We, the undersigned, enthusiastically support the designation of an official square named in the City of Cambridge as a tribute to longtime resident and arts patron William “Billy” Ruane, who passed away in 2010.
Billy was an integral, enthusiastic – and vociferous – fixture in Boston’s music and arts scene for several decades, and was especially important to the growth of Cambridge’s nightlife in the 1990s and 2000s. Starting in the late 1980s, he was a driving force in booking music performances at the Middle East Café and TT The Bear’s Place, among many other venues. He was a generous and energetic supporter of up-and-coming artists in the rock, jazz and world music scenes. And he was beloved by hundreds of friends for his fierce and unwavering support of the musicians he loved and respected.
We feel strongly that the corner of Brookline Street and Green Street – where he could frequently be seen exhorting friends and strangers alike to attend shows at the Middle East, TTs, or many other venues in the city on any given night – would be a perfect place for Billy Ruane Square.
November 10, 2017 would have been Billy’s 60th birthday and is also the 30th anniversary of his first "blow-out" music booking (a 30th birthday bash in 1987, at TT The Bear’s, The Middle East and the Green Street Grill).
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 30, 2017
Reached 100 supporters
May 15, 2017
177 Comments
Billy was a huge supporter of music and the arts. He first booked live music at the Middle East and Green Street Grill. He financed recordings and tours of many local musicians. And his dancing style was something to behold. He was amazing.
I strongly believe that the Music & art culture we feel today as walk through Central Square would not be there if it wasn't for Billy, a reason I'm still here after 27 years.
Billy molded the music scene in Boston that spread near and far from there. There was no one like him and I doubt there ever will be. Let's remember the brightest lights that showed us the possibilities! Lili ( Billy's sister)
Billy was a driving force for good things to happen in Central Square Cambridge and I could not be more supportive of this idea. I have lived on Green Street for more than 20 years and would be honored to have s square on this street named in Billy's honor.
As someone who has been part of the Boston music scene for over 40 years, I am totally behind Billy having a Square....the last thing he was was square, but he was a fixture of Central Square, and I can't think of anyone more deserving....Let's do it!
A huge part in people actually caring about this neighborhood, because for awhile rock 'n roll carried it forward.
Billy was a force of nature. He brought so much amazing and wonderful energy to this area and I strongly feel he should be given this honor. He was instrumental in putting Central Square on the musical map.
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We, the undersigned, enthusiastically support the designation of an official square named in the City of Cambridge as a tribute to longtime resident and arts patron William “Billy” Ruane, who passed away in 2010.
Billy was an integral, enthusiastic – and vociferous – fixture in Boston’s music and arts scene for several decades, and was especially important to the growth of Cambridge’s nightlife in the 1990s and 2000s. Starting in the late 1980s, he was a driving force in booking music performances at the Middle East Café and TT The Bear’s Place, among many other venues. He was a generous and energetic supporter of up-and-coming artists in the rock, jazz and world music scenes. And he was beloved by hundreds of friends for his fierce and unwavering support of the musicians he loved and respected.
We feel strongly that the corner of Brookline Street and Green Street – where he could frequently be seen exhorting friends and strangers alike to attend shows at the Middle East, TTs, or many other venues in the city on any given night – would be a perfect place for Billy Ruane Square.
November 10, 2017 would have been Billy’s 60th birthday and is also the 30th anniversary of his first "blow-out" music booking (a 30th birthday bash in 1987, at TT The Bear’s, The Middle East and the Green Street Grill).
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 30, 2017
Reached 100 supporters
May 15, 2017
177 Comments
Billy was a main driver in making Central Square a prime destination for local music lovers. He was my role model and inspiration for my decision to promote shows myself. This honor would be more than fitting.
Billy was a huge supporter of music and the arts. He first booked live music at the Middle East and Green Street Grill. He financed recordings and tours of many local musicians. And his dancing style was something to behold. He was amazing.
I strongly believe that the Music & art culture we feel today as walk through Central Square would not be there if it wasn't for Billy, a reason I'm still here after 27 years.
Billy molded the music scene in Boston that spread near and far from there. There was no one like him and I doubt there ever will be. Let's remember the brightest lights that showed us the possibilities! Lili ( Billy's sister)
Billy was a driving force for good things to happen in Central Square Cambridge and I could not be more supportive of this idea. I have lived on Green Street for more than 20 years and would be honored to have s square on this street named in Billy's honor.
As someone who has been part of the Boston music scene for over 40 years, I am totally behind Billy having a Square....the last thing he was was square, but he was a fixture of Central Square, and I can't think of anyone more deserving....Let's do it!
A huge part in people actually caring about this neighborhood, because for awhile rock 'n roll carried it forward.
Billy was a force of nature. He brought so much amazing and wonderful energy to this area and I strongly feel he should be given this honor. He was instrumental in putting Central Square on the musical map.
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Billy was a main driver in making Central Square a prime destination for local music lovers. He was my role model and inspiration for my decision to promote shows myself. This honor would be more than fitting.