. “Don’t let him lie. He’ll tell you that he’s 5-foot-9.”

John Battaglino Jr., 51, stands at a lean 5-foot-7 with light hair and striking blue eyes. In every sense, he is a family guy. His role model is his dad, a collegebookstore entrepreneur also named John. His mother was a stay at home mom, who passed up a full ride to BU to take care of her family.

The middle of five children, Battaglino has two older sisters, a younger sister and a younger brother. He has eight nieces and nephews and three children: John III, Brittaney and Anya. John and Brittaney both earned their undergraduate degrees from BU and Anya is currently a junior here. His wife, Jennifer CarterBattaglino, earned a degree from BU and is Shelton Hall’s residence director.

Their family has lived on the eighth floor of Shelton Hall for about six years.

Thus, it comes as no surprise that Battaglino and his family are devoted members of the Terrier Nation.

“We’re a BU family. We’re all Terriers at heart,” Battaglino said.

the funny guy Battaglino has a bit of a tremendous reputation around campus. Anya explains that her father has a reputation for saying “tremendous” followed by a loud clap.

And, she does an impressive impersonation of it. In an exaggerated way, she lowers the tone of her voice to demonstrate.

“Whenever I say tremendous, I’m like: ‘I’m John Battaglino right now.’ That’s definitely his thing,” she said.

Anya also said her father has a great sense of humor. When she and her siblings played video games growing up, he would make up accents for the characters.

“He would get so into it. He would sweat and scream these things. He’s crazy,” she laughed. “When I think about my dad and growing up, I always think about laughing.”

When asked what kind of relationship she had with her dad growing up, Anya took on a serious tone for the first time.

“I could talk and laugh and do whatever with him, like anyone could do with their best friend. But, I could also go to him and cry about something terrible,” she said. “He’s so dependable.”

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Campus News

Although Battaglino told Anya she could go to whatever college she wanted, she ultimately chose BU. She described the experience of having her dad on campus with her in one word: crazy.

Moving into the dorms wasn’t as big of a move for Anya as it was for other students—her coach placed her with her fellow women’s hockey teammates in Shelton Hall.

“I was this little freshman moving into college and half my stuff I moved from upstairs to downstairs, and my dad was just laughing,” she said.

“We’re a BU family.

We’re all Terriers at heart.”

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Campus News

the “old” guy Battaglino graduated from Waltham High School in 1978. While he once dreamed of becoming an astronaut, Battaglino tried a variety of different careers after high school. First, he worked for his dad’s business. Next, he managed a hotel and convention center, and then he managed a restaurant. After that, he went into retail for a few years. Marc Robillard, BU’s executive director of housing, gave Battaglino his first job at the university as the assistant director of housing for residential safety. Battaglino credits Robillard for first encouraging him to return to school.

“I knew how hard it is to get back into school again once you’ve stopped,” Robillard said. “I didn’t want to see John regret not finishing it off. I said, ‘Man, you have got to do this. You have to find the time.’”

Soon after the request, Battaglino started taking classes.

“I met Dean [Kenneth] Elmore and fell in love. I was inspired,” said Battaglino.

“He said, ‘I would like to hire you, but you’ve got to finish your degree and then also get a second one.’ So I did.”

Ultimately, Battaglino earned two degrees from BU. Thirty years after receiving his high school diploma, he earned a degree from Metropolitan College in management studies in 2008, and he received his second degree two years later.

“The 30-year plan is not for everyone,” he laughed. “But it worked for me.”

“No matter how bad his day is, he’s got a on his face. He’d never let anything negat wear off on other people” 40

Campus News

smile tive

the idea guy While balancing both his executive director and assistant dean positions, Battaglino is consistently problem solving. Essentially, he helps provide students with the necessary resources to fulfill a dream or idea that they have. As a result, he spends most of his day hopping from meeting to meeting.

“Most of the meetings now, I spend time with students talking about ideas, concepts, thoughts, programs and initiatives,” he said. “My role is to try to help them bring those ideas and concepts to fruition.”

Ask members of Battaglino’s staff what his favorite quote is and they will tell you, “it’s not ideas we lack; it’s time and money.”

“John’s an idea guy,” Robillard said. “He comes up with a million ideas. Sometimes we have to hold him back and say, ‘John, we can’t do that. It’s a great idea, but it’s not something we can do.’”

Robillard also said that Battaglino is an easy person to work with because he always exudes positive energy.

“No matter how bad his day is, he’s got a smile on his face. He’d never let anything negative wear off on other people,” Robillard said.

the sentimental guy Battaglino said he considers tragedies the most difficult part of his job because tragic events affect everyone.

“He does all he can for the people he cares about. That’s why he works so hard,” Anya said. “He treats everybody at BU like family, and to him, that’s the most important thing.”

When a tragedy occurs at BU, as part of his position, Battaglino must react in a practical way. He has to first deal with the event from the university’s standpoint, and only after can he react personally.

“I take such great pride in the institution, so when people take shots at it, I don’t like it,” he said.

One of these more recent “shots” dealt with how the men’s hockey team has been portrayed in the media recently, something Battaglino has expressed great sorrow over.

“I care about every student. And the ones that mess up, we deal with them. We either tell them they can’t be here anymore, or we get them the help that they need,” he said.

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Campus News

Following the string of hockey incidents early this year, a van crashed in New Zealand in May, taking the lives of three BU students and shocking the entire community.

“You’ve got students doing exactly what you want them to do and going to see the world. They’re studying abroad, which I encourage everyone to do. They are in that experience and trying to see the most beautiful hiking place in the world,” said Battaglino. “You can’t fault anyone for doing any of those things.

In fact, you encourage that. That’s a tragedy.”

Battaglino apologized for his watering eyes and the short silence that followed.

As he collected himself, he answered the end of the next question by saying, “I’m an emotional guy.”

the young guy “My dad is the biggest little kid stuck in an adult’s body,” Anya said. “When I try to think about other jobs he’s had in his life, they just don’t make sense. What he does now is this constant social interaction and constant ability to laugh and talk with anyone, or cook these crazy dinners for these groups of random people. He just cares so much about everyone.”

Robillard called Battaglino’s laughter “contagious” and said his positive energy rubs off on everyone he crosses paths with.

“He’s always positive, positive, positive. Just great to be around,” Robillard said.

Battaglino thrives off that positivity.

“I’m having the time of my life. I truly have found someone that I deeply admire and I love him dearly: Dean Elmore,” he said. “He’s so smart, so charismatic.

And my job is essentially to work for him.”

However, Battaglino already has his next job planned out as a vendor selling hot dogs at a stand in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

“You only live once, folks. Make the most of it. Travel. See everything you can see,” he said. “Have as much fun as you can stand.”

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Campus News

“You only live once, folks. Make the most of it.

Travel. See everything you can see; have as much fun as you can stand.�

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MUST-SEE NEWBURY GALLERIES

by Kortney Mcpherson photography by Natalie Landau

Arts&Entertainment

W

hen we live in a city with so many historic sites to explore, expensive boutiques to peruse and suave bars to discover, it can be overwhelming for undergraduates who are trying to experience all of the cultural opportunities Boston has to offer.

Although Newbury Street is famous for its patio cafés and occasional celebrity sightings, there is another facet that the college generation tends to overlook: the art scene. Though more petite than the well-known Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s smaller galleries are hidden gems scattered throughout Back Bay. Given that there are over 30 galleries on Newbury Street alone, there are collections in Boston to please all types of art enthusiasts.

I spent a rainy afternoon this fall strolling down Newbury Street and exploring galleries. Beginning at the Hynes Convention Center T-stop and making my way gallery by gallery towards the Boston Common, I delved into a treasured art scene and created a list of top-five recommendations that ought to shoot to the top of your Boston bucket list.

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Arts&Entertainment

VOSE GALLERY 238 Newbury St. One of a select few, the Vose Gallery sits on an exclusive real estate location in Boston, holding the entire address of 238 Newbury St. The gallery resonates feelings of intimacy despite its large size due to the authentic familial vibes staff members exude. The gallery focuses on the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, separating and featuring the work accordingly. Fans of impressionist, contemporary and realist art alike can find solace here. www.vosegalleries.com / (617) 536-6176

L’ATTITUDE 211 Newbury St. The color emerging from the second-floor studio at 211 Newbury immediately grabbed—and held—my attention. The gallery is one floor that has contemporary indoor and outdoor style sculptures constructed from a variety of mediums—including wood, glass, ceramics, stone, textiles and mixed media. These whimsical pieces of jewelry, furniture, wall art and textiles demand attention throughout the studio and keep one constantly wondering what lies around the corner. www.lattitudegallery.com / (617) 927-4400

INTERNATIONAL POSTER GALLERY 205 Newbury St. Maintaining a collection of posters that represent a worldwide market is what separates the International Poster Gallery from all others in Back Bay. Posters from all eras in France, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States cover the walls and flood the bins throughout the gallery.

Established by Jim Lapides in 1994, this gallery contributes to his desire “to share passion for one of the most important art forms of the twentieth century with a broader audience.” In addition, posters are a cost-conscious way for college students to decorate apartments and dorm rooms without breaking their banks. www.internationalposter.com / (617) 375-0076

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175 Newbury St. It is incredible what a little glue, glitter and paint can turn into. These art pieces are reminiscent of elementary school arts and crafts (though far more artistic) and make me want to break out my glue gun and construction paper. The featured artists go above and beyond to fulfill the gallery’s mission “to support excellence in crafts by encouraging the creation, collection and conservation of the work of craft artists and by educating and promoting public appreciation of fine craftsmanship.” The Society of Arts and Crafts is unique from any other in the area; it illuminates our closeness to art by the accessibility to create our own. www.societyofcrafts.org / (617) 266-1810

COPLEY SOCIETY OF ART 158 Newbury St. A spacious, comfortable atmosphere radiates from the great glass windows, the Hollywood style staircase and the open floor space of this petite gallery.

Copley Society of Art hosts the art of the society’s members, which range from amateur art students to nationally recognized artists. During my visit, the gallery was thematically divided with colored walls to match the featured exhibitions: red for the Stephanie Danforth photography exhibit and blue for the “Distant Shores” interpretation of the sea painting exhibit. The assortment of these contemporary exhibitions gave me a newfound appreciation for the contemporary art scene. www.copleysociety.org / (617) 536-5049

4 bu.edu/abroad

STUDY & INTERN in

LOS ANGELES

Arts&Entertainment

SOCIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

Arts&Entertainment

Bringing Art to the Kids Students volunteer to teach art to kids through the Boston University Student Studio program

Children in the Greater Boston area are learning how to unleash their artistic creativity thanks to the Boston University Student Studio program.

Student Studio, a small but growing afterschool volunteer program established

by BU’s Community Service Center in 2006, provides art education to children, especially those who do not have artistic outlets elsewhere. Volunteers in the program mentor students from preschool through high school, teaching them how to cultivate artistic skills and ideas.

Program Manager Ashley Worthington has participated in the program for five semesters. She first got involved with Student Studio because she said she thought it looked like fun to work with art and kids.

by Nicole Lenard

“I have a lot of people coming back from last year or who did it freshman year, had to stop, but now are coming back,” she said. “The feedback from the people who have done it before is really good.”

One returnee is CAS sophomore Laura Kakalecz, who returned to volunteer with Student Studio after a positive experience with the program her freshman year.

Last year, Kakalecz volunteered with other BU students and members of the CSC’s science program Wizards to aid preschoolers ages 4 and 5 in a class of about 10 children at the Hayley Elementary School in Roslindale. They would leave campus at around 3:30 p.m. and return around 5:30 p.m.

“The kids that I worked with stayed late until their parents picked them up, so it was built into the school’s existing afterschool program,” Kakalecz said. “We “I missed taking art classes because I’m a science major, and I just kind of joined kind of supplemented what the teachers already had to offer, so we offered an in on a site that was missing a person for a day. It was awesome, so I came back,” additional class for them.” she said.

Projects she made with the kids included making animal paper bags, Native Worthington, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, said the program American designs and seasonal projects. Kakalecz said she was impressed with provides additional art opportunities for the kids’ enthusiasm about art and their kids who have art already established in willingness to participate in the projects. school and for those who don’t have art at all. Personally, she said she aims to ensure “They have so much creativity and imaginathat all the kids have the same creative option, and I kind of wish I could still think portunities she did in grade school. like that because it’s so interesting. They’re uninhibited. They don’t hesitate to make “I know growing up art was my favorite their drawing perfect; they just [do it] for class through high school, so it’s definitely the purpose of expression,” she said. awesome to bring that to kids that don’t get to experience maybe what we did, or I did School of Management junior Nirali Shah at least,” she said. said she originally got involved with Student Studio after friends who had done it in the past recommended the program.

The program currently has 45 volunteers and uses rolling application for anyone looking to join throughout the year. Worthington said when someone applies “Once we get there, the kids are all ready for us. They get so excited, and then and is accepted, the student is put at a site that needs volunteers and that fits we have one person present the lesson to them and break into small groups the student’s schedule. depending on how big [the class is],” she said.

“They have so much creativity and imagination, and I kind of wish I could still think like that because it’s so interesting.

They’re uninhibited.”

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Arts&Entertainment

Last year, Shah worked with children ages 5 and 6, and 9 and 10 in the two semesters she volunteered with the program. She said sometimes the kids would go off-lesson and create something of their own, which she said sometimes was better than what was planned.

“Like one boy—we were making paper swans or something—and he just goes and makes a necklace out of it. ‘Go for it—do it.’ It was really funny,” she said.

When planning the art lessons, Shah said the volunteers try not to go overboard and try to match the art projects with the kids’ ability levels. She said volunteers work to “think back to our elementary days,” to think of simple projects.

Zito volunteered last fall semester at a community service center with children ages 5 to 10. One of the first activities she did involved kids drawing the music playing through a BU student’s laptop.

“We would talk about the mood and what colors you would use, and it was hilarious to see little kids trying to explain. Sometimes they were like, ‘I drew a flower because I felt like it,’ and it had nothing to do with the music, but it was fun,” Zito said.

“It gives the kids something to look forwards to, which is awesome”

According to Shah, the program not only helps the kids but BU students as well, as it gives BU students opportunity to get off campus and take a break from their studies.

“We get to see other parts of Massachusetts and interact with people, so I think it’s great,” Shah said. “Sometimes I wish we had things like this back in school, but we actually had art programs. It gives the kids something to look forward to, which is awesome.”

CAS junior Samantha Zito, who has participated in many CSC programs, said this program stood out from the rest in what it offered to kids.

“I tried Afterschool, and although that was really fun, it was more tutoring, a little more structured. Student Studio is still structured, but it’s about art, so it’s more fun I think. I love art, so it was kind of a perfect mixture of kids and art,” she said.

Since some of the kids are very young, maintaining focus could have been difficult had the kids not been so interested in participating in the oncea-week projects. Last year, Zito said the kids started to draw their Halloween costumes and show the volunteers what they wanted to be.

“I just remember all of us were dying because their costumes were so intricate and really complex, but it was really funny. The way they drew it had nothing to do with what they were talking about,” she recalled.

Returning for another semester of Student Studio, Zito said the program does a great job in providing an art education for kids who might not have many opportunities to learn about it. “[The program] is run well. I think it definitely fulfills its duty of bringing art to kids who might not have it, or if they do have it, you can never have too much art.” she said.

INTERNSHIPS FIND YOUR CAREER ABROAD.

4 bu.edu/abroad

Fashion

The Boston University Buzz Presents

{

{

Fall’s Greatest Hits The Dear Abbeys’ own Jonathan [http://dearabbeys. com/] and Terpsichore’s own Julia [http://people. bu.edu/terps/] teamed up to showcase the sweet sounds of fall fashion. From cozy sweaters to geometrical prints, Boston University’s finest sport some of this season’s biggest hits.

Produced and Styled by Kelsey Mulvey Art Direction by Maggie Price Photography by Christine Chen Stylist’s Assistants: Virginia Ashe & Yasmeen Gharnit MUA: Alicia Leone Models: Jonathan Corson & Julia Budde

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TRACK ONE On Julia: Joe’s Jeans Collection Marie Wash Shirt, $116, Crush Boutique, 264 Newbury St., 617.424.0010. Free People Washed Black Multi Velvet Jeans, $98; Sunahara Hand Bracelet, $50, Flock.

Boots, Necklace, Cardigan, Stylist’s Own. On Jonathan: Levi’s Alpha Buckskin Pant, $72; Penguin Plaid Woven Suit Vest, $110, Uniform. Penfield Logan Shirt, $90, Uncle Pete’s. Jeans, Boots, Model’s Own.

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TRACK TWO On Julia: Lauren Moffatt The Secret Garden Pintuck Top, $282; Lefton Houston Birch Sweater, $230; Feather Duster Ring, $150; Claudia Rae Silver Love Bracelet, Flock, 274 Shawmut Ave., 617.391.0222. Leggings; Combat Boots; Silver Bangle, Stylist’s Own. On Jonathan: Swiss Army Atwood Zip Up, $195; Penguin Long Sleeve Reverse Woven Shirt, $89; Levi’s Alpha Khaki Buckskin Pant, $72, Uniform, 511 Tremont St., 617.247.2360. Boots, Model’s Own.

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TRACK THREE On Julia: Line & Dot Late Night Dress, $138; Claudia Rae Gold Love Bracelet, Flock. Eve Gravel Eve Vest, $195; Necklace, $50, Turtle, 223 Newbury St., 617.266.2610. Gold Bangles; Shoes, Stylist’s Own. On Jonathan: Life/After/Denim Malpensa Sweater Vino, $99, Uniform. Penfield Logan Shirt, $90, Uncle Pete’s, 125 Charles St., 617.391.0895. Boots, Model’s Own.

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TRACK FOUR On Julia: 525 America Black Combo Jacket, $192; Lucca Couture High-Low Maxi Skirt, $72, Crush Boutique. Label Submission Top, $155, Turtle, 223 Newbury St., 617.266.2610.

On Jonathan: Gant Breton Navy Henlon, $98; Penguin Button Peaked Lapel Jacket, $250, Uniform. Jeans, Boots, Model’s Own.

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Music

COLLEGE RADIO

PLAYS ON

by Stephanie Kubota photography by Grace Donnelly

W

ith so many colleges in the Boston area, college radio is a prevalent option for discovering new music. From WZBC 90.3 FM at Boston College to WMFO 91.5 FM at Tufts, Boston University’s WTBU 89.3 FM is only one of the many stations competing for listeners. Just a few stops inbound of WTBU is one of the highest ranked college radio stations both in Boston and the nation, WERS 88.9.

WERS 88.9 is Emerson College’s professionally managed and student-run radio station consisting of over 100 students. Mariel Wae, the program director at WERS, said the station rivals not only local stations, but also online music venues.

“I think one of the greatest challenges college radio faces is the amount of competition that is out there,” said Wade. “Whether it be other terrestrial stations, internet stations, Spotify, YouTube or Pandora, there are just so many ways that people can listen to music today.”

playing anything from indie and rock to soul and vintage music. Other shows include “All A Cappella” featuring a cappella music, “Chagigah” playing Yiddish and Klezmer music from 1914 to today, and “889@Night,” a commercial free hip-hop show.

Power in numbers allows WERS to be a completely student-run station. With live DJs in the studio 24/7, WERS reates great radio while giving students experience in a working radio station.

They not only broadcast in Boston at 88.9 FM, but also have translators at 96.5 FM in New Bedford and at 101.5 FM in Gloucester. The station’s street team also gives WERS a presence at events throughout the New England area, including locally at the SoWa open market in the fall and at festivals including the Life Is Good Festival in Canton, Mass., and the Newport Folk Festival in Newport, R.I. Though the volume of staff gives the station great opportunities, difficulties can arise with high changeover rates.

Despite the plethora of outlets, WERS makes its station unique by playing diverse music. Some of “The amount of students working at WERS can be the station’s most popular shows include “Rockers” a struggle for us because it can cause a lot of turnplaying reggae, “Standing Room Only” playing around in regards to staff members and can cause us Broadway tunes, and its longest-running and highly to lose people due to graduation or semesters abroad, successful block programming “WERS Daytime” which is always a shame,” Wade said.

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Wade, like her fellow peers at the station, contributes to WERS in terms of directors, DJs, on-air talent, street teams, music assistants, news, live mixing, production, writing, photography and much more.

She said she has had the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” of interviewing some of her favorite artists in her time at WERS due to the great facilities that allow both local and touring bands to visit.

Listeners can tune in for studio performance and interviews or discover these segments online. From the WERS website, you can stream the station live, listen to on-air playlists, check out new album and concert reviews, and enter contests to win tickets to upcoming shows.

Though the growth of multiple outlets for listeners to discover music is a competing force with college radio stations, the passionate staff and great facilities at WERS keeps the station following their mission of delivering great music.

“The goal of all the shows on WERS is help our listeners discover their next favorite song, band or album, regardless of genre or time period,” Wade said.

WTBU, BU’s student-run college radio station, is also enjoying its own success. The station was nominated this fall for four College Music Journal

Music

awards honoring the best of college radio, and won the Station of the Year award.

introduction and putting out the final list, the payoff was incredible, according to Paterno. mtvU also featured local picks by the college radio station on WTBU General Manager Matt Paterno, however, their Tumblr account for five days. focuses more on his achievement as “Champion of the Local Scene.”

“It was really fun to see the artists we put on there respond to the mtvU tweets and give us thanks,” “Everything starts locally and it expands,” said Paterno said.

“It’s cool to see all these students dedicating free time and not getting anything, just for the love of music, for the love of broadcasting.”

Paterno, a senior advertising major in the College One of the local bands WTBU listed, Abad Abad, of Communication. “The CMJ nominations are still gets recognition from mtvU from time to time, just kind of an example of that.” according to Paterno.

The station was also nominated this year for “Music But local bands and the radio station as whole aren’t Director of the Year” [for James Miller] and “Best the only ones feeling the glow. Students like Andrew Use of Limited Resources.”

Fewsmith (COM ’15) have found a small community

inside the BU population.

Just as its website promotes, WTBU is a winner of the 2010 “Champion of the Local Scene” award “I know a lot of people who are at WTBU and meet from CMJ, a milestone that its general manager and a lot of people through WTBU, so it’s a good comstation DJs take pride in. munity resources” said Fewsmith, a DJ for “Nostalgic

Noise” and the current technical director. “It gives “WTBU is proud to be active in the Boston music me something to do and breaks up the monotony scene and promotes local music to its listeners,” of classes and the usual stuff…it’s somewhere I can writes the station in its “About Us” section on go for two hours, chill, and play music.” wtburadio.org.

In its most recent move to put the WTBU comTo Paterno and many on staff at WTBU, college munity on the Boston University map, DJs can radio is about being “plugged in,” as he puts it, to now sign up for times to sit at a table in the George what’s going on locally and on campus in the music Sherman Union on Wednesdays and play music for scene. Similar to Emerson’s station, BU’s station students studying, eating lunch and hanging out on is student-run, and none of the staff is paid for their their breaks throughout the day. time.

“We’re always looking for different and innovative “It’s cool to see all these students dedicating free time ways to get the BU Community involved,” said and not getting anything, just for the love of music, Paterno. “There’s so many things we can get incorfor the love of broadcasting,” Paterno said. “Even porated here other than music.” though we may not be as big, we’re one of the most authentic college radio stations.”

So while the vote for the CMJ awards might be over

this year, the race to integrate and inspire the BU WTBU is made up of an executive board of over 20 community is never over for Paterno, Fewsmith and students, with 45 different two-hour shows run by the many other DJs and students involved. students and even a few recent BU alumni. All of the work done by these students and alumni hasn’t WTBU airs 20 hours a day, seven days a week, and gone to waste. Other than the CMJ nominations broadcasts on 89.3 FM and 640 AM in the area. and award they received this fall, WTBU was also Anyone can stream the feed live at wtburadio.org, asked by mtvU to create a 10-song playlist as part on BU Cable Channel 6, or by downloading the of their “College Radio Countdown” segment this WTBU iPhone application. summer. After filming a one-minute stop-motion 59

Food

Boston

MUSIC GUIDE

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Music Food

BAND PROFILES Photography by: Pierce Abernathy

LOS RUMBEROS DE MASSACHUSETTS

by Belen Cusi

Three Berklee College of Music students are now known around town as Los Rumberos de Massachusetts—a band that blends the music styles of Spanish flamenco, rumba and the basics of rock and roll.

Los Rumberos is comprised of Paul Sefchovich, Angel Cespedes and Lito de la Isla. The group’s first project together was a rock band they formed two years ago called The Hashburns, but after some group evolution, as an attempt to combine the Latin element of Rumba music with their geographic location, their current project was born. ­ Thus began what the band calls their “random” stage, in which they played all sorts of not-soluxurious gigs just for the sake of gaining experience.

They played any gig they could find, from a Babson

graduation party in a Marriott Hotel, to a charity event for an organization that helps dogs, to a Russian home for the elderly.

After that, the group auditioned for the Latvian version of American Idol, where they performed extensively for months on broadcast television.

During this time, the group still kept the action going in Boston.

During this time, Paul and Lito were taking a flamenco composition class at Berklee taught by well-known Spanish producer Javier Limón, whose accolades include a 2004 Latin Grammy Award for producer of the year. Limón took an immediate interest in his goofy Mexican students, who right away invited him to come watch them perform at Bar Lola.

The members of Los Rumberos are in their final year at Berklee. They have plans to finish their studies while they work on the material for their debut album and negotiate deals with major record

labels (Universal Music, in particular, is interested in signing the band).

Los Rumberos will certainly make you laugh, but they will also capture you with their energy and most importantly with their music. They’ll have you yelling, “Rumba!” before you can even stop to wonder how Rumberos and Massachusetts ever became related.

GENTLEMEN HALL

by Jenna Reyes

Boston, like other cities, is known to have a multitude of local bands and artists. One band that’s on the rise and worth a listen is Gentlemen Hall. Formed in 2008, the band consists of six former Berklee College of Music students: Gavin Merlot, Cobi Mike, Ro Richard, Bradford Alderman, Phil Boucher and Seth Hachen. Artists of the “synth rock/pop” genre, Gentlemen Hall’s sound is comparable to the likes of 61

Music

fellow Boston natives Passion Pit, as well as indie-style chart toppers Foster the People and Grouplove.

The band defines itself on its Facebook page as “six individuals out to deliver pop songs wrapped in unique instrumentation. From flutes to vintage synthesizers, GH is not a typical lineup. Based out of Boston, the band was originally a group of friends with no intentions of making music together.

Despite coming from completely different musical backgrounds the sextet was drawn to the sounds of common artists.”

WFNX (an internet-only alternative rock radio station in Boston) DJs Henry Santoro and Dustin Matthews discovered the band at a basement house party a few years ago. Although the party was busted early into the band’s set, Gentlemen Hall impressed the DJs enough to get them to start playing their tracks on the station.

It wasn’t long after that the band became popular.

In less than a year, they were awarded the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Breakout Boston Artist” and by 2010 Gentlemen Hall was named “Best New Local Act” by the Boston Phoenix. Their success continued in May of 2011 when they made their national television debut on ABC with a live performance at the Billboard Music Awards. Shortly after, they won two Boston Music Awards. In addition, the band’s song “All Our Love” was featured on CW’s television series 90210.

In the past, Gentlemen Hall has shared the stage with artists such as Young the Giant, Muse, Nicki Minaj, OneRepublic, Lil’ Wayne, Rihanna, LMFAO, Taking Back Sunday and All Time Low. With an EP and two albums under their belt, the band is enjoying progressively more recognition.

Recently, Gentlemen Hall sang the national anthem at Gillette Stadium during a New England Patriots game. In addition, they just released their new single “Golden Age,” which has been well received by music critics.

With 9,000 likes on Facebook and over 2,000 followers on Twitter, their fan base is growing rapidly.

Considering the band interacts with fans frequently, their increase in popularity doesn’t come as a surprise.

The band’s sense of humor is often shown through their tweets, making band members both likeable and relatable. Past tweets include “Someone figured out my twitter password. Now I have to rename my dog” and “Why are there stitch marks on zombies? Who is giving medical attention to zombies?”

After putting on a free show in Boston at the Lansdowne Pub on October 23, Gentlemen Hall went on to tour the Midwest. //to get updates on the band, like their page on facebook, check out their website (gentlemenhall.com) or follow them on twitter @gentlemenhall.

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Music

LOVE IN STOCKHOLM

By Jessica Leach

You could say funk died with the ‘70s, but Boston natives Love in Stockholm would have a rebuttal. They may sound like something out of a time machine, but their style is anything but outdated.

These six Allstonians are artful masters of the music blend. Charlie Rockwell, Brendan McBrien, Dave Carroll, Evan Sanders, Alex Staley and Jesse Humphrey—the “dudes” of Love In Stockholm—find solace in the chaos of live performances and use that to their advantage.

The band emerged from the basement party scene in 2007 and grew quickly. Some of their biggest achievements occurred in 2011 when they opened for Maroon 5 at Musikfest in Pennsylvania. That year, the group also opened for classic rock legends Chicago in Southern New Hampshire, and then they headlined their first tour, sharing bills with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Nigel Hall.

So what’s plucked this band from the dirty basements of Allston to big stages in cities like Chicago, Cleveland and Philadelphia? It might be lead singer Evan’s distinct wails, or their music’s use of blaring horns, or their guitarists’ jazzy riffs. Most likely, however, it’s their on-stage energy. A live performance from Love in Stockholm is always brimming with intense passion and the fun the group has onstage is palpable in the audience. Their must-listen piece for BU music geeks is “Allston”—a quirky ode to the group’s hometown.

The band released their full-length debut, A King’s Ransom, in 2010 and will follow-up later this year with their second. //more information can be found on the band’s website: loveinstockholm.com.

BAD RABBITS

by Isaac Flores

Boston based band Bad Rabbits got its start in 2007. Fusing a funky mix of pop and soul, Bad Rabbits embodies ‘80s and ‘90s R&B, pop and funk influences.

This five-man band consists of lead singer Fredua Boakye, Salim Akram and Santiago Araujo on guitar, Graham Masser on bass and Sheel Dave on the drums.

Originally started as the Eclectic Collective, the band members met at Northeastern University. After artistic differences, some of the artists decided to go their own way, and the five that stayed reworked the band into its current form, a group of fun-loving, soul music-making guys called Bad Rabbits.

As part of a genre movement called “New Jack Swing,” the Bad Rabbits really take from swingbeat —a fusion genre from the ‘80s—taking cues from Prince and Bobby Brown. New Jack Swing has sounds from the black New York club scene and incorporates different rhythms while sampling hip-hop instrumentation with soulful R&B vocals.

It combines a lot of Jazz, funk, rap, electronica and rhythm and blues. Songs that really define them and their sound are “She’s Bad” and “Stick Up Kids.”

The band has two EPs: The Bad (2008) and Stick Up Kids (2009). One upcoming LP, American Love, is set for release in spring 2013.

The band has been nominated for five Boston Music Awards and won in 2010 for Best Pop/R&B band. They also won the 2010 Phoenix Music Poll award for Most Downloaded Band.

The group has garnered a lot of attention due to their well-received EP Stick Up Kids. They were on this year’s Vans Warped Tour lineup, as well the lineup for the SXSW music festival. Currently, they are touring the US on their own headlining tour, but the group has also worked as Slick Rick’s back up band and will open for Mos Def at his concerts. //you can check out this local boston band online at www.badrabbits.com.

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Music

BAND VENUES Anabelle Dwyer

THE MIDDLE EAST

by Belen Cusi

Hailed by CBS Boston as one of the best small concert venues in city, the Middle East is a hipster’s music haven.

The club is a compound consisting of the Corner, Zu Zu Bar, the Upstairs and the Downstairs; the first two venues serve tasty Middle Eastern cuisine and the latter provide live music. The unique compound is nestled in Central Square, among artsy shops, ethnic restaurants and other live music venues.

The Upstairs has a capacity of 200 people and is the place to discover less widely known acts.

“The Upstairs is a great place to see a concert because it feels so intimate,” said Samantha Tatro (COM ’15). “It’s a small, dainty place with a downto-earth vibe, so it feels like you’re one with the performer and like you’re on stage next to them.

There’s a connection between you and the performer that you can’t feel in larger venues.”

The Upstairs is also known for a comparatively calmer atmosphere than the raucous Downstairs. The acoustics in the Upstairs are suited for bands with a more mellow sound. Lawrence Arabia, the chill indie pop artist from New Zealand whose song “Apple Pie Bed” was featured on the season premiere of MTV’s The Inbetweeners, will take over the Upstairs in November. Boston’s School of Rock will take the stage at the end of January, and various other local acts will be performing leading up to then.

With a capacity of 500 guests, the Downstairs

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usually hosts larger national acts with cult followings.

“You don’t have to worry about arriving three hours earlier [like you do with larger venues],” said Eddy Rodriguez (COM ’13), a DJ at WTBU. “The space has a nice layout, so you can hang in the back and enjoy or go into the front to rock out. [You] don’t have to worry about getting a bad ‘seat’ like you have to worry at the Paradise.”

Many acts that play the Downstairs later graduate to larger venues, like the Gaslight Anthem. This punk/ rock group played the Downstairs this past July but will play Boston’s House of Blues and other similarly sized venues for their fall tour. Other performers who have graced the stage of the Downstairs include the Jesus Lizard, Deftones, Elliott Smith, Weezer and Neutral Milk Hotel. Hardcore music fans should seize the opportunity to check out bands at the Middle East before they blow up. How cool would it have been to be able to say that you saw artists including Joe Purdy, The Heartless Bastards, Why?, Donora and Motion City Soundtrack at the Downstairs venue?

Both the Upstairs and the Downstairs share the same cozy, intimate, eclectic atmospheres and the ridiculously reasonable $9 to $12 (on average) cover charges. They also have early, all-ages shows at 6 p.m. throughout the year and as well as 18+ shows. The venue often hosts battle of the bands competitions, which are great for checking out local music. Those who frequent the Middle East are apt to agree that their local music showcases are one of the top reasons for checking out the venues. Overall friendly staff, hip décor and cheap tickets keep fans flocking to

the Middle East.

Bands, as well as fans, enjoy the Middle East.

Steve Albini of math rock band Shellac told The Boston Phoenix back in 2010, “The Middle East is pretty much the only friendly venue for us—meaning not corporate-controlled and that doesn’t have a bunch of insane curtailment policies in place that prevent you from behaving like a normal band.”

Check out the schedules for upcoming shows at the Middle East at www.mideastclub.com

WALLY’S

by Belen Cusi

Outside it’s misty and desolate, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the energy inside this place. The entire room is filled with people standing shoulder to shoulder, trying to hear each other over the music, holding a drink and dancing to the beat—the saxo beat, that is.

Wally’s is alive as ever on lonely Sunday nights as the Pulsar Phoenix, a local funk band led by singer Nephrok!, fills every last bit of space with saxophone grooves and Nephrok!’s heart throbbing vocals. The band has become a weekly regular at the historic jazz bar as of late; a perfect example of the high-quality music that Wally’s has been providing to the Boston jazz scene since first opening its doors in 1947. You haven’t experienced real live music in Boston if you haven’t been to Wally’s Café.

Anabelle Dwyer

are likely to be in the history books ten years from now—and you’ll get to say you saw them first at Wally’s.

THE SINCLAIR

by Dee Daniels

The Sinclair is a restaurant/venue duo now open to entertainment lovers of Boston. Promotion company The Bowery Presents: Boston built this new concert destination to hold 525 guests per show and host about 200 shows annually. The restaurant will be open seven days a week and serve as a late night hangout with a seating capacity of 104.

Located at 52 Church St. in Cambridge, the Sinclair looks to intertwine itself into the pulse of Harvard Square. The venue is decked with a sound system by d&b audiotechnik and is designed to host a great experience. For a great concert viewing experience, there is a wraparound mezzanine level and the stage was built with sight lines in mind.

The Sinclair will join the Bowery’s family of successful music venues in the city, such as TT the Bear’s Place in Central Square, Great Scott in Allston and the Royale Nightclub on Tremont.

The inspiration for their new addition to Boston’s entertainment scene was found in wanting to create a distinct and intimate experience for music lovers and foodies in the Boston/Cambridge area. Josh Bhatti of Bowery says he is “ecstatic to be bringing what

[he] truly believe[s] will be the best music venue [in his] hometown.”

So far, the club has booked its fall season schedule with an array of acts. The Meter Men with Page McConnell performed the venue’s inaugural show on October 30. Acts such as K’Naan, Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Roxy Erickson, David Wax Museum, Patrick Watson, Converge/Torche, Gary Clark Jr. Barefoot Truth, and Chadwick Stokes and Friends also fill the club’s packed schedule.

The Bowery has extensive experience in bringing interesting and new music to Boston in an affordable, entertaining way. That ability will without a doubt help to make the Sinclair a highly rated destination for both music and dining.

Music

It all started when Joseph L. Walcott immigrated to the United States from Barbados. Walcott, the first African-American to own a nightclub in New England, opened Wally’s Paradise across the street from Wally’s current location at 427 Massachusetts Ave. The club quickly became the go-to spot for jazz aficionados and famous bands of the day. Jazz was at its peak when performers like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Erroll Garne played at Wally’s.

Even when the jazz scene winded down in the 1960s, Wally kept the music alive at his bar. He stuck to his commitment to provide quality jazz music to the Boston community by giving student musicians at Berklee and the New England Conservatory the opportunity to play alongside the greats.

Four generations later, Wally’s remains family owned and operated. In 2011, the Jazz Journalists Association named Elynor Walcott and her sons Paul, Frank and Lloyd Poindexter as “Jazz Heroes.”

The café’s charm is due to its rich tradition and history. Old pictures line the walls of the 99-capacity room, transporting customers back to decades when jazz was at its height. Every Sunday afternoon, students take part in the weekly jam sessions open to aspiring jazz artists.

Visit Wally’s—the emblem of great jazz music as it has developed here in Boston—and find that you’re listening to a rough mix of seasoned professionals and budding jazz hopefuls. You will be able to see electric performances by young musicians whose names

For more information, check out the Sinclair’s website sinclaircambridge.com or the Bowery’s at www.boweryboston.com. You can also follow @TheSinclair on Twitter to keep up with future events.

Anabelle Dwyer

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Fashion

Boston’s Best

Secondhand

by Stephanie Kubota photography by Or Ashkenazi

Most people know that secondhand shops are the hottest places to pick up your threads; however, some may be surprised to hear that Boston is a haven for hand-me-down fanatics. With a bevy of stores to choose from, how do you know which store is right for you? Behold, Terriers, you know have a guide to Boston’s coolest thrift stores.

Second Time Around

176, 219, 324 Newbury St.; 82 Charles St.; 275 Harvard St., Brookline; 8 Eliot St., Cambridge Located in the Boston’s prime retail area of Newbury Street, Second Time Around is probably the most well known consignment company in the United States, with over 33 stores across the country. It offers customers high-end yet affordable re-sales of designer brands from investment pieces to stunning cocktail dresses. They carry premium brands including Nanette Lepore, Lacoste, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, and C&C California. Although more expensive than the other stores, hipsters and trendy fashionistas alike are welcomed by friendly staff and a constant flow of new and on-trend pieces.

OVERALL 5/5 PRICE $$$$ STAFF 5/5 SELECTION 4/5 ORGANIZATION 4/5 SPECIALTY designer brands

Closet Connection

Second Time Around

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297 Newbury St., Boston Opened in 2008, Rescue has become popular for its punk and new wave personality. The store keeps customers updated by posting new arrivals through their online social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Vimeo. The store provides apparel, shoes and accessories for both men and women; thus, rocker ladies and gents can shop indefinitely. It also sells one-of-a-kind vintage and limited edition pieces from brands such as Etsy and LMX, so leather-loving and graphic-tee dressers alike can rejoice in the variety that Rescue offers.

Although notorious for distracted and aloof sales representatives, those who dislike lingering followers may praise the dubbed “cool” staff.

OVERALL 3/5 PRICE $$ STAFF 2/5 SELECTION 3/5 ORGANIZATION 4/5 SPECIALTY punk and rocker style

Poor Little Rich Girl

553 East Broadway St., South Boston Owned by Boston’s very own Southie natives, Closet Connection provides for Beantown’s college student fashion archaeologists. Receiving new shipments everyday, the store offers a huge selection of apparel, especially a good mix of jeans. They never run out of Sevens, J Brand, True Religion and other prominent trademark denim. But with so many clothes arriving in so little time, it is difficult to efficiently organize displays. You must be willing to dig through the huge selection of items from rack to rack to be able to find your ultimate buy.

Rescue

121 Hampshire St., Cambridge OVERALL 4/5 PRICE $$$ STAFF 5/5 SELECTION 5/5 ORGANIZATION 2/5 SPECIALTY ample selection

It is rare to find a true vintage store within the hustle and bustle of the city, but Poor Little Rich Girl is as real as it gets. Specializing in 1950s to 1980s clothing, this store carries amazing dresses and accessories that can challenge the wardrobes of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. But, even with an ample selection of corsets and lace garters, they are limited in sizes.

Moreover, prices are a little higher than the usual contemporary cocktail dress. However, the store’s overall atmosphere, along with its sales representatives, is quirky and cheerful.

OVERALL 4/5 PRICE $$$$ STAFF 5/5 SELECTION 4/5 ORGANIZATION 4/5 SPECIALTY vintage Poor Little Rich Girl

Fashion

Stores Buffalo Exchange

Raspberry Beret

180 Harvard Ave., Allston

1704 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

There are many Buffalo Exchange branches scattered across the United States, but the Allston franchise is one of the biggest. With a spacious store comes a large variety of products. If you are looking for affordable basics that come from brands including H&M, Steve Madden, Tom’s and Forever 21, this is your place. With a price range of $5 to $200 you can have new clothes in your bag and more money in your pocket. They even have seasonal sections that can accommodate holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day.

OVERALL 3/5 PRICE $ STAFF 3/5 SELECTION 4/5 ORGANIZATION 3/5 SPECIALTY basics

CCVP Dresscode

One of the busiest thrift stores in Cambridge, Raspberry Beret holds Boston’s best selection of vintage and used jewelry. Like the light at the end of the tunnel, the jewelry and accessory display will guide you to your next ideal outfit for any occasion. Do not hesitate to try items on as the store provides three changing rooms, as well as friendly sales people to boot. Although the store carries high-end designers such as Michael Kors and Ann Taylor, do not expect trendy and in-season styles as Raspberry’s true commitment is to vintage.

OVERALL 4/5 PRICE $$ STAFF 4/5 SELECTION 4/5 ORGANIZATION 4/5 SPECIALTY jewelry and vintage

Bobby from Boston

625 Cambridge St., Cambridge

19 Thayer St., South End

A former independent video store revamped into a fashion maven’s closet, CCVP Dresscode is Cambridge’s hidden retail secret. This place is rarely jampacked with thrift store hustlers on weekdays or weekends. So, feel free to roam around this massive gallery of denim jeans, casual jackets, furniture and even menswear. Don’t worry about poking a hole in your pocket on this shopping spree because most of their items are generously donated or amicably consigned, so the price ranges only from $5 to $100.

However, do allot the time and effort, as it may be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for without digging through their vast selection.

Rescue

OVERALL 3/5 PRICE $ STAFF 3/5 SELECTION 5/5 ORGANIZATION 2/5 SPECIALTY accessories

As the name denotes, Bobby from Boston specializes on menswear. From the leather shoes, tapered pants, and button downs up to the necktie, any man can cull his Sunday’s best from Bobby’s. But do not give up ladies: this store is also one of the most well-curated vintage stores in New England. Bobby offers clothes for costume dramas and period pieces. Titanic and Boardwalk Empire are two of the productions that have used the consignment store. Many vintage stores overprice their items, but Bobby from Boston gives reasonable prices for its well-kept decade-aged apparel.

OVERALL 3/5 PRICE $$ STAFF 3/5 SELECTION 3/5 ORGANIZATION 4/5 SPECIALTY menswear and vintage Buffalo Exchange

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Arts&Entertainment

INSTAEden Lipke

Glamming up your food photos one tint at a time

by Shelby Carignan

F Eden Lipke

oodies, refresh your newsfeeds.

Thanks to mobile app Instagram, there has never been an easier way for smartphone users to show off the yummy stuff on their plates.

With a swift click, filter and swipe, an ordinary mobile upload of your daily Starbucks fix becomes a cover photo-worthy work of art. As a tribute to all the hungry, hungry hipsters out there taking pretty pictures of their lunches, feast your eyes on these mouthwatering snapshots taken by BU Instagrammers.

Guaranteed zero calories.

Travis Brace

68 Allison Milam

Eden Lipke

-FOOD: Eden Lipke

Catherine Haag

Eden Lipke

Allison Milam

69 Allison Milam

Food

MIDNIGHT An In-Depth Guide to Foods That Help You Stumble Through the Night

by Chris Galantich photography by Sarah Epstein

We, the people of collegiate age, in Order to form a more perfect Night Out, establish FoodRuns, ensure domestic Reentry, provide for our stomach’s defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Sobriety to ourselves and our Posteriors, do ordain and establish this Constitution of Late-Night Eateries in the Allston/Brookline Area.

T. ANTHONY’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT 1016 Commonwealth Ave.

Greetings once again, Buzz patrons! It is I, Chris Galantich, here to take you on another adventure down Commonwealth Avenue and its tributaries to find those foods that really tickle your fancy – after the sun goes down. We’ve all been there; stumbling down the road at 1:30 a.m. on a Friday or Saturday, and all you want in the world is food. Ladies forget their diets and dive for the nearest thing they can

sink their teeth into. Dudes are just hungry. But whatever the reason, you may be distressed to discover that not a lot of places serve food so late at night (or early in the morning), especially to students fumbling their way back up Commonwealth Avenue from God knows where. But never fear! Let’s get down to some places that can satisfy your probably unruly pallet once night has fallen.

T. Anthony’s is pretty much the “bangin’-est” pizzeria around.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, it’s practically impossible to get through the door from 12:30 a.m. till it closes at 2 a.m. People know T. Anthony’s, people love T. Anthony’s, and often people are reduced to using T. Anthony’s as a means of giving directions or using it as a rendezvous point once everything becomes too dark and blurry to deal with street names. So I decided to hit it up one Friday night and see what all the buzz was about (pun intended). Following the previously mentioned method, I told my photographer and editor to meet me at T. Anthony’s at 1:30 a.m. and got ready for a saucy, cheesy extravaganza.

I managed to make it there (though I can’t quite remember how... or where exactly I was for the two hours prior to getting there) and found myself at a line that stretched to the door. As a testament to the pizza-tossing prowess of the Italian Stallions over at T. Anthony’s, my wait was actually fairly short.

“Buonna notte,” (Italian for “Good evening”) I say to the gentleman behind the counter, eager for my doughy delight. When asked what I would like to order, I responded with “Una pizza!” and rushed to find myself a seat in the packed pizzeria. Slice in hand, I settled down for what was quite a lovely meal. It was so late (and I was still fuzzy from the mysterious prior two hours) that I didn’t even feel any burn on the roof of my mouth! Pure bliss, ladies and gents.

Pure bliss, ladies and gents

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MUNCHIES

QUAN’S KITCHEN 1026 Commonwealth Ave.

Chinese food. No two words ever inspire such feelings as “Chinese food” — especially at one in the morning. It’s like being cornered by a bunch of villains who are all set to beat you with the empty bottles you left at the bar, and having Jackie Chan parkour his way in to save you with his karate chops, crazy antics and lovable persona. Quan’s Kitchen Chinese Food, located just a few doors down from

T. Anthony’s, is no exception. After a long night of adventure, there is nothing that can help settle your stomach quite as well as Quan’s. Plus, it serves as a great alternative when T. Anthony’s has a line out the door. Add into the equation the 2 a.m. close time on weekends, and you are all set, baby. So I made like an Autobot and rolled out to Quan’s to see what was in store, and I was pleased to say the least. The colorful menu kept me enticed while I decided what to order. Do I go with the chicken or the beef? It is

true that a nice gooey plate of chicken heaped next to rice is one of the most tasty and overall satisfying cures for a late night headache. But dare I disregard the beef, a formidable edible comestible in its own right? I grappled with the idea just as the authentic Asian chefs grappled with my potential dinner in the kitchen. before finally settling on the chicken.

Wonderful, tangy, spicy chicken – just the way I like it. And the extra sodium does wonders for keeping my electrolytes up.

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Food

EXTREME PITA West Campus

WHEN I HAVE AN EXTREME NIGHT OUT, ALL I NEED IS AN EXTREME ENDING. Nothing fills my bowels with the detonation of flavor and utter bliss that Extreme Pita does. Yet another venue that is popular among the late night wanderers, Extreme Pita does everything and more to live up to its superlative name. Located adjacent to the west campus dining hall, Extreme Pita serves as a replacement for the “Late Nite” services that dining halls traditionally offer. As a student manager at west campus Dining Services, I have an intimate relationship with Extreme Pita that extends beyond the bounds of simple munchies. I have handcrafted pitas, brought them into this world, from my loving

and foremost a patron and admirer. This night, I settled down for one of my favorite pitas, the Uncle Philly. Steak, veggies, and chipotle mayo: OH BABY! One bite and a nuclear explosion of delight went off in my mouth. Only instead of a radioactive fallout, there was a pita. But what is that you say? You don’t eat meat? That is not a problem for Pita! With plenty of vegetarian options, no one is discriminated against in the realm of pita!

Huh? You are not a pita person? Then why not explore the many alternative food options Extreme Pita has to offer? Smoothies, ice cream, chips, and candy — the variety of options can leave your head

OH BABY! One bite and a nuclear explosion of delight went off in my mouth. embrace to that of the customer, and watched as my children are devoured before my very eyes. It is a bittersweet thing to work at Extreme Pita. Regardless, though I might be called the Supreme Overload of Extreme Pita (by me and only me), I was first

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spinning even more than it was on the walk over!

But enough rhetoric from me, the fact of the matter is that Extreme Pita is freaking amazing!

WING IT 1153 Commonwealth Ave.

You know what is awesome? Chicken wings. You know what is doubly awesome? Wing It chicken wings. Located at 1153 Commonwealth Ave., between Packard’s Corner and Harvard Street, this unassuming local chicken eatery has the great fortune of being blessed with some wonderful chicken recipes. With 22 distinct sauces and dry rubs, there is no lack of variety at Wing It. Want

Food

something sweet and tangy? Go for the Honey BBQ, and you’ll be saying “Oh, honey” by the end. Or are you more adventurous and looking for a little spice in your life? Go for the Sweet, Sour and Spicy, made with ginger and habanera peppers. Though I have frequented this establishment before, I decided for this visit to try something new. I tried their “Teridactil Sauce,” a delightful fusion of Teriyaki and BBQ sauces, which basically create an angelic combination. If the Teridactil Sauce from Wing It is any indication of what real Pterodactyls tasted like, then I just became super jealous of the Flintstones, even though they didn’t have internet. The Asian flavors mixed with traditional BBQ? Ingenious, I say! But what could possibly make this place better? I will go out on a limb on this one: the 2 a.m. close time and the fact that,

You’ll be saying “Oh, Honey” by the end

HOLY BALLS THEY DELIVER PRETTY MUCH EVERYWHERE FROM BOSTON COLLEGE TO FENWAY. You don’t even need to leave your couch to eat chicken—except to, like, get the door and stuff.

If you are not on the phone right now calling for chicken, then I have done all I can—there is no saving you.

Pizza, Chinese, pita and chicken wings. Another day, another Buzz quest to search for the most satisfying foods in the Boston University area. I, for my part, have completed my quest, and gained a bunch of experience from it. I even leveled up! I fumbled through the dark underbelly of Allston, Brookline and Boston for you to bring the best cures for those late night munchies. You, kind Buzz readers, give me purpose in this world, and for that I thank you.

Now, it is up to you to go get belligerently drunk and hit up one of these restaurants so you can thank me in return.

FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE. NEED-BASED GRANTS & MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

4 bu.edu/abroad

Food

THE GOODNESS OF

GUAC

You know the scenario. When a heaping bowl of guacamole hits the table, all hell breaks loose. Friends transform into vicious, hungry beasts, doing all they can to scrounge every bit. Chips are transformed from their dry, crackling state to dynamic triangles piled high with piquant goodness. Flecks of cilantro, tomato and onion enrapture the avocado, taking the velvety fruit from its subtle smoothness to its famed, bold disposition. In the last fateful moments, the sides of the bowl are scraped clean. And there are always, always more chips leftover, just as a reminder of what transpired and now is no more.

Around here—who are we kidding…around everywhere—we just adore guacamole. And screw the health benefits: the vitamins, the fiber, the potassium and those so-called healthy fats. We just care about the guac. Good, infallible guac that never ends.

by Alyssa Langer

Edamame Guacamole

Hum-Guac

Pom-Mango Guac

ingredients: 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (optional) 1/3 bunch cilantro 1/4 white onion, chopped Juice of 2 limes 2 to 3 tablespoons water Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

ingredients: 1 can chickpeas 3 cups cilantro 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 ripe avocado, roughly chopped 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper

ingredients: 4 ripe avocados 1 cup red onion, finely chopped 3/4 cup pomegranate seeds 3/4 cup ripe mango, diced 2 serrano chiles, chopped with seeds 1/2 cup chopped cilantro Juice of two limes

instructions: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, cilantro, garlic, and avocado. While it’s processing, add olive oil slowly, then add lemon juice, and then water, one tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

instructions: In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until smooth but chunky. Add remaining ingredients. Add salt and favorite hot sauce to taste. Devour with your favorite tortilla chips.

recommended by laura truex (sar ’12)

instructions: Put edamame, avocado, chipotle, cilantro, onion and lime juice in a food processor and pulse until almost smooth. Add enough water to make a creamy consistency and pulse again. Transfer guacamole to a bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with raw vegetables like celery, carrots, and radishes for dipping or alongside baked pita chips as a healthy snack or appetizer.

gracie novikoff (sar ’12)

recommended by sabina ambani (cas ’13)

Famous Mexican-Asian Fusion Guacamole nikki jenner (cgs/sha ’14)

ingredients: 2 large, ripe avocados 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro 1/4 small chopped onion 1 small jalapeño pepper, minced 1/4 tomato 1/2 lime Few dashes of hot sauce Kosher salt, add to taste the killer key ingredient: 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or to taste) instructions: Simply mash the avocados with the rest of the ingredients and serve. Best served with Trader Joe’s Original Savory Thins crackers.

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“YOU KNOW THE SCENARIO. WHEN A HEAPING BOWL OF GUACAMOLE HITS THE TABLE, ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE.”

Or Ashkenazi

4

FIND YOURSELF ABROAD WORLD-CLASS INTERNSHIP AND STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS. 4BU.EDU/ABROAD

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City Guide

Street Art

by Jonathon Talit photography by Rebecca Shinners

E

360 Newbury St

very major city has public art, much of it being street art. Many people view street art simply as images created by delinquents who spray-paint public property; however, street art can be much more than graffiti. It is becoming increasingly accepted because of its now organized and aesthetic approach, and the contemporary art world has begun to identify major street artists as legitimate and worth recognition. While not as commonplace as in New York City, Boston’s plethora of street art is often beautifully designed and full of symbolic imagery.

Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Back Bay and other areas are home to significant street art in Boston—the key is knowing where to look.

One of the key factors of street art is its adaptability. Different artists often paint over preexisting street art to create overlapping images that then contain different stylistic approaches and ideas. Here, a cloaked figure can be seen holding a lit candle. From beyond her figure, several large doves rise to the top of the wall, likely symbolizing peace. Unrelated symbols by other artists surround the figure. The work displays how street art can represent peace within chaos and portrays work from artists of varying backgrounds.

To see this work, take the T to the Hynes Convention Center stop and take the Newbury Street exit.

Address: next to 360 Newbury St. In this piece, the “canvas” is not a bare wall but rather an abandoned apartment. Wooden planks cover the windows and are painted over with images of children, a jungle and animals. Located on Commonwealth Avenue past the Nuggets Records store, this work’s playful quality creates an endearing feeling of childlike happiness on what would otherwise be a decrepit building. Address: near 486 Commonwealth Ave.

72 Beach St

At the corner of Beach Street and Surface Road is an enormous mural depicting a warrior-like figure that is fighting off various beast and demons. Located directly in front of the Chinatown Arch, this particular piece demonstrates another important theme used in street art: culture. The mural’s depiction of landscape, figures and architecture is typical of Eastern art and is representative of the district and the people who inhabit it. Get off at the Chinatown stop and head east on Essex. Turn right onto Surface until you hit Beach Street. Address: near 72 Beach St. Unlike most street art, this mural is tightly framed and carefully drafted. The central figure, most likely Buddha, hovers gracefully above the symbol of yin and yang—symbolizing balance. The work is pictorially balanced into several quadrants that represent various Eastern philosophical anecdotes and memorable historical figures. Get off at the Chinatown stop and head east on Essex until you hit Harrison Avenue, then turn right towards Apollo Cuisine. Address: 84 Harrison Ave. Standing 70 feet high, this highly controversial mural was created by Brazilian brothers Os Gemenos for their exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Take the T to South Station and head west of Summer Street until you hit Dewey Square, where this powerful work will be displayed for 18 months.

Address: 185 Kneeland St. Sometimes street art can be highly organized. This mural was completed just last May by Boston University students and faculty in support of WTBU, the university’s radio station. Take the B-train on the Green Line to Packard’s Corner and head west to check out this inspiring collaborative work located off of Chester Street. Address: 70 Brighton Ave.

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84 Harrison Ave

185 Kneeland St

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Campus News

BOSTON UNIVERSITY’S VERY OWN POLITICIANS

by ZOE GILLESPIE

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Campus News

I

t is no secret that Boston University’s campus is equipped with the educational, structural and fundamental tools to succeed. With over 350 student groups and countless opportunities for students to get involved, BU is an incubator for scholars to grow and develop in many facets of professional life.

While there are countless government-based groups on campus, from student government to political affiliation-based groups to college specific student councils, what these groups do is often unclear or goes unnoticed to the student body. But when taking a deeper look into the role of studentrun government organizations on campus, it becomes clear the unique impact they have on the college and beyond.

The experience that these students gain through organizations is invaluable. With the presidential election this past November, BU students were not only involved with politics, but sometimes became politicians themselves.

MR. PRESIDENT

lege of Communication, juggles a busy schedule between classes and presidential duties. Each month McCoy meets with different organizations’ presidents, BU’s allocations board, the Programming Council, Dean Elmore, President Brown and countless others.

“The point of having these meetings is to learn more about what the students and representatives of these organizations want, what they need,” he says. “I learn about the pertinent problems our student body is faced with and I push forward to advocate for them in my meetings with administration.”

ing on, like the 24-hour study space for example.”

McCoy, like many BU students, has delved into a number of different extracurricular activities.

He was involved in student government in high school, played in the orchestra, has participated in countless clubs on campus, has a diverse array of friends and has transferred colleges during his BU career. Also, similar to many of his peers, he sees

“There are so many people on this campus, but not enough take action about what should be changed,” says McCoy. Monthly meetings typically “That’s where I come in.” cover larger scale issues such as gender-neutral housing and 24-hour study spaces, while weekly meetings cover updates and smaller issues on campus. As a result of these meetings, Shelton Hall began offering 24-hour study rooms this past September, and similar study rooms are in development for other parts of campus.

The headquarters of BU’s Student Govern- “West Campus will release a location soon as well. ment is located downstairs in the George Sherman This is all for the students, what they’ve asked for Union near BU Central and clearly labeled with a and what we’re fighting for on their behalf,” he large white and red sign. Couches, a few refrigera- says. “These features become available to students tors, kitchen space and three desks all lead to the through the process of ‘realizing what’s needed for presidential office of student body president Dex- the student body, reporting back to administrater L. McCoy. tion and advocating for the students.’ It’s lengthy but we work hard to make these changes happen.”

McCoy opens his office door wearing a crisp, light blue button down shirt layered with a V-neck A lot of information, requests, and concerns circusweater on top. Similar to his office space, he ap- late through this small office in BU Central. Howpears calm yet professional. ever, with a campus of over 18,000 undergraduate students, it is difficult for each student’s voice to “Step into my office,” he says invitingly. be heard. As a result, McCoy has started “fireside chats” with student groups.

Here is where McCoy spends most of his time when not in class or holding meetings with admin- “In order to have a pulse of what’s going on and istration. His Apple computer is lined with inspi- what’s important to the students there needs to be rational handwritten Post-it notes (“Be kind, but a connection between the students and me,” Mcfirm,” one read), and he pulls out his Rhett’s salad. Coy says. “So that I can relay their concerns with the administration.”

“I hope you don’t mind if I bite at this while we talk, I haven’t eaten yet today,” he says.

Unfortunately, there is not an actual fireplace at this meeting. But, McCoy says, “It creates an easy, McCoy, a Texas native and BU junior in the Col- casual atmosphere to talk freely about what’s go-

a disconnect between students and the administration. As he sits comfortably in his chair he laughs when asked about the perks of being student body president and says, “no, no, there’s no discount. I see so much potential in our peers and our campus.

There’s no reason why a future president shouldn’t come out of Boston University, we are all capable of great things.”

CAMPUS DONKEYS AND ELEPHANTS BU students are living up to that potential through political organizations on campus. The diverse views of some of the student body can be sifted into several distinct groups, such as the Boston University College Democrats and the Boston University College Republicans.

The Boston University Democrats, or BU Dems, is a group on campus consisting of 150 email-listed members, 20 active participating members and an executive board that holds weekly general meetings. This fall the group’s main focus was the presidential election, but during the off-season they participate and assist in local and state elections as well.

Emily O’Donnell, a COM senior, has been an active member of BU Dems since her freshman year.

She says that membership numbers vary from year to year.

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Campus News

“For the most part those who join are in it for the entirety of college. You really find your niche in a group as open and opportunistic as this,” O’Donnell said.

attendance and coordination, according to Mellstrom. “[New groups] are harked on at the beginning. We want it to be a place for conservative minded college kids to express their beliefs, feel safe and not feel persecuted,” Mellstrom says. “It is a platform for people to develop relationships, network and have genuine conversation and debate.”

The BU Dems work towards informing students about what is going on politically from the city to the national level.

“We don’t push our beliefs on our peers,” O’Donnell says.

“Rather, we want to create a comfortable environment for opinions and information.”

This past election season was their busiest yet. Each week, the BU Dems set up voter registration tables, passed out voting information flyers and provided mailing list options for those students who wanted to get involved but did not necessarily have the time to be on the executive board. The BU Dems hold open general meetings every Sunday evening.

With multiple members holding internships this past semester for political campaigns, there was always something to participate in during them week, whether it was a rally, phone banking or campus outreach.

Members of this organization spend a majority of their time focusing on campaigns, but they also tap into local and citywide organizations to help members stay involved throughout the year.

“Even though the presidential election makes for our busiest semester, we are just as busy on off-season pushing for city council representatives, and coordinating with other groups on campus like the BU College Republicans for debates and open discussions,” O’Donnell says.

O’Donnell serves as the organization’s media and communications director, a role she is embracing because social media growth has allowed this type of job to become an entirely new career field.

“Social media has enabled us to stay involved on campus and keep our peers informed,” she says.

“It’s easy to update everyone and allow for more opportunities to be involved.”

Since her start with BU Dems, O’Donnell has participated in on-campus events to encourage and provide information for voter registration, canvassed local platforms, and, through networking with other BU Dems, held an internship at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a political action committee that pushes for progressive ideals.

“I found out about the internship through a friend in the BU Dems; it was online and paid so I was able

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to work from home in Delaware,” says O’Donnell.

Outside of her involvement with BUCR, Mellstrom was the campus liaison for Scott Brown’s senate campaign. She says her roles on and off-campus overlap, which helps BUCR members to get involved in politics beyond the university organization.

Other members of the BU Dems have Overall, Mellstrom believes that student-tofound networking within the group student communication is imperative for achieving helpful as well, landing internships organizational goals and successful campaigns. locally for President Obama’s campaign, as well as for the offices of Joe “It’s imperative to use social media for campus Kennedy and Elizabeth Warren. The involvement outreach, that’s how we tell people about our phone of these members led to other BU Dems volunteer- banking opportunities, deployment initiatives and ing at events and taking their political passion to campaign events,” she says. “In addition to these the next level. outlets of communication, the BUCR also attend weekly Wednesday night events at the South Bos“[Our goal] is to create opportunities for each other. ton Campaign Headquarters which is where we, Our campus is so large that people can get lost, and as BUCR, kind of regroup and touch base with this is a place where students can find their place. each other.”

We like to keep it open,” O’Donnell says.

Yet at BU, Mellstrom says, communication can According to O’Donnell, the culture of government sometimes be a limiting factor in the success of and politics on BU’s campus is hard to define. From student involvement. the size of the university to the diverse mindsets of the student body, it can seem as though this cam- “On-campus interaction for student government is pus is too large to maintain interest in student and lacking due to the size and diversity of interests of national government. our student body,” she notes. “Sometimes we feel as though the administration is not listening to us “The political apathy on BU’s campus is just and it’s hard to tell when progress is being made untrue. A majority of the students care about what based on requests.” is happening locally and at a state or national level, I think they just care about different things,” O’Donnell says.

But part of being involved in political activities at any level means working through communication issues to achieve results.

On the other end of the political spectrum from O’Donnell is BU College Republicans’ Vice President Mara Mellstrom. While involved in a different organization, Mellstrom thinks similarly to O’Donnell, saying that BU “provides a place for everyone.”

One of these places is the BU College Republicans, or BUCR. The organization, which has fluctuated in membership and involvement over the past few years, “has been revamped and it starting again strong this semester,” Mellstrom says.

Similarly to the BU Dems, BUCR experienced a busy semester with the presidential election. Their email list reaches 250 members, accumulated from on and off-campus events and BU’s Splash event in September. While the BUCR does not hold weekly meetings they find that their mailing list helps keep people informed. Next semester, the group hopes to hold general meetings to encourage increased

From helping with voter registration to advocating for 24-hour study locations to taking the Boston University name out to state and national campaigns, BU Dems and BUCR show how to become involved in something bigger than just college government.

Through net work ing , communication, open forums and the goal of a comfortable environment, it is possible to develop successful plans for bettering our campus and student body.

City

WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZ?

by Gabrielle Fuller-Lafreniere photography by Kate Hohenstein

S

eparated from the South End’s bustling Tremont Street by a paved walkway, The Beehive’s facade exudes an unassuming aura as I approach it during Friday’s blue hour.

I might have even missed it if it wasn’t for the persistent humdrum of shivering patrons waiting in a line that winds across the cobblestone. In their midst are hipsters, trendsetters, foodies, musicians, artists and everything in between.

I begrudgingly take my place in line with a group of my friends, hoping what lies ahead is worth the wait. As time progresses and more and more people trickle into the line, curiosity takes the place of skepticism. What can possibly be so alluring about this place?

After what seems like an eternity of waiting, I finally get my answer.

While ostensibly motionless on the surface, the inside of The Beehive is consumed with feverish vibrations of sound and motion. Frayed scarlet and ivory drapery embalms a wooden stage, which glows unglamorously under the glare of spotlights and strings of naked bulbs. In stark contrast, industrial whitewashed bricks delineate the remaining three sides of the room and boast an array of framed art.

Wrought-iron banisters interrupt the flow of brick to reveal an upstairs dining room, which offers a birds-eye view for patrons to survey the scene below.

The restaurant’s breadth does not seem to stop there, as I catch a passing glimpse of a sprawling patio filled with in moonlit diners.

A bohemian gloom envelops the room; the product of red filters masking the recessed lighting coupled and the red tea candles donning the white linen-clad tables. We finally settle into our beautifully arranged table with elegant silverware and sparkling glasses, and an unmatched view of the stage.

The Beehive’s menu features an array of moderate to high-priced American fare

with a twist, laced with New England specialties and Mediterranean accents. Appetizers range from $9 to $20, and include mouth-watering amusebouches such as “fall-off-the-bone” baby-back ribs, steamed mussels, Moroccan cigars (lamb-filled phyllo spring rolls), chicken liver mousse brulée, and truffled potato and cheese pierogies. Main dishes range from $16 to $38, and cater predominantly to carnivores. While my vegetarian friend has only a few options, I am at a loss for which of the tempting dishes to choose. My favorites include blackened scallops, lamb and chicken Moroccan couscous, seared duck breast with plum sauce, short rib grilled cheese, and the Beehive prime burger. After significant deliberation, I opt for the short rib grilled cheese the least expensive item

A few cocktails catch our eyes, such as the Queen Bee (Tito’s vodka, cognac, peach liqueur), the Beehive Julep (Don Q rum, Clement Creole shrubb liqueur, orange, lime, mint), the Black Heart Ice Tea (Jim Bean, cassis liqueur, lemon, iced tea) and an interesting bubbly cocktail called the Tokyo Rose (lychee cognac, peach liqueur). While the bottled beer is nothing out of the ordinary, the tap selection features a few quirky beers such as the Beehive Honey Brew, Peroni, Pretty Things “Baby Tree” and Fisherman’s Brew Amber Lager. All of the drinks are relatively high-priced at an average of $5.50 for a beer, $10 for a glass of wine, $11 for a cocktail and $11.50 for a bubbly.

We place our orders with an amicable waitress: for me, the short rib grilled cheese and Poutine, for my friend the eggplant and spinach Parmesan and a Queen Bee. Halfway through waiting for our food, a band ambles onto the stage and begins setting up.

Moments later, the room fills with soothing jazz melodies that reverberate simultaneously in our limbs and glasses.

About 30 minutes after ordering, our waitress delivers our food. Very simply presented in halves and bordered by creamy coleslaw, my grilled cheese is comprised of buttered Texas toast stuffed with juicy shreds of short rib and an infusion of melted cheddar and fontina cheeses. I bite into it and it is absolutely delicious. As I wolf it down bite-by-bite, my friend raves about her Queen Bee, and it soon becomes apparent that the bartender did not go light on the liquor. I turn my attention to the Poutine; while traditional Poutine consists of thick-cut fries with cheese curds and salty brown gravy, The Beehive’s twist is thinly sliced and fried, but the cheese doesn’t compare to my hometown version. Despite my off-the-charts skepticism, the Poutine tastes like home therefore I regret nothing about my order.

By the time I walk out of The Beehive, I am $100 dollars poorer and feel 100 pounds heavier. Is it overpriced? Possibly. Is it worth the buzz? Definitely.

Moments later, the room fills with soothing jazz melodies that reverberate simultaneously in our limbs and glasses.

on the menu at $16. As I progress down the menu to the side offerings, an item immediately catches my eye - cheese and gravy fries, otherwise known as Poutine in my home province of Quebec. They are unquestionably my favorite treat in the world, and here they appear on The Beehive’s menu and immediately set my expectations sky-high.

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Fashion

Tick of Time styling by Kelsey Mulvey photography by Christine Chen

Timeliness is always in fashion, so why not show it?

Choosing a watch that serves for fashion and function will take your look to the next level.

La Mer Collections Turkish Crystal Wrap Watch $128, Crush Boutique, 264 Newbury St., 617.424.0010.

Swatch Watch

Lambretta Watch

Styllist’s Own

Styllist’s Own

G-Shock DW-6900-CS7 Blue, $90, Uncle Pete’s, 125 Charles St., 617.391.0895.

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u

1

Girl in Red / Eli Young Band

(Belen Cusi – San Antonio, Texas)

In the last few years I’ve been listening mostly to acoustic pop, jazz, R&B— but what I can never forget are my country roots. Didn’t think you’d find a country song on this list? Sorry, Texas girl here. A huge part of my life growing up in San Antonio, Texas was going out to the country halls on weekends to listen to Randy Rogers or Pat Green play to a drunken, obnoxious, insanely excited—and beautiful—crowd. In Texas we don’t just listen to country music, we listen to Texas country music, and the Eli Young Band is one of those staple bands I grew up listening to. “Girl In Red” reminds me of it all: the late nights, the loud music, my best friends, the boyfriend who first played me their songs…and now I’m giving them to you. Blast this track, windows down, during a long drive on a hot, sunny day (pick-up truck optional), and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

2

That’s Life / Frank Sinatra

(Julianne Lee – Princetown, New Jersey)

4

Music

HOMETOWN MIXTAPE Echo / The Hush Sound

(Danielle Hibbard – Bensenville, Illinois)

The Hush Sound, hailing from DuPage County outside Chicago, took a hiatus in 2008 until they recently announced some tour dates for fall 2012, save for a few reunion shows in 2010. Although picking a “hometown” band from Chicago would be simple, I thought it would be too generic to use Andrew Bird, Plain White T’s, The Academy is... or any of the dozens of rock and indie bands that the city has produced in the last 50 years. Instead, I thought it would be more appropriate to pick something close to home - the members of The Hush Sound originated near Bensenville, Ill. in my county, and lead singer Bob Morris graduated from a high school in our football conference.

The song “Echo,” from their debut album So Sudden, is an indie-ballad-meetspop-song affair featuring some amazing piano riffs and a catchy turn around three minutes in.

5

Talamak / Toro Y Moi

(Dee Daniels – Columbia, South Carolina)

This is not a ‘southern’ song by any means, but I’m really proud of Chaz Budwick and everything he’s done. He makes really cool introspective music and it feels good to know that he felt the same angst I did while living in Columbia, S.C. He captures my hometown perfectly. It’s slow, mellow and a little boring, but the weathers nice and life is easy. It’s hard to leave, but also hard to stay.

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However scandalous his life may have been Ol’ Blue Eyes had it all—class, attitude and style. The New Jersey native had talent that has made him an Main Street / Deer Tick America icon. For me Sinatra is a special element to my home life whether (Jessica Leach – Providence, Rhode Island) it be listening to his Christmas music during the holiday season or “Summer Wind” on drives down the shore. While Sinatra has inspired and influenced Other than being terrible drivers, Rhode Islanders are also extremely proud of so many artists, he is one of a kind, and I don’t think anyone will be able to their heritage. Deer Tick, one of the cooler bands that hail from my home rival the sense of timelessness his music brings. Although it’s hard to choose state, is no exception. Their album, Divine Providence references the city in which a favorite, I love “That’s Life” because it is simple, catchy, and accepts that they were formed, that shaped their style, and nurtured them to modest fame. life’s not always perfect.

“Main Street” is my favorite track from that album. The song is laden with thumping rhythm and lo-fi distortion, and it just reminds me of late nights in the East Side, hanging around with the hipsters smoking on Brown University’s commons or eating enormous pizza slices on Thayer Street. It’s Providence in a song.

3

In da Club / 50 Cent

(Isaac Flores – Middletown, Connecticut)

Why? Why not, 50 had a huge mansion in Connecticut and by huge I mean massive. He’s so hard he lived in the ‘burbs: Farmington, Conn. to be exact. A town full of rich white kids that are too preppy to be even listening to 50 Cent, unless they’re trying to impress their peers. Or you know, unless they get invited to one of his famous house parties. Which leads to the interesting story of how my friend met 50 Cent because his friend lived on the same road, got invited to 50 Cent’s house party and took my friend as a guest. He tells me it was crazy, but I think 50 Cent living in Farmington out of all places is crazier.

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Tenth Street / Valencia

(Anneliese Scheck – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Valencia is a band from Philly, and this song is about the city they/I call home.

I was hopelessly obsessed with Valencia as a punk-y high school freshman and saw them a handful of times around the city that year. I chose “Tenth Street” because it makes me disgustingly nostalgic for home and for the past —and it makes me super happy to realize how my taste in music has evolved.

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genre profiles

Music

K-Pop

Minimalism

Queer Rap

by Dee Daniels

by Isaac Flores

by Anneliese Scheck

K-Pop is a machine. It’s detailed, efficient and always delivers on promises to its fans. There is a sort of ideology to K-Pop; the love of beauty and an obsession with aesthetic are constant themes. K-Pop style is very distinct and formulaic, with choreography that usually fits the lyrics of the songs. Most K-Pop songs will have choruses that contain English lyrics, like the explosion track “Gangnam Style” by rapper Psy. This music is really all about the fantasy of the idol image contained in upbeat songs that feed into a dance-craze.

If minimalism had to be described While mainstream media is focusin a word it would be “haiku.” The ing on the rise of the female rapper, whole foundation of the genre is to “Queer Rap” stands as a controversial get rid of unnecessary frills and fo- new subgenre of hip-hop that is ulcus solely on the basic musical com- timately being ignored by music auponents. thorities. Rap is infamous for fostering homophobia with anti-gay lyrics Minimalism takes its components and “stank” attitudes, but Queer Rap and its language from multiple hasn’t emerged as a calculated social sources such as African percussion backlash against homophobic rapand Indonesian Gamelan, and tries pers. The majority of those involved to incorporate a more western tonal- with this scene loathe the label Queer ity. Composers adhere to strict rules Rap because “gay” doesn’t make a with their songs—yet these rules can genre. These rappers want to be recbe chosen arbitrarily. For instance, ognized for their beats, their rhymes, Terry Riley chose to write a whole and their swag - not their sexual oricomposition in the key of C. Some entation. composers choose to have a certain pattern throughout or to use certain However, the defining aspect of the notes of certain lengths. The artist genre is that the artists are out and chooses the rules. If the minimal proud. The sound of Queer Rap is so music is grounded in process music, varied from artist to artist that it is like John Cage, who used a chance difficult to pin down. To oversimpliprocess, he would compose his mu- fy it, the genre is hip-hop set into the sic throughout the system he creates context of the ballroom scene (think but not exactly determine it himself; old school vogue music like Madonleaving it up to chance. na’s “Vogue” and Malcolm McLaren’s “Deep in Vogue”). The rappers Minimalism artists to check out: who fall into the genre of Queer Rap Philip Glass, Terry Riley, Brian Eno’s, are as diverse in style as they are in Sigor Ros, the XX, Sufjan Stevens and sound: Mykki Blanco (who refers to James Blake. Sufjan Stevens “Swans” himself as a “gayngsta”) and House has many minimalism components. of Ladosha are two of the more flamJames Blake also incorporates a lot of boyant proponents with their wigs, minimalism into his songs on his self- spandex and pastels. Zebra Katz and titled album.

Le1f are more subdued because they want to be identified by their rap rather than their theatrics.

Some acts to check out include DBSK, Girls Generation, Big Bang and 2NE1.

In addition check out Big Freedia, Cazwell, Cakes Da Killa, Angel Haze, Kelow and Invincible, who each bring their own unique style to the genre.

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