I went to my very first free concert at the MDC Hatch Shell this past Saturday evening. One of the Boston radio stations was sponsoring it. This is a fun event to attend although we had to arrive very early to get a good 'seat' - ok, piece of lawn. We, my husband and myself, took the subway into Boston. Tokens are currently $1 each and parking at the T (subway) station was $4. That made our transportation $8 plus the gas we burned getting to the T station. Parking in the garage near the Hatch Shell is about $7.

To get to the Hatch Shell by subway, get off at the Charles/MGH stop on the red line. As you leave the station you will go over a footbridge. Ahead of you will be another footbridge you will also want to go over. This takes you over Storrow Drive. Go the entire length of the footbridge. This brings you to the edge of the Charles River. Walk down the river, past the boating club, past some public bathrooms and you'll be at the Hatch Shell.

We arrived at 2pm and got a decent seat, er piece of lawn. We chatted with our neighbors, played some card games, hit beach balls around, and people watched.

The time you want to arrive really depends on the event at the Hatch Shell. For instance, we saw the Monkees, my favorite band. To get a seat near the stage I would have wanted to arrive at 9 am or earlier. If you are planning to see the Boston Pops on July 4th you want to be at the gates when they open.
Leaving the Hatch Shell is slow, but steady going. Expect to take at least half an hour to get to the T station. Oh, you will probably feel the footbridge sway under the weight off everyone. Don't worry, it's not going to break!

So, how were the Monkees? They were great and their voices actually sound better now. They played all of their hits and Davy Jones claimed that the harbor smelled like tea!

TIPS & TRICKS Bring a cooler packed with drinks and snacks. The concession stand prices are absolutely outrageous.

Bring an umbrella or a tarp. The umbrella will help to keep the sun off you while you wait and people watch. If it starts to rain the tarp can easily be pulled over yourself to keep you nice & dry.

Stake out your territory early. The easiest way to do this is by putting down a large blanket. The unwritten rule is if there is a patch of grass you may claim it. However, do not move someone else's blanket to free up some lawn space for yourself. You will provoke the wrath of others and could wind up getting pummeled by many beach balls.

If you walk around be sure to ask permission to step on even a corner of someone else's blanket - it's only polite, of course. If you do step on someone's blanket be sure to apologize profusely.

Bring some games with you to pass the time.

There are public bathrooms. Ladies - expect a very long line. Men - don't be surprised to see a woman in your bathroom.

If you take the subway in, buy your return tokens on your way into Boston. It'll make your return trip much easier.

If you don't want to sit around all day consider a pair of binoculars to make viewing easier.