Best Live Music Venues Outside Of Boston
You can listen to music on the radio. You can listen to music on your iPod. But there is nothing like listening to your favorite music live. While Boston has a plethora of great music venues big and small, the ones outside of the city often go underappreciated. You can learn more about each of these venues by searching our archives for venue reviews.
Blue Ocean Music Hall
4 Oceanfront North
Salisbury, MA 01952
978-462-5888
http://blueoceanhall.com
The Blue Ocean Music Hall is the premier music hall on the North Shore. Opened in 2009, the new Salisbury Beach venue is geared for multiple genre acts ranging from rock, R&B, country, classical, comedy and children's performers. Everyone has an upfront view, since most seats are no further than 50 feet from the stage. Acts that have appeared include Paula Cole, Eddie Money, Shawn Colvin and Comedian Bob Marley.
Iron Horse Music Hall
20 Center St,
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-0610
www.iheg.com
The Iron Horse Music Hall is an oasis for the best musical acts, nestled in the countryside of Western Massachusetts. The small stage has a massive PA system and ample lighting for any act. Even though modest in size, the acoustics are spot on. The hall houses around 200+ people depending on the seating configuration. Previous acts have included Pat Methany, The River Stone Boys and Cute is What We Aim For.
Showcase Live
23 Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA 02035
(508) 543-0609
http://www.showcaselive.com
Within the sprawling Patriot Place complex of shops and restaurants is a world class venue that is grand enough for music, stage and comedy acts alike. Showcase Live is a 16,000 square foot show venue that hosts top artists in all music genres including R&B, rock, country, jazz and hip-hop. Adornment is dark and theater-like with red velvet curtains and ropes. The list of acts that have played there range from Scott Weiland and David Allan Cole to The Misfits.
The Palladium
261 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 797-9696
http://www.thepalladium.net
The Palladium is a historic 20th Century theater that has remained alive for the local and national music scenes. This balconied theater is well-worn with examples of period architecture and adornment. The tattered seating has an old school rock-and-roll charm. The acoustics are what you would envision a 100+ year old venue to be, large and echoey. Featured acts that have played are everything from B.B. King and Sum 41 to Slayer.
Tanglewood
297 West Street (Route 183)
Lenox, MA 02140
413-637-1600
www.bso.org
In the Berkshires is a live music venue that defies the common perception of what a venue is. Tanglewood is a complex, a farm and an institution. Best known as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the stages here have also been graced by James Taylor, Carole King and Grace Kelly to name a few. There is an open-air theater and an indoor concert hall at Tanglewood. The venues are rustic and natural in setting, nestled amidst trees and vast lawns.
