Boston Music Venues to Keep on Your Radar

A beginner’s guide to the city’s music scene 

by Camila Peña

Upon arrival at Boston University, most are met with the harsh reality that Boston’s nightlife might not be what they expected. What is most surprising about said parties is their choice of playlists… Someone, please bring back club music and dancing!

Nonetheless, one persists. This disappointment can be perceived as an opportunity to explore Boston in other ways. One of these opportunities is attending one of the many concerts the city has to offer. Whether you are in the mood for an impromptu jazz serenade or a DJ set that may amplify the headache resulting from your micro midterm, there are several opportunities that won’t harm your budget. 

The following venues may allow you to familiarize yourself with the music scene here without having Mr. Brightside on repeat.

Graphic by Grace Han

Jazz:

Home to several notable and emerging musicians, Boston is the prime location to discover a prominent music scene: jazz. Beyond the obvious talent being displayed just around the corner at Berklee College of Music, there are several jazz clubs in the area that showcase young musicians from all over the city. Known but not limited to Wally’s Cafe, the Bebop, Monkfish, and Lilipad. 

Unfortunately for many at BU, many clubs in Boston are 21+. Although, Berklee’s Performance Center caters to individuals of all ages and their weekly events display the jazz and overall musical talent that Boston has to offer. The space isn’t constrained to the emerging talent at the school but collaborates with other artists locally and nationally to share their craft with all who’d like to witness.

Photo of Max Sprauer via Middle Sex Cambridge’s Instagram

House/techno:

After a series of Boiler Room behind-the-scenes releases and Charli XCX’s “Brat” drop this summer, it’s guaranteed that everyone is itching for a good DJ set to dance to. There’s no promise that it’ll match the energy of “Club Classics,” but some venues featuring house and techno are Keep on Boston, Middle Sex Cambridge, and Steep. 

Throwing a techno and disco party every Thursday at Middlesex in Cambridge, Keep on Boston aims to bring together all those who want to keep the spirit of music and dance alive. Some of their most recent events have featured female DJs in the area and they even held an 80s-themed Halloween party at the ICA. 

Photo by night45.darkroom on Instagram 

Rock/underground:

Just 4 stops from BU Central, you’ll find up-and-coming artists and venues in the neighborhood of Allston. 

Most notable is the area’s newest showhouse: Rat House Allston. After their debut on October 4th, they proved worthy of being marked as a prime location to provide local artists with a place to showcase their talent. This new space is not only fueled by an unwavering commitment to celebrating smaller artists and immersing them in the Boston music scene but also 

by providing aid to humanitarian causes. Their proceeds at the house’s most recent show went to one of the causes they follow: The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Make sure to follow and keep up with their Instagram to find out about the address of their next show… I sure will!