Boston, MA, the center of New England, has a vibrant and well-known music scene with small and large venues catering to every kind of taste from the symphony fan looking for a world concert to the college freshman in any of Boston’s ten billion high studio spots looking for the most famous, welcoming, obscure anarchist band. Irish pubs. Reggae. Latin Boston is a different city in every way, with its musical gifts.
While it doesn’t have quite the reputation of, say, New York, Chicago, or New Orleans, Boston has a great sound and abundance places where fans of the genre can catch live shows.
Perhaps the most famous Jazz venue in Boston is Scullers, a club established in the 80s. Located at 400 Camp Militis Rd (in Doubletree), Scullers is a 200-seat venue with a reputation in the city for its signature charm and romantic ambiance. The artists who appeared in Scullers are in some cases even known to those who don’t follow jazz (Harry Connick, Jr.), as well as the great jazz, Latin jazz and blues names and stories with younger artists. Breakfast and overnight accommodation packages are available.
The Regesta Bar is also a well-known and respected live music venue in Boston (well, technically it’s in Cambridge, at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St, 617-395-7757). Acts appearing in this 225-seat venue include jazz-like Blues singers, soloists and singers as well as genre-bending vocalists like Judy Collins. Regesta Bar can be rented for private events. There is a long-standing annual jazz festival. The club was opened in 1985.
Wally’s Café Jazz Club (427 Mass Ave) in Boston also provides patrons with live music. A family joint established in 1947, Wally’s provides music from up and coming acts. The schedule offers some theme nights: Blue Monday, Swing Tuesday. Latin “straightforward” and Be-Bop jazz, music performed by Wally’s Grave Boys, are also featured on the club. Sunday offers a jam session.
Fans will also want to check out Chef Bob’s Bistro South (604 Columbus Ave, 617-536-6204), a restaurant that features (of course) southern-style cooking and offers live music Thursday-Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Acts playing at Chef Bob’s are prominent local actors, according to the site.
Also on the wrong side of the road is Ryles (212 Hampshire St. Cambridge; 617-876-9330). The two hosts of the venue dance on the live music floor in the main floor and in the second “dance hall”. Both national and local jazz artists will be performing at Ryles. The orchestra there is the house of Jazz, The Ryles Jazz Orchestra, which plays with “nationally known” artists once a month or performs by itself, according to the website. Opened in 1994, the venue offers music of all genres from Latin to Latin. Sunday is Jazz Brunch. Artists who have performed at the venue include Maynard Ferguson and Jon Faddis, according to the site. (www.rylesjazz.com)
Berklee School of Music, in addition to teaching new musicians, organized showcases with several venues on the urban campus.
