Boston's Best Music

"They'll be rocking in Boston..." Even though Chuck Berry sang that in 1958, it wasn't until the late seventies that Boston -- best known for its folk, Irish, and classical music -- finally got a reputable pop music scene to call its own. Notable popsters The Cars, The J. Geils Band, Jonathan Richman, Aerosmith, and, of course, the eponymous band called Boston, helped scale back Beantown's puritanical image and pave the way for one of the most exciting alternative movements in the country.

In the last twenty years, Boston's huge collegiate population has filled an ever-increasing number of rock venues in order to check out what might be the next local act to break into the big time. The Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Morphine, Sebadoh, Tracy Chapman, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Juliana Hatfield, and the Lemonheads all came of age in Boston, and their success still drives weekend revelers looking for quality music.

GENERAL TIPS
There is certainly no shortage of clubs where you may be able to find this quality; it could be tucked away in any given basement on any given night. In order to give you a fighting chance, we've chosen the places where you are consistently likely to find outstanding, moderately priced music. Of course, your taste will dictate what variety you're looking for, so pick up the latest Boston Phoenix (or call their club line at 617-859-3300) to find out who's playing what and where. Also, call the club you're interested in for the latest information about who is playing and what the cover will be (since admission often varies according to the bands booked).

One problem that is consistent with nighttime entertainment in Boston is the 'T' schedule. All of the clubs below are easily accessible by the subway, but since the 'T' stops running at the inexplicable time of 12:30 AM, it's always wise to plan your return trip by an alternate method. Although being stranded in the wee morning hours is sort of a Boston tradition. In most places, walking isn't dangerous, but finding a safer, warmer taxi might be a better idea.

RECOMMENDED CLUBS

THE MIDDLE EAST
472-480 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge
617-864-EAST

True to its more civilized roots, Boston is no pigeonholed indie town. In fact, the most exhilarating venues around offer a diversity of music that most likely can't be found in any other city. In that vein, one of the most eclectic places is The Middle East.

The Middle East has built up quite a hip reputation and now gets the best in local bands and occasional national acts, but its booking policy is still quite adventurous. We suppose it could be so more by necessity than choice, since on any given night they might host ten bands playing on three different stages.

In one corner of the restaurant, the smallest stage -- the "Corner" or the "Bakery" as it's called -- typically has lower-key jazz or acoustic acts available for your dining pleasure. On Wednesday nights in the Corner, expect to see the ancient art of belly dancing.

Actually on the ground floor at the back of the restaurant is the "Upstairs." The Upstairs is a modest room that hosts three or four regional indie or power-pop bands of various abilities each night. Expect a fringier crowd here; earrings and earplugs are a good idea.

The largest viewing area, the "Downstairs" used to be a bowling alley but now is a fine institution of live music. It's long and flat, except along the sides, so if you're interested in a view, you should get there early. But the sound is excellent from anywhere, and the atmosphere is suitably smoky and claustrophobic. It attracts the bigger independent names and usually has one or two opening acts of a similar style to the headliners.

The Middle East has music seven nights a week. Most shows are open only to those age 18 or older. To get there, take the red line to Central Square and walk a few blocks down Mass. Ave. back towards toward the city.

JOHNNY D's
17 Holland Street
Somerville
617-776-2004

Like the Middle East, Johnny D's prides itself on the diversity of its acts. In fact, Johnny D's might take multifariousness to a new level. One recent week, Johnny D's featured a country/rock group, a folk singer from Scotland, a bluegrass band, a surf music showcase, an R&B/swing group, a folk/rock woman, and a songwriters night.

So, call before you go, or if you like pleasant surprises, head over blind and experience something different. Because of the uniformly high quality of the acts, you really can't go wrong.

Johnny D's used to be a top country and western place, and it still has a "roots" music reputation. But, local and emerging national rock and funk bands also make appearances. And every Monday is swing dancing night.

The crowd, including quite a few regulars, is mature and mostly attentive. The people in the know get there early for bigger shows, eat dinner, and then -- since the room with the stage is mostly filled with tables and booths -- have the best seats for the show. The bar is on the other side of a half-wall, and you might end up watching from there if you don't arrive early.

Johnny D's is right outside of the Davis Square 'T' station on the red line.

THE BEST OF THE REST

PARADISE
969 Commonwealth Ave.
617-562-8814

This is quite an original facility. To get to the stage, you must walk through a bronze plumbing tube to hell, and then once you get there, it's like entering the coliseum with the lions. The balconies are cool though; it's almost like having your own private box. Paradise books promising bands on their first national tours, aging stars who can barely sell out the 500 tickets, and hip local groups made good. The crowd is young and collegiate. Tickets are between $7-$17 and occasionally go fast. Drinks are expensive.

LANSDOWNE STREET CLUBS

Next door to Fenway Park, a strip of clubs has sprung up for the cleaner college folk. The most relaxed and palatable -- if the smallest -- is BILL'S BAR (617-421-9678). The bands are less well known but normally entertaining, and the covers are cheap. Bill's neighbor, the AVALON (617-262-2424) is a bigger, bouncier, pick-up joint with occasionally interesting (and pricey) national touring acts playing in the background. You must be 21+ to get down on Lansdowne. Shows generally start at 10:30pm or later.

TT THE BEAR'S PLACE
10 Brookline St.
617-492-2327

Right next to the Middle East, TT's is comfortable if unadventurous. It's small and normally crowded, and if you're not in the right position the sound can be bad. It's best to stay away from the poetry nights on Mondays.

by Brendon Hanley

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