Where to See Concerts and Music Acts in Boston

The Paradise

The Paradise (or Dise as some call it…much to my confusion) is one of my favorite places to see a show in Boston. It’s a bit dingy, but I think this just makes it feel more authentic. It’s really small, which makes for some awesomely intimate concerts.

Even though it’s a small venue, they still get some pretty big acts. The other night I saw Bryan Adams there. Huge! There have been tons of cool people there in the past month or so, including Sia, Nada Surf, Tristan Prettyman, Drive-By Truckers, and lots more.

The Paradise Lounge

The Paradise also has a Paradise Lounge right next door, for even smaller, even more intimate acts. This is where a lot of the local, smaller bands play. You can sit at tables and booths in the lounge and they also serve food.

Concerts at Fenway

Yes, that Fenway Park. Where the Red Sox play. Fenway Park had two concerts in 1973- Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. Then they didn’t allow concerts until 2003, when the ownership allowed Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to play. Since then, the baseball park has seen Jimmy Buffett, The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, The Police.

Neil Diamond will be playing at Fenway in August of 2008. See, Fenway isn’t just for watching the Sox kick butt.

Another sports stadium, this one featuring the Patriots, I have some of my fondest memories here. Formerly known as Foxboro Stadium, I attended my very first concert here. Back in second grade, I had the honor of seeing the New Kids on the Block perform here. An experience I’ll treasure in my heart forever (and possibly get to re-live on their reunion tour??). I’ve also seen Dave Matthews Band more than enough times here.

The stadium is huge, with a capacity of 68,756, but pretty much every Patriots game and concert here is easily sold out. Of course that means there’s a high chance your seats will be horrible, but all that really matters is that you’re there to hear the music.

Bank of America Pavilion

Once called Harbor Lights, this venue is another that was taken over by a bank and given a much uglier name.

I haven’t yet been to any concerts at the Pavilion, but from what I hear, it’s a very pretty place to see a summer concert. I am very excited to see Ryan Adams perform here in September!

Free Concerts

Once summer hits, there are plenty of free concerts in Boston. Check out places like the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade (including the Boston Pops), City Hall Plaza, and Faneuil Hall. They often have lots of mid-sized acts and for free, you can’t go wrong! 

TD BankNorth Garden

The TD BankNorth Garden (AKA The Garden) features more than just Bruins and Celtics games. In fact, chances are if a big act comes to Boston, they’ll be playing at The Garden. With a maximum capacity of 19,580 (depending on the event), it is not rare for shows here to sell out.

Who have I seen at The Garden? Well, um, Ricky Martin (back in the day, I swear!), Dave Matthews (several times), Mariah Carey, and Maroon 5. It’s possible to get really good seats, but if you’re sitting all the way at the top, you may need binoculars.

The Wang Center/Citi Performing Arts Center

A couple of years ago, I would directly equate the Wang Center with the Boston Ballet. But now I know the Wang Center is an awesome place to see a concert.

You’ll feel super classy seeing a concert here, as this is not your typical music venue. The theater is beautiful and the ceilings are ornate and dazzling. You’ll probably feel way under-dressed in jeans, but it’s a concert so you’re obviously allowed.

Last year I saw Michael Buble at the Wang and he was fabulous. Also recently at the Wang have been Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart (yes, comedians come to the Wang too!), Wilco, the Foo Fighters, and more.

Apparently, the Wang changed its name to Citi Performing Arts Center, but it will always be the Wang Center to me.

The Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum is another great venue to see concerts in. It’s not my favorite, though, due to the fact that there’s very little room in the seats and it’s always ridiculously hot in here. Also, you can buy beer but you can’t bring it into the actual theater.

I saw Nick Lachey at the Orpheum. Yes, Nick Lachey. Beer was much needed at this show, so it was a little disappointing that we couldn’t drink it. Not to mention, all the little kids and their moms were giving us dirty looks when they spotted us holding cups of beer in the lobby.

The Axis and the Avalon

Two of the best small venues to see some pretty big shows in Boston, The Axis and the Avalon, closed in 2007. This was sad news for many Bostonians since the clubs were pretty historic and often had some of the best acts. Allegedly, a large music hall will be taking the place of the clubs. Hopefully it can some big acts, but gone will be the close, intimate atmosphere.