This month’s closing of Harpers Ferry, one of Allston’s underage music havens, may leave music enthusiasts searching for a new place to turn to for live music. There is nothing more frustrating to a potential concertgoer than finding out your favorite band is coming to town but you will be barred from attending because you are under the age of 21 (20 is close enough, isn’t it?). Ageism aside, there are plenty of great venues in Boston that cater to younger music lovers.
The Paradise Rock Club
The Paradise Lounge should be the first stop on any Boston University concertgoer’s hunt for live music. Recently renovated, the “Dise, located at 967 Commonwealth Ave., is a small club that pulls in great bands. AC/DC played the club’s inaugural show in 1975. Tickets are usually affordable, and there isn’t a bad spot in the venue to watch a performance. The majority of the club is general admission standing, although there are also elevated balconies that overlook the stage. Most shows at Paradise are open to anyone over the age of 18, although there are certain shows that are 21 and older. Upcoming shows include The Black Angels, Guided By Voices and The Morning Benders.
The Middle East
No need to go across the world to visit the Middle East &- the club is just across the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge in Central Square, Cambridge. About a 20-minute walk from the BU Bridge, the Middle East, located at 480 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge, is a restaurant and rock club that offers mostly 18 and older shows. The Middle East is divided into multiple sections, including Upstairs, Downstairs and the restaurants ZuZu and the Corner. At the restaurants, bands will occasionally play on a small stage among the tables. It’s a good place to get a meal and watch a local band play. Upstairs and Downstairs offer general admission standing room to see acts both local and national. The middle-sized venues provide patrons with great views of the stage from all angles. Ticket prices range from $10 to $30, depending on the band. Upcoming shows include Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa, No Age and Bear In Heaven.
T.T. the Bear’s Place
Another great Central Square venue to check out is T.T. the Bear’s Place, located right down the street from the Middle East at 10 Brookline St. in Cambridge. T.T. the Bear’s has a smaller capacity than most other rock venues in Boston, and most of the club is general admission standing room. There is a small restaurant and bar section of the club with some seating. T.T. the Bear’s has attracted a variety of acts, ranging from Ted Leo to Broken Social Scene. Ticket prices range from $10 to $20. Upcoming shows include Mr. Sister, Crayon Fields and Air Traffic Controller.
The Royale
The Royale is located in the Theater District at 279 Tremont St., a five-minute walk from the Boston Common. Formerly the Roxy, the club was renovated and reborn as the Royale. The design is that of an old ballroom theater. There is general admission standing room on the floor, and balconies that provide additional views of the stage. Ticket prices are usually around $20, but the price is frequently lower if you buy the ticket prior to the day of the show. Upcoming shows include Deerhunter, The Dandy Warhols and Deer Tick.
Great Scott
If you’re capable of penetrating the depths of Allston to see live music in an intimate atmosphere, Great Scott could be for you. More of a bar than a rock club, Great Scott will bring you closer to the stage than you would be in most other venues in Boston. While the upcoming roster for Great Scott boasts a lot of local acts, don’t be fooled; Great Scott attracts more renowned bands as well. Echo and the Bunnymen and Hot Chip have both played at Great Scott in recent years. Some of the shows at Great Scott are 18+, but the venue is a bar as well, so a fair amount of the shows are 21 and older. Upcoming shows include Pomegranates, Light Pollution and Hallelujah the Hills.
Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club
More of a hike than the previous venues, Johnny D’s is the club to go to if you’re in the mood to eat while you watch a band play. Located at 17 Holland St. in Davis Square, Somerville, Johnny D’s is a restaurant with a small stage set up in the corner. While there is a small standing space in front of the stage, nearly all of the seating is restaurant style, and you can be served while enjoying the performance. Nearly all shows at Johnny D’s are open to all ages. Upcoming shows include Stone River Boys, Infrastructure and Booty Vortex.
Club Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center
The stuff of legend, Club Passim is located a short ride on the red line away from BU, at 47 Palmer St. in Harvard Square. Open for more than 50 years, Club Passim has hosted the likes of Joan Baez and Tom Rush. Club Passim has an extremely intimate atmosphere, and only fits about 125 people inside at a time. Most of the acts that play at Club Passim are folk musicians, as is the tradition of the club. Ticket prices range from $10 to $30, and you’re guaranteed to get a great view of the stage. All shows at Club Passim are open to all ages. Upcoming shows include Jeff Daniels (yes, that Jeff Daniels), The Wiyos and Matt the Electrician.
It may seem sometimes like most rock clubs hate the young and that being under 21 is keeping you from seeing your favorite bands, but don’t despair &- the good thing about living in Boston is that there are an abundant number of rock clubs that cater to us youngsters.
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