First off, Fuck off- we don’t want you here.
With that said – here’s what’s going on in our city.
LIVE VENUES – all ages/DIY spots have been a constant gauntlet for Boston. You want to know about the best spots? Start familiarizing yourself with the scene- cos we aren’t gonna make it easy for ya. Some public all ages/DIY spots that have been long time staples in recent years are the Democracy Center and “Hardcore Stadium”. Both are in Cambridge and are good spots to see touring and local Punk and Hardcore gigs. DC has a strict no alcohol policy so familiarize yourself with the banks of the Charles and the local watering holes around Harvard Sq. Hardcore Stadium on the other hand has an Elks Club Bar for 21+
The Middle East in Central sq. is a mostly age-restricted club (with the occasional all-ages matinee) that hosts gigs for larger touring US and UK Punk and Hardcore bands- their adjoined lounge style bar ZuZu is also host to subculture DJ nights (Punk, Metal, Soul/etc). Across the bridge in Allston you have O’brien’s. Cursed with the stigma of being a small, dank, long hair hang-out dive bar, which it absolutely is- I can say I’ve never been particularly disappointed with a night out there. Typically hosting Metal gigs Obrien’s also hosts the occasional Hardcore Punk gig and, at times, Noise gigs. Typical dive bar atmosphere- cheap beer- decent back patio- decent sound.
RECORD SHOPS:
Is Armageddon Shop the greatest record store in the world? Deep Thoughts in Jamaica Plain. Weirdo style record shop. Lots of eclectic stuff, hard to find- weirdo, short-run, limited appeal. Decent Punk and Hardcore section, seldom picked over. Decent neighborhood with good bars and night-life if you’re taking the trip.
LIFE AFTER MIDNIGHT:
Corrosion Goth/Industrial night at Brighton Music Hall. Midnight Movies at Coolidge Corner Theatre. Fetish Nights/Gay Dance Nights/Subculture Nights etc: Ramrod/Machine in the Fenway. IF YOU’RE A PUNK OR A PUNK ENTHUSIAST I would hope you already know about some of the great bands and labels and other artists and projects we have coming out of this city. If not- keep checking back here and keep your ear to the ground.
Also be sure to check out the BLACK MARKET Sept.20th – which is the biggest showcase of Underground and DIY artists, musicians and crafters in the Boston area. Hosted by IGNORE ROCK’N’ROLL HEROES and The Boston Hassle.
