Concerts and Shows in Boston For the End of 2008

By Susie
updated about 1 month ago

2008 is coming to an end soon (ah! scary!), but Boston still has some great musical acts coming to town. Shows that you should be buying tickets for ASAP to make your end of the year the best it can possibly be.

While the outdoor venues aren't seeing too much action at this time of year, there are still several great Boston-area venues hosting some of the hottest bands and singers.

I love Boston's music scene and can't wait for the next 3 months in concerts!

Td Banknorth Garden

1 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114

This is “the place” to see concerts in Boston. Generally, the huge acts come here because it’s big enough to hold around 19,000 people. This is fabulous because it means you have a decent chance of scoring tickets to your favorite shows. However, it’s also kind of lame, because chances are that your seats won’t be very good. But that’s OK because at least you’re in the presence of some pretty cool bands, right?

Madonna- October 15 & 16

I’ll admit, I’ve never been a Madonna fan at all, but if given the chance to see her perform, I’d probably have to go. I mean, she’s basically a legend, and the fact that she’s 50 years old and still performing is something you really have to respect.

She’ll be at the Garden for 2 nights in October; 2 nights that are sure to be sold out. It might be one of your last chances to see her. Then again, she’ll probably be performing forever!

Sarah Brightman- November 24

I think Sarah Brightman took a brief hiatus, but now she’s back! In my personal opinion, the Garden is a bit too large of a venue for her to play at. It seems like she’d be more enjoyable to listen to in a smaller, more intimate place. But I’m sure she wants to make the most money possible, and with such a huge capacity, the Garden is the place to be (as long as you really can sell it out).

I guess you can just close your eyes and listen to Sarah’s angelic voice. And forget the fact that the Celtics and the Bruins were playing here just the night before and will be back the next night.

Paradise the

969 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

The Paradise Rock Club is my absolute favorite place in Boston to attend shows. I love it because it’s small and intimate; and if you get there early enough, you’re likely to be right up close to the stage.

The Paradise generally gets the smaller more indie acts, but since these are some of my most favorite acts, I really love it. Without a doubt, I could find one show per week that I would absolutely die to go to at the Paradise.

Orpheum Theatre Information

23 E St, Boston, MA 02127

I haven’t spent a whole lot of time at the Orpheum Theatre (though I did see Nick Lachey there!) but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite venues. The Orpheum gets a lot of mid-sized acts. Acts that are not big enough for the TD Banknorth Garden, but are probably too large for the Paradise. At a capacity of about 2,700, I think it’s pretty much the perfect size. And it’s oh so pretty too. Beware because the seating is a little tight, but it won’t really matter because you’ll probably be on your feet most of the night anyway!

Drive-By Truckers & The Hold Steady- November 9

Oooh, 2 of my favorite bands in one venue?? I will obviously be going! These bands both have a similar unique sound and unfortunately, I don’t really have many (any) friends who are into them. But if you like alternative country, you’re sure to love them both.

Drive-By Truckers made me feel like I’m in the Dirty South and remind me of some of the narrative music my dad used to listen to when I was a kid. The Hold Steady has a bit more of a current sound, but are still a bunch of rugged Southern-ish men. Love it.

Kings of Leon- November 12 & 13

Kings of Leon are another band that never quite made it huge, but always really deserved to. However, I’ve heard so much awesome buzz about their new album, so I have a feeling this might be it for them. AND they’re playing 2 nights at the Orpheum, so that must mean they’re really making an impression here in Boston. You might want to see these guys now because I have a feeling it’s going to be harder and harder to score tickets for their shows in the future.

Jason Mraz- October 17

Jason is one of my favorite musicians and I’m more than excited to see his show as I know he is an awesome show-man. I think the Orpheum will be a great venue for him to perform in, though I kind of wish he was playing in an even smaller location (that’s just me being selfish and wanting to be nice and close).

Jason has so much amazing music that I can’t wait to see what he chooses to play. I’m sure it will be a fabulous mix of old and new. And hopefully some “Geek in Pink”!

Verizon Wireless Arena

Manchester, NH 03101

So maybe you think it’s a pain to get to Boston for a show (traffic, parking, ugh). Well, you’re in luck because there are some fabulous venues in the suburbs and the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, is one of the best.

The Verizon Wireless Arena is the home of the Manchester Monarchs hockey team, but also holds tons of shows and concerts (and oftetimes the circus!). With a capacity of about 11,000, you have a solid chance of getting a ticket to your show of choice. And parking’s a whole lot easier than it is in Boston!