Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the back to school/sweater weather/pumpkin flavored themes of fall that we forget it is also concert season. Artists of all different genres are gearing up for tour around this time of year and lucky for us Boston is full of venues. The most obvious place to hit up for live music is the House of Blues Boston, which is only 2 miles from campus. House of Blues is a great venue for a variety of music. Upcoming shows include Erasure (Sept 27th), Rise Against (Sept. 29th), Hunter Hayes (Oct 1st,) and various other performances every week. They give out free water for general admission shows, have a coat check, and are a spacious venue. The HOB host artists who are fairly successful; you should check them out if your looking for well-known performers and tours. If you are interested in their schedule check out HouseOfBlues.com/Boston.
Another great source for live music is Jordan Hall off the Orange line. They feature mainly classical events and have a gorgeous theater to accompany the music. World-renowned soloists frequent Jordan Hall along with many international bands. The venue is a decent size and most of the events are free. The very few ticketed performances are affordable even on a college student’s budget. Their upcoming events include a piano seminar at 10AM on September 26th and a Chinese performing arts show at 8PM on September 27th.
The Lizard Lounge is in Cambridge Massachusetts and though it is typically a jazz venue they host community-based events as well. It is 21 and up so don’t ride out there if you’re underage. At 8PM on the 28th of September they are hosting a poetry slam and the admission fee is $5. The tables are two person based so it is more of an intimate setting then a hangout for all your friends. They also have an open-mic on the 29th, which has 20 competitors with a cash prize. Admission is $6.
The Red Room café at 939 is a venue worth checking out if you’re interested in the low-key and interesting music scene. It is a Coffee shop/Café, which features live music from jazz, folk, indie, Latin, rap, and other diverse types of performers. It is known for its good service and the space is small and intimate, leaving you up and close with the bands. On the 29th they have an open microphone for Berkley students, which is free to residents of Boston. If you’re in the mood for live music, any of these venues are a close and entertaining option.