BOSTON
Boston and nearby
Cambridge are the ivy-covered havens of some of
the world's great academic minds. When not curing the common cold,
the intelligentsia go in search of live music. Which makes the
Boston area's vibrant local scene a perfect place for music lovers,
no matter their taste.
"Because we have a quarter of a million students in the area, with
a ravenous appetite for music, there is a built-in element that
makes anything with music work," says Mike Mullaney, assistant
program director and music director for Mix 98.5.
But the students can't take all of the credit for
Boston's highly
eclectic scene. "Along with the students, there's a combination of
working class and bohemians that makes this the coolest melting pot
for musical talent anywhere," adds Mullaney.
Melting pot is befitting. Consider the national acts that have come
out of the Bean Town area: hard-driving rockers Godsmack,
mellifluous songstress Tracy Chapman, pseudo-music blunderkinds New
Kids on the Block, and the traditional folk styling of Ellis Paul,
featured last year on the soundtrack of Me, Myself & Irene.
"There is this big-city hip factor, but the local music scene is
very tight," says Laurie Gail, former music director at Boston's
alternative rock station WFNX 101.7 FM. "The bands are all very
supportive of each other. Which makes it a very self-sufficient
scene."
ARTISTS TO WATCH: Be on the lookout for local rock-and-roll
faves such as Sheila Divine, Waltham, or The Gentlemen.
WHERE TO GO: For rock and roll, check out The Middle East
(617-864-3278). There's also Lilli's (617-591-1661), with its retro
décor and raised stage; T.T. the Bear's Place (617-492-2327); and
the Paradise Rock Club (617-562-8800). For jazz, try Regattabar
(617-661-5000) or the ever-popular House of Blues (617-491-2100).
The intimate Lizard Lounge (617-547-0759), where the floor-level
stage makes you feel as if you're in the show, offers a smorgasbord
of original music, from rock to folk and all points in between.