A BU Student’s Guide to Local Concert Venues

Agganis Arena

When it isn’t hosting the BU men’s hockey or basketball teams, Agganis Arena boasts its share of high-profile performers right on campus. Last year, artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Ellie Goulding, Queens of the Stone Age, J. Cole  and The Flaming Lips performed at Agganis. Bastille is scheduled to stop by Oct. 13.

925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston

Brighton Music Hall

Within walking distance of BU’s campus near the Packards Corner T-stop, Brighton Music Hall is the place to find hidden musical gems. Shows are generally on the cheaper side ($10 to $15) and plenty of indie darlings have made their way through the venue, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Wild Cub and MØ. How To Dress Well (Sept. 16) and The Orwells (Oct. 9) have shows set for the upcoming fall.

158 Brighton Ave., Boston

Great Scott

Located directly off the Harvard Avenue T stop, Great Scott is an intimate venue where small bands can make big noise. You won’t get the biggest names coming through here, but they’re always bands that dazzle, such as Yellow Ostrich, PAPA and Local H. It’s almost always worth the $10 or $12 to stop in and catch a show.

1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston

House of Blues

This moderately sized venue, located right next to Fenway Park, is stomping ground for everyone’s semi- to pseudo-hipster favorites. Last year, House of Blues had headliners such as Cold War Kids, Fitz and the Tantrums, Chromeo and The Knife. Shows already scheduled for this fall include Lily Allen (Sept. 20) , The Airborne Toxic Event (Oct. 4) and Anberlin (Nov. 12).

15 Lansdowne St., Boston

Middle East

If you want weird shows, this is the place to go. The Middle East, right near the Central Square T-stop on the Red Line, hosts plenty of local and obscure artists that you usually won’t recognize, but they all have one thing in common: You’re bound to have a good time for a low price. With all the money you’ll be saving on tickets, you’ll have enough dough to stop by the nearby Toscanini’s for a scoop or two of ice cream before the show.

472-480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

Orpheum Theatre

The vintage theatre near the Park Street and Downtown Crossing T-stops may not host concerts too frequently, but when it does, the shows are always spectacular. Past concerts here include Franz Ferdinand, Neutral Milk Hotel and Lorde. As is the case for any seated venue, it can be a little difficult to get into the energy of the show, but usually the artists booked here are so incredible that it doesn’t become much of a nuisance.

1 Hamilton Place, Boston

Paradise Rock Club

A favorite among BU students, the Paradise is home to high-energy shows and quite a bit of history — U2 played one of its first shows in the United States here. The Paradise borders West Campus (near the Pleasant Street T-stop) and draws a very young, lively crowd. The whole venue is general admission, and should you find yourself overwhelmed by the floor, the balcony provides a more comfortable place to watch a show. Kasabian (Sept. 26), Black Lips (Sept. 28) and Yelle (Oct. 9) are slated to perform in the fall.

967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston

Royale

Intimate without feeling crowded, the Royale gives off an art deco vibe and hosts emerging stars, particularly those of the electronica genre. Recent artists to perform in the high-ceilinged theater include Cazzette, St. Lucia and Bastille. You can find this venue near the Boylston and Chinatown T-stops.

279 Tremont St., Boston

The Sinclair

The Sinclair is a chic and modern venue in Harvard Square that hosts up-and-coming artists, including Tycho, Baths, X Ambassadors and The Mowgli’s. It is a bit of a hefty trip via public transportation (take the Green Line to Park Street, transfer to the Red Line headed toward Alewife and get off at Harvard Square) and if you attend a concert on a weeknight, you’ll need to make sure to leave on time so as not to miss the last T.

52 Church St., Cambridge

TD Garden

This is where all of the big name, big money artists go when they stop in Boston (situated near the North Station T-stop). When the Bruins or Celtics aren’t playing at home, TD Garden is where you’ll see names such as Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake and Kings of Leon. This fall, The Black Keys (Sept. 21), Cher (Sept. 26), Enrique Iglesias with Pitbull (Sept. 27) and Fleetwood Mac (Oct. 10, Oct. 25) will stop by.

100 Legends Way, Boston