PLACE

Random list of VENUES in ALPHABETICAL ORDER:
 

GREAT SCOTT is kind of a diamond in the rough of ALSTON, MA.  It's set on the corner of Harvard and Commonwealth Ave. and is easy to find with its green awnings over the windows holding neon signs.  Inside, you will find a decent beer selection and pleasant staff (at least, when I went).  What I really liked was the retro decor along the brick walls and high ceilings.
 

Great Scott is pretty spacious all around and this made for good sound from the stage, which can be seen as soon as you enter the venue... kind of like the Emerald City from the poppy field; very inviting.  The club is long and and narrow and the bathrooms are feet from the stage so I would imagine it wouldn't be the most comfortable place for a sold-out show as quarters could potentially get tight.  But it seems the booking agents use good discretion when selecting acts as most seem to fit the size and feel of the space.  I can't wait to go back!

HOUSE OF BLUES, BOSTON is one of the most popular venues in the city for bands and fans alike.  It's location on Lansdowne St. accommodates hundreds more bodies than it's original location in Harvard Square, Cambridge.  But do not let the size fool you.  Unless you are able to find FLOOR seats, you will be escorted like cattle to one of the upper levels where you will have your choice of sitting during a danceable performance OR spending the evening bobbing and weaving through wandering crowds to catch a glimpse of the stage.  The balcony seating creates an overhead obstacle for viewing so it's not uncommon to find fans sitting on the floor, holding the rails as if in prison. The V.I.P. section is always frustratingly empty and heavily guarded.  Of course, you could opt to watch the show on one of the many monitors strategically placed throughout the venue.

If you're looking for popularity and convenience, House of Blues is a decent place to see music.  Located right across from Fenway Park and surrounded by other venues and restaurants, you are guaranteed a fun night out with a good story.  And if you can swing floor seats for your show, you're story will have a fantastic ending!

PEARL STREET NIGHTCLUB in NORTHAMPTON, MA is a pretty great place to see a show.  Allow time to find parking as it's located in a college town with lots of bars and restaurants nearby.  The club is a large, open space with limited beer options but it has great sound and the stage is high enough to see the band.  And, needless to say, crowds here are youthful and, therefore, generally enthusiastic which always makes for a good time.

THE SINCLAIR is one of the newest venues to hit CAMBRIDGE, MA.  Hidden in the heart of Harvard Square, The Sinclair tucks itself between popular restaurants (including its own, somewhat pretentious, KITCHEN) on Church Street.  Do not let the exterior fool you though; this club can comfortably pack in 500 people and there really isn't a bad "seat" in the house.

Entering The Sinclair is a journey through a clean, concrete hallway leading to the bar, bathrooms,  and band merchandise area.  It is a refreshing difference from most venues in which you are apt to find yourself immediately searching for one or all of the above.  And it "takes care of business" before letting loose at a show. 

Inside the actual venue, the stage is set high enough that views from the floor are generally clear.  There is an upper level as well.  Acoustics are pretty fantastic considering the intimacy of the room.  Lighting is excellent.  There is even a roof deck for winding down after a show.  If you're looking for a great concert experience, The Sinclair is the place to find it.
 
T. T. THE BEAR'S PLACE in CAMBRIDGE, MA is an intimate, long-time local favorite in Central Square.  It houses up-and-coming bands and many that feel too big for its space.  Seeing live music here is always a communal experience; a good time.  
As far as live music venues go, T. T.'s isn't constructed for optimum stage views or good sound.  The ceilings are low and the stage is situated as if the main bar area is a separate establishment with pool tables and such.  But, standing stage-side is pretty easy so no worries if you want to be up close and personal.