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Harvard Square Sparklefest Pop-up!
December 7, 2019 - January 15, 2020
The Harvard Square Business Association is excited to announce the activation of 25 Brattle Street, Harvard Square as a Sparklefest Pop-Up destination. From now through January 17th, 2020, this light-filled vacancy will be transformed into a seasonal space for art, music, crafts, classes and performances.
Visitors can expect to find concerts, art exhibits, classes, tasting events and informational sessions by local nonprofits and businesses alike.
“We are grateful to Asana Partners for giving us the opportunity to curate 25 Brattle Street. This comes fresh off the heels of the enormously successful theatrical run of The Rocky Horror Show presented by Moonbox Productions,” said Denise Jillson, Executive Director.
This Saturday, December 7th from 1:30pm – 3:30pm, we will welcome shoppers and visitors to a performance by the Santa Claus Jazz Band, our first event of the holiday season in this repurposed space.
While the enjoying a rousing musical performance of seasonal favorites, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Harvard Square Business Association.
Please note that activations are still coming in and will be announced accordingly. Check with us for updates! www.harvardsquare.com
December 7th 3pm-5pm
Sake 101 hosted by Vintnicity
An overview of production, ingredients and grades. In this fun class we’ll explore several varieties of premium sake. Join Marina Giordano, WSET Certified Sake Educator, for a delicious afternoon of learning about and tasting Sake.
What is Sake? Sake is an alcoholic beverage made with rice. Because sake is made from a grain, it is actually brewed – similar to how beer is made. Sake is made with water, rice, yeast and koji (a molded rice that breaks down the starches to allow fermentation). Although its production is more like a beer, its flavor profile is closer to wine.
Tickets available here.
December 13th 1pm – 5pm
Cambridge Office for Tourism
Come learn about the Office for Tourism and volunteer opportunities.
December 13th 1pm – 4pm
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums will have special promotions and giveaways.
December 14th 1pm – 2:30pm
Christmas Caroling with Second Spring
Second Spring, an a cappella group devoted to bringing the beauty of sacred choral music to everyone, in ordinary and extraordinary spaces, will offer a selection of seasonal music, both well-known and less familiar, from the 15th to the 21st centuries. For many years, this assemblage of singers has gathered in Harvard Square once or twice during the holiday season to raise the spirits of whoever might pass by.
December 15th 3pm – 5pm
Sake and Cheese hosted by Vintnicity
Forget Wine & Cheese! How about Sake & Cheese? We’ll explore how well different sake pairs with cheese. Join Marina Giordano, WSET Certified Sake Educator, for a delicious afternoon of learning about and tasting Sake.
What is Sake? Sake is an alcoholic beverage made with rice. Because sake is made from a grain, it is actually brewed – similar to how beer is made. Sake is made with water, rice, yeast and koji (a molded rice that breaks down the starches to allow fermentation). Although its production is more like a beer, its flavor profile is closer to wine.
Tickets available here.
December 16th 11am – 2pm
First Church in Cambridge
Come meet representatives from the First Church in Cambridge and learn about their homeless ministries and volunteer opportunities. They will also information about safe injection sites.
December 17th 7pm – 9pm
Sparkling Wines of the World hosted by Vintnicity
Erika’s love of wine was cultivated in the vineyards and wineries of the Finger Lakes, Northern California; Massachusetts; and her father’s homeland of Wurttemberg, Germany. She has completed several wine studies classes at Cornell University, Boston University, and the Boston Wine School. Never before did she think that studying chemistry, agriculture, geography, and history could be this much fun!
In 2011, Erika earned the title of Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators. She is currently pursuing the Diploma certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Erika most enjoys introducing people to new wines and up-and-coming regions. She strives to make wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Tickets available here.
December 18th 12pm – 5pm
Cambridge Art Association
Cambridge Art Association’s Holiday Small Works Sale is your chance to purchase one-of-a-kind works by emerging and established artists for just $100! From oil paintings to monotypes, photography to sculpture, and everything in between, more than 100 works will be available – again, all priced at $100 (plus tax).
Join us in celebrating 75 years of the CAA! Every Holiday Small Works Sale purchase directly supports CAA’s Framing Our Future campaign, ensuring access to visual arts opportunities in Cambridge.
December 18th 10am – 1pm
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums will have special promotions and giveaways.
December 20th 1pm – 5pm
Cambridge Office for Tourism
Come learn about the Office for Tourism and volunteer opportunities.
December 20th 1pm – 4pm
Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums will have special promotions and giveaways.
December 20th 2pm-5pm
Adria Katz
Artist Adria Katz will be hosting a pop-up shop of her ceramic work. Her work is one-of-a-kind: she sculpts functional and decorative porcelain pieces, and has a line of ceramic jewelry as well! Stop in to meet her or take a look at her work, and maybe find a gift or two in the process! Check out her instagram here.
December 21st 1pm – 2pm
13th Annual Everyone Loves Latkes
The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to celebrate Hanukkah by serving complimentary latkes on Saturday, December 21st at the 13th Annual “Everyone Loves Latkes” Party! Hot and delicious potato pancakes will be sampled. Harvard Square’s latkes are tasty, diverse in shape, size and texture and are accompanied with creative condiments. Joe Kessler and his Klezmer band, Klezwoods, will be on hand to entertain the crowd with traditional songs of the season.
December 21st 12pm-4pm
Adria Katz
Artist Adria Katz will be hosting a pop-up shop of her ceramic work. Her work is one-of-a-kind: she sculpts functional and decorative porcelain pieces, and has a line of ceramic jewelry as well! Stop in to meet her or take a look at her work, and maybe find a gift or two in the process! Check out her instagram here.
December 21st 1pm-2pm
Moleskine
Moleskine will be hosting a demo of their art collection, sketchbooks and sketch/color pencils. Sample sized books will be available for all who participate.
December 22nd 2pm – 4pm
Fighting Quaker Books
Boston-based writer Matt Robinson will present his new book – Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs?: An unofficial guide to the legend and lore of the Ivy League (which is available EXCLUSIVELY at www.lionstigersbulldogs.com) – at the Harvard Square Sparklefest Pop-Up at 25 Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA.
Packed with interesting information about the Ivies, the book makes a GREAT GIFT for any alumni or prospective/hopeful students.
In addition to the book, the event will also feature delicious food and drink from the many friends Matt has made as a correspondent for WBZ radio’s “Connoisseurs Corner” with Host Jordan Rich.
December 27th 7pm – 9pm
Bubbles & Cheese hosted by Vintnicity
There’s no better way to finish up the year than sipping on sparkling wines from around the globe perfectly paired with amazing cheeses from the States and Europe. Learn all about these magnificent sips and nibbles with professional educator (and bubbles aficionado) Adam Centamore. Celebrate the end of the year in the tastiest way possible!
Welcome! My name is Adam Centamore. I’m a wine and cheese educator with over seven years of experience in teaching classes, conducting seminars and providing consulting for people who are excited to explore the fine foods and wines of the world. What began as an educational curiosity at Boston University quickly exploded into a full-blown passion. From managing at the renowned Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge to portfolio administrator for an equally-lauded local wine purveyor, I remain dedicated to constantly learning and sharing that knowledge and excitement with my students and clients. My first book, Tasting Wine & Cheese – An Insider’s Guide to Mastering the Principles of Pairing, was recently nominated for the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals cookbook of the year award. I truly enjoy what I do.
Tickets available here.
December 28th 1pm-2pm
Moleskine
Moleskine will be hosting a demo of their art collection, sketchbooks and sketch/color pencils. Sample sized books will be available for all who participate.
January 4th 3pm – 5pm
Wine & Chocolate hosted by Vintnicity
What happens when two of everyone’s favorite foods come together? Pure, delicious magic. Spend an afternoon with professional educator (and chocolate fiend) Adam Centamore learning the secrets of pairing amazing chocolates from around the world with equally delicious wines in ways that will have you craving for more!
My name is Adam Centamore. I’m a wine and cheese educator with over seven years of experience in teaching classes, conducting seminars and providing consulting for people who are excited to explore the fine foods and wines of the world. What began as an educational curiosity at Boston University quickly exploded into a full-blown passion. From managing at the renowned Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge to portfolio administrator for an equally-lauded local wine purveyor, I remain dedicated to constantly learning and sharing that knowledge and excitement with my students and clients. My first book, Tasting Wine & Cheese – An Insider’s Guide to Mastering the Principles of Pairing, was recently nominated for the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals cookbook of the year award. I truly enjoy what I do.
Tickets available here.
January 5th 3pm – 5pm
Specialty Sake Class hosted by Vintnicity
In this class we’ll talk about the production and taste profiles of several specialty sake. Nigori, Nama, Koshu, Sparkling – You’ll come out with an understanding of how these sake taste & maybe find a new favorite!
What is Sake? Sake is an alcoholic beverage made with rice. Because sake is made from a grain, it is actually brewed – similar to how beer is made. Sake is made with water, rice, yeast and koji (a molded rice that breaks down the starches to allow fermentation). Although its production is more like a beer, its flavor profile is closer to wine.
Tickets available here.
January 5th 7pm – 9pm
Georgia Wine Class hosted by Vintnicity
Tickets are available here.
January 8th 7pm – 9pm
Winter Wine & Cheese hosted by Vintnicity
Winter is one of the best times of the year for cheese. Richly dense and flavorful cheeses come out to play in the cold weather – it’s time to get to know them better! Spend an evening with educator (and alpine adventurer) Adam Centamore exploring the amazing world of winter cheeses matched with wines that make the most of the season.
My name is Adam Centamore. I’m a wine and cheese educator with over seven years of experience in teaching classes, conducting seminars and providing consulting for people who are excited to explore the fine foods and wines of the world. What began as an educational curiosity at Boston University quickly exploded into a full-blown passion. From managing at the renowned Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge to portfolio administrator for an equally-lauded local wine purveyor, I remain dedicated to constantly learning and sharing that knowledge and excitement with my students and clients. My first book, Tasting Wine & Cheese – An Insider’s Guide to Mastering the Principles of Pairing, was recently nominated for the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals cookbook of the year award. I truly enjoy what I do.
Tickets available here.
January 9th 7pm – 9pm
French vs California Wine hosted by Vintnicity
Come taste how fabulous the same grape varietals from California and France can taste!
Erika’s love of wine was cultivated in the vineyards and wineries of the Finger Lakes, Northern California; Massachusetts; and her father’s homeland of Wurttemberg, Germany. She has completed several wine studies classes at Cornell University, Boston University, and the Boston Wine School. Never before did she think that studying chemistry, agriculture, geography, and history could be this much fun!
In 2011, Erika earned the title of Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators. She is currently pursuing the Diploma certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Erika most enjoys introducing people to new wines and up-and-coming regions. She strives to make wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Tickets available here.
January 10th 7pm – 9pm
Akita, “The Land of Sake” by Vintnicity
Join Marina Giordano, Sake Educator and Yuki Dane, SakeTravel Specialist, for a journey of Akita, Japan. This northern prefecture is known for its pristine landscape, snowy mountains, Winter Hunters and exceptional Sake. Come explore Akita with us!
Tickets available here.
January 11th 3pm – 5pm
Sake 101 hosted by Vintnicity
An overview of production, ingredients and grades. In this fun class we’ll explore several varieties of premium sake. Join Marina Giordano, WSET Certified Sake Educator, for a delicious afternoon of learning about and tasting Sake.
What is Sake? Sake is an alcoholic beverage made with rice. Because sake is made from a grain, it is actually brewed – similar to how beer is made. Sake is made with water, rice, yeast and koji (a molded rice that breaks down the starches to allow fermentation). Although its production is more like a beer, its flavor profile is closer to wine.
January 11th 8:30pm
A night of Debauchery with Peter Mill
Tickets available here.
January 12th 10am
Schoolhouse of Rock
Moonbox presents a fun, fast-paced, family-friendly musical show based on the classic Saturday morning cartoon series! Join the fun with songs including “Interplanet Janet”, “Conjunction Junction”, “I’m Just a Bill”, and MORE! Geared especially for ages 5 – 10, but all ages welcome! Sunday January 12th at 10am at 25 Brattle Street, Cambridge . Doors open at 9:30. Run time approximately 50 minutes. Tickets are general admission: $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets on sale now.
January 12th 4pm – 6pm
Wines of Burgundy hosted by Vintnicity
Burgundy, France is the home of great food and spectacular wines. It’s the homeland of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties. Come learn about the nuances of this region through tasting some great wines. From village to village, vineyard to vineyard, the wines of Burgundy will enchant you.
Jessica Sculley is a WSET certified wine educator who loves to share her enthusiasm and knowledge of wine with anyone who is willing to listen – from people who can’t distinguish a red from a white to seasoned wine professionals.
She holds the Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma and is a Certified Educator for the WSET, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators. She teaches and consults throughout the region, and offers wine tours throughout the year.
Tickets available here.
January 13th 5pm – 7pm
Opening Reception for “Seas & Shores,” “Mountains & Streams,” and “Forests & Deserts” Exhibition by Ocean River Institute
Dan Wells, photographer, and Rob Moir, Executive Director of the Ocean River Institute along with student interns, Kaity Carpenter and Joelle Boyle invite you to an evening of art, ecology and advocacy from watersheds to oceans.
Raffle tickets to benefit the Ocean River Institute will be sold for $1 a piece, or six for $5. Be the one who takes home “Vermont Old Growth Maple in Autumn” by Dan Wells, a 16 by 24 inches photograph in a handmade frame by Richard Wells. Also to be raffled are a glass dolphin sculpture and black duck decoy with line and anchor. Thanks to The Red House for providing light refreshment, and Hunt’s Photo & Video for helping out with the costs of printing the three large images.
January 14th – January 17th 11am – 6pm
“Seas & Shores,” “Mountains & Streams,” and “Forests & Deserts” Exhibition by Ocean River Institute
Dan “Shuttterbug” Wells is a landscape photographer, long-distance hiker, writer and student at Harvard Divinity School, studying spirituality and the natural world. His goal is to combine spirit, art and ecology of a strongly Universalist ministry of the natural world.
Dan Wells is a long-time lecturer in photography and ecology at the University of Vermont. Dan is also a forest ecologist who was the first to identify the patch of Vermont old-growth forest featured in the framed image to be raffled off at the reception. He is a resident of Cambridge, MA, sojourner of the Pacific Crest Trail, and a parishioner at First Parish Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Harvard Square.
Hopefully, these images will give all a sense of the awesome beauty and majesty of spirit to be found in the world we all inhabit.
January 14th 11am-1pm
A Beginners Guide to Meditation by Inner Space
Raja Yoga Meditation is a unique and practical approach back into the experience of peace, harmony and inner power. In this session hosted by Inner Space, we will look at the spiritual identity of the soul and explore the power of thoughts. There will be a guided commentary and you will leave with insights and tips to begin your journey.
January 14th 6pm-8pm
Wine Tasting Class Accompanied by Oysters by Ocean River Institute
A nutritious way to help save the ocean is by eating oysters. Massachusetts’ burgeoning oyster aquaculture farms are providing jobs, habitats for marine life, cleaning action by filtering water, and as oyster reefs protecting estuaries and our residential communities from extreme weather events. Oyster reefs managed as a sustainable resource in concert with other ocean users provide billions of dollars to the economy. So, eat up me Hearties!
And raise a glass. With so many delicious oysters from farms in Massachusetts, the question remains, what to drink with oysters? Survey the tastes and aromas of both red and white wines from the Red House Restaurant to discover what you like best to accompany chilled oysters.
Kaitlyn Carpenter, Ocean River Institute Summer Intern, will give a short illustrated talk about oyster farming. Kaitlyn splits her time with the Ocean River Institute and working for an oyster farm. Kaitlyn is a recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a major in marine affairs.
Tickets are $45 per person. Ticket sales benefit the Ocean River Institute including our ability to pay interns $16 an hour. The more we raise, the more hours Kaitlyn may work (and we’ve got some work to do for cleaner oceans.) Another benefit that pairs well with oyster consumption. Bravo bivalves!
Space is limited, to make a reservation please write Rob Moir at rob@oceanriver.org
January 15th 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sake & Chocolate hosted by Vintnicity
A match made in heaven! It may not be the first pairing you think of, but sake and chocolate have a natural affinity – We’ll explore how different styles of sake pair well with quality chocolate!
Join Marina Giordano, WSET Certified Sake Educator, for a delicious afternoon of learning about and tasting Sake.
What is Sake? Sake is an alcoholic beverage made with rice. Because sake is made from a grain, it is actually brewed – similar to how beer is made. Sake is made with water, rice, yeast and koji (a molded rice that breaks down the starches to allow fermentation). Although its production is more like a beer, its flavor profile is closer to wine.
Tickets available here.
January 15th 11am – 12:45pm
Maude Morgan Arts Silk Screen Demo
Drop in for a silk screen printmaking lesson and demonstration with artist and instructor Boriana Kantcheva! Participants can pull their own screens and take home a small piece of art!
Join us for a class this Winter in our studio spaces at the Maud Morgan Arts Center – Winter registration is currently live!
Tickets available here.
January 16th 7pm – 9pm
Italy vs Spain hosted by Vintnicity
Erika’s love of wine was cultivated in the vineyards and wineries of the Finger Lakes, Northern California; Massachusetts; and her father’s homeland of Wurttemberg, Germany. She has completed several wine studies classes at Cornell University, Boston University, and the Boston Wine School. Never before did she think that studying chemistry, agriculture, geography, and history could be this much fun!
In 2011, Erika earned the title of Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators. She is currently pursuing the Diploma certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Erika most enjoys introducing people to new wines and up-and-coming regions. She strives to make wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Tickets available here.
January 17th 6pm – 7:30pm
Drinking Games: 4BlindWines (Belly Style) hosted by Vintnicity
Join Liz Vilardi, former owner + wine director of Central Bottle, Belly + The Blue Room, for a fun, but educational round of blind wines. Drop the pretense of wine by leveling the playing field: Everyone is equal when we taste blind.
We’ll dissect four wines that relate to each other, but are, obviously, different wines (maybe we’re guessing the region? maybe we’re guessing the grape? maybe we’ll identify a producer?). Here’s what we hope you walk away with:
1. How to look at what’s in your glass (what’s up with the tilting your glass thing?).
2. Think about the wine in terms of weight, acidity and try– it’s illusive– to think about what region in the world we’re drinking from.
3. Talk about describing wine…we love when it’s unconventional! Personification is enlightening!
4. Pairing. *believe it or not, junk food is a great place to start*
Then, a big reveal and some time to discuss how we got it so wrong!? Tasting wine is hard.
Finally we’ll send you out into Harvard Square hungry for dinner…
Tickets available here.
