Ah, live music in Boston. The New England gem known for its rich history, but also, its incredible music. Where does one go to find these amazing shows? We’ll give you a hint, it’s not the places you’d immediately expect. We prefer the kind of nontraditional venues that transform at night into intimate rooms for an artist to share their best stuff. We’ve got galleries, old power stations, co-working spaces, and more. Here are five great venues for live music in Boston.
1. SoWa Power Station
Back in 1891, the SoWa Power Station was built to be the world’s largest power generation plant that could power Boston’s West End Street Railway. Now more than a century later, the iconic space has become one to hold events, like art exhibits, fundraisers, and even incredible live music concerts.
2. The Village Works
Attention Bostonians! Looking for a cool place to get some work done? The Village Works in Jamaica Plains is definitely your space. The independent co-working space has just the right vibe going with its beautiful hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, plush couches and big shared tables. It’s just the kind of place you can get focused, but also feel at ease while you work. It’s also just the kind of space you can actually hear a musician up close as they sing some of their most tender, stripped down songs. It’s a perfect, hidden spot for live music in Boston.
3. Beacon Gallery
If you’re looking for a steady flow of exhibitions from both established artists and up-and-comers, Beacon Gallery is just the spot for you. But this intimate, contemporary art space isn’t just for visual artists—the cozy, chic feel of these rooms are also perfect listening rooms for live music.
4. The Record Co.
It’s easy to guess the ample reasons a recording studio would be the ideal space for live music in Boston, or anywhere, but this space is extra special. The Record Co. is a non-profit that offers all kinds of opportunities for creatives—meeting spaces, rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and of course, intimate live music with the perfect sound setup.
5. Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Picture this—a room full of music lovers, an artist flooding the room with the good vibes of their outrageously catchy song, and you, enjoying it all while sipping a crispy, cool beer. That’s the kind of dream that comes true in a space like Lamplighter Brewing Co., a Cambridge-based brewery specializing in New England IPAs and barrel-aged sours, and even some seasonal surprises. What are you waiting for?
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Words by Sofar Editorial Team
