Boston’s local gospel scene will be represented by LeRoy Streat with Grace. The group specializes in the Christian worship music that Streat has been writing, playing, and producing for more than fifteen years, in addition to his work leading music ministries both in the United States and abroad. The local presence is increased by Major Choirboy, a native of Houston, Texas, and recent graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Headlining the event is Israel Houghton & New Breed, led by award winner Houghton, who, like Streat, is a full-service musician. His experience and talent writing, performing, and producing Christian and Gospel music resulted in a Grammy for his 2007 album Alive in South Africa (pictured above left), which was recorded in Capetown.

City Hall Plaza is conveniently located right next to the Government Center Station on the MBTA subway’s Green Line. Take a look at the video after the jump for Israel Houghton & New Breed’s track “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” to get in the mood before heading to GospelFest 2008.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

From 11am to 6pm on Saturday, July 19, downtown Boston will host the Life is good Festival, an annual summer event guaranteed to make residents and visitors alike feel pretty darn good, no matter what their age.

The fundraiser, always free of charge to the general public, features a number of physical activities that reflect the infectious spirit and energy of youth. One of the most popular is the competition to be crowned the World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete, a victory that announces to the world that the winner rocks at spitting Watermelon seeds as far as possible, making a Frisbee fly through the air, and navigating the twists and turns of a challenging obstacle course.

There’s not a better way to make your mark on history, especially since all proceeds, raised through pledges, benefit the Boston-based nonprofit children’s charity Project Joy, which is dedicated to using “the healing power of play to transform kids sidelined by violence, poverty and loss into healthy and joyful players in the game of life.” In fact, 100 percent of the funds raised at Life is good’s various outdoor festivals in thirteen states is donated to indispensable charitable organizations that assist children.

Other highlights to look forward to on Saturday include team-oriented games in the Joy Zone; arts and crafts and other cool-down activities in Chillville; and a variety of traditional games, such as treasure hunts and Hula Hoop spinning, in Jake Town.

And then there’s the entertainment attendees can observe, this weekend ranging from the previously mentioned World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition; Double Dutch and Hula Hoop demonstrations; and music from Electric Youth (who also dance!), Melvin Sparks, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and children’s entertainer SteveSongs.

Remember, this is all free, meaning there’s no excuse not to stop by and mingle for at least a little while if you’re in the area. Visit the Life is good website for additional information, including how to contribute to the organization’s very worthy cause. You can also take a look at the promotional video for Saturday’s event below to get an idea of the Life is good founders’ laid-back and fun-loving approach.

Boston Common: Charles Street and Beacon Street at the Green Line Subway Park Street and Boylston Street Stations

Post from: The Boston Traveler

At Forest Hills Cemetery’s sunset version of the festival, participants set paper lanterns they’ve created and decorated themselves afloat on Lake Hibiscus. The lanterns are typically inscribed with messages to the deceased, and the candles placed inside emit a peaceful glow on the water as each lantern travels on its symbolic journey to the afterlife.

Although admission to the ceremony is free, a $10 donation per lantern is suggested. That’s a reasonable request for an uplifting event that will include music and dance performances by gospel singer Ron Murphy, students from Showa Institute and Chu Ling Dance Academy, and Master Tsuji’s Samurai Taiko Drummers. Attendees, whether participants or just observers, are also invited to hold picnics on the lawn while enjoying the performances.

Visit Forest Hills Cemetery online for additional information, including how to purchase advance tickets for the festival reception scheduled from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place one week later, on July 24, instead.

Forest Hills Cemetery: 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Jamaica Plain, 617-524-0128

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art does much more than beautify Bean Town’s surroundings with displays of gorgeous visual art. In conjunction with Berklee College of Music, it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area by offering HarborWalk Sounds, a series of free outdoor concerts performed by Berklee students and alumni, each Thursday evening.

To enjoy the diverse musical styles that lean heavily toward jazz, just head over to Putnam Investments Plaza (100 Northern Avenue, Boston Waterfront, 617-478-3100) from 6pm to 8:30pm. The lineup for the series, which runs until September 11, follows. Visit the ICA website for additional details about the musicians and their work.

• July 17: Juan Chavez — Classical, Jazz, Afro-Cuban
• July 24: Tantanakuy — Argentinean, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Peruvian, Uruguayan, Jazz
• July 31: Sol Melodiq — Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, Funk, Classic Soul, World Music
• August 7: Zach Hillyard Band — Pop, Funk, Soul, R&B
• August 14: Cole Degenova — Funk, Neo-Soul, Blues, Jazz
• August 21: Pat Carroll — Jazz
• August 28: Monterey Quartet — Jazz
• September 4: Manami Morita — Jazz
• September 11: Katie Thiroux — Jazz

Post from: The Boston Traveler

If you agree with that sentiment, take note because Monday, May 12, brings a free event for those in the Boston area who appreciate a good glass of wine or sake.

From 5:30pm–7:30pm, the award-winning restaurant and lounge Pho Republique and the new local wine publication The Second Glass are jointly sponsoring what they call the Silk Road Social.

During the early evening tasting, which will also feature $2 Dim Sum and mood-appropriate musical accompaniment, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of “exotic spirits” while mingling with like-minded imbibers.

Although the sampling won’t cost the general public a single cent for admission, the hosts do require RSVPs at the website for The Second Glass. Then, after you sign up, just show up on Monday, May 12, at Pho Republique (1415 Washington Street, Boston, 617-423-0069).

Post from: The Boston Traveler