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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Lifestyle

Senior Missionary Elder Butt and Assistant to the Bishop Stephen Patterson catch up over holiday fanfare in the Latter-day Saints' chapel gymnasium. (Bryan Liu/ For The Beacon)

Latter-day Saints celebrate Lunar New Year

By Bryan Liu, Managing Editor / February 5, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a Lunar New Year party celebrating Chinese culture in their Cambridge chapel last Friday night.  Latter-day...

Playwright Kate Hamill and Director Shana Cooper hug during a workshop of "The Odyssey." (Bryan Liu/ For The Beacon)

After 2000 years, Odysseus finally makes it to Boston

By Bryan Liu, Managing Editor / February 5, 2025

Actor and Playwright Kate Hamill’s latest production, “The Odyssey,” will have its world premiere on Feb. 9 at the American Repertory Theater in...

David Methven, piper for the 15th annual Burns supper at The Haven last Thursday night.

‘Everybody gets to be Scottish tonight’: In Jamaica Plain Burns supper honors Scotland’s national poet

By Bryan Liu, Managing Editor / January 30, 2025

Hundreds of locals celebrated the life and legacy of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, at the 15th annual Burns supper hosted at Scottish restaurant...

Candace Persuasian lip syncs "Defying Gravity," as Elphaba. (Bryan Liu/ Beacon Staff)

A birthday and a name change for drag artist Candace Persuasian

By Bryan Liu, Managing Editor / January 30, 2025

Candace Persuasian’s birthday show, Candyland, celebrated her official name change while performing a lip sync of "Defying Gravity" at Jacque’s Cabaret last...

Dray Drinks sells beer, wine, and spirits—sans alcohol

Dray Drinks sells beer, wine, and spirits—sans alcohol

By Hannah Hughes, Staff Writer / January 22, 2025

Dray Drinks offers evergreen beer, wine, and spirit selections, alcohol-free. In the South End, the store’s large windows, painted mural, and open floor...

A woman on the Public Garden Foot Bridge records people skating on the frozen Swan Pond below. (Nick Peace/ Beacon Staff)

Frozen over: Bostonians skate and scrimmage in the Public Garden

By Max Ardrey, Dept. Living Arts Editor / January 22, 2025

As the sky eases into perpetual gray and temperatures drop, Bostonians reclaim their favorite winter pastime: grabbing their skates and hitting the ice. While...

Come here often? Romance bookstore Lovestruck Books opens in Cambridge

Come here often? Romance bookstore Lovestruck Books opens in Cambridge

By Allison Po and Hannah Woods / January 22, 2025

Decorated with hearts and florals, romance bookstore Lovestruck Books opened to an eager public reception last week, bringing not only books but a safe...

Calling all ice cream lovers to Seaport: Boston’s Museum of Ice Cream has opened 

Calling all ice cream lovers to Seaport: Boston’s Museum of Ice Cream has opened 

By Madison Lucchesi, Beacon Correspondent / January 15, 2025

The Seaport District now offers refuge for ice cream lovers and everyone with a sweet tooth since The Museum of Ice Cream opened to the public on Dec....

The new Museum of Illusions on the second floor of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. (Madison Lucchesi/ Beacon Staff)

‘Immersive’ and ‘photo worthy’: Museum of Illusions opened on Saturday

By Madison Lucchesi, Beacon Staff / November 26, 2024

Nestled in Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a brand new perception-altering experience. From the hypnotic lights to slanted floors, the Museum of Illusions,...

(McKenzie Cooper/ Beacon Staff)

The Boylston Chess Club: A testament to the world of chess

By McKenzie Cooper, Beacon Staff / November 20, 2024

Marked by only a plain sign hanging from an even plain-er building, there lives a strong-standing testament to the growing game of chess. Upon entering,...

Werthe by Jem’s final model walks down the runway. Based in Brockton, Mass., Werthe focuses on size and offers high-fashion clothing. (Rian Nelson/ Beacon Staff)

Photos: 2024 Boston Fashion Awards celebrates Massachusetts designers

By Rian Nelson, Staff Photographer / November 15, 2024

On Nov. 11th, the Boston Fashion Awards brought the Massachusetts fashion industry together to celebrate the best models, salons, photographers, and more....

Handcrafted lanterns for sale at the parade. (Fiona McMahon / Beacon Staff)

Celebrating 41 years of Jamaica Plain history with The Lantern Parade

By Fiona McMahon, Beacon Correspondent / October 23, 2024
Winter is looming, and one Boston neighborhood in particular has a special way of celebrating this impending season of cold and darkness.
A performance from the Good Trouble Brass Band

Brass music fills Davis Square during HONK! Festival

By Hannah Hughes, Beacon Correspondent / October 8, 2024
“Why do we honk? How do we honk? When do we honk?” These were the questions asked by performers during the HONK! Festival’s opening ceremonies on Saturday.
Ignite Festival lights up the night in Union Square

Ignite Festival lights up the night in Union Square

By Hannah Hughes, Beacon Correspondent / October 2, 2024
Ignite Festival brings the heat to Somerville, with fiery food, performances, and a spicy curry eating contest, all to showcase the community’s diversity.
Revival of the lesbian bar scene: Dani’s Queer Bar makes its Boston debut

Revival of the lesbian bar scene: Dani’s Queer Bar makes its Boston debut

By Hannah Brueske, Beacon Correspondent / October 2, 2024
Dani’s Queer Bar, the latest arrival to Boston’s nightlife scene, signifies the new rise of lesbian bar culture.
(Laith Hintzman/ Beacon Correspondent)

Sustainability drives ‘Massive Thrift Market’

By Laith Hintzman, Beacon Correspondent / September 23, 2024
Thousands gathered in Roxbury last Saturday to buy used—sometimes decades-old—clothing.
Photo by Sam Shipman

JPEGed at Roadrunner: Peggy takes Boston

By Rumsha Siddiqui and Sam Shipman / September 18, 2024
“PEGGY” chants erupted at Roadrunner in anticipation of JPEGMAFIA’s Boston appearance on his “LAY DOWN MY LIFE” tour.
Photo by Fiona McMahon

Photos: A new cafe experience in Boston: Visiting a Sanctuary Cafe in Beacon Hill

By Fiona McMahon, Beacon Correspondent / September 18, 2024
This new cafe in sunny Beacon Hill lit up the neighborhood in early September, drawing longing stares from those who pass by.
En la calle con Sofia: Brothers Burger

En la calle con Sofia: Brothers Burger

By Sofia Waldron / April 11, 2024

My mamá could always be seen snacking on a big bowl of fruits no matter the hour or the weather, no matter where our family outings may have taken us...

Dani’s Debrief: Central Perk is the coffee ‘Friend’ everyone needs

Dani’s Debrief: Central Perk is the coffee ‘Friend’ everyone needs

By Danielle Bartholet / March 27, 2024

One of the most iconic and symbolic settings from “Friends,” the massively popular sitcom from 1994 to 2004, is the beloved coffee shop Central Perk....