What started as a simple Middle Eastern restaurant in 1970 eventually grew to pioneer the burgeoning local alt rock scene and become a major tour stop for many groups. With a new owner (and renos planned in a few years) ensuring this beloved venue will remain in the heart of Central Square. Today’s location is comprised of several live performance smaller venues, including the Upstairs, Downstairs (a former bowling alley), Zuzu, Sonia, and The Corner, but its future also adds in a hotel, lounge, and retail space.
It’s no secret that Boston's live music scene has long been legendary, birthing some of the biggest names in the biz. Aerosmith, Donna Summer, The Cars, Mission of Burma, New Kids on the Block, Aimee Mann, Dropkick Murphys, and the eponymous band Boston all once called The Hub home. And thanks to Berklee College of Music, we've got an ever-changing pool of upcoming talent on the horizon. Whether you’re into rock and roll or classical, jazz or folk, the local clubs, bars and halls throughout the city aim to please, night after night. We’ve gathered some of the best places for live music in Boston, as well as the best nightclubs in Boston to the best record stores in Boston. Because music is, indeed, what we do.
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