Best Place for Live, Local Music in Each New England State
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.
Cheers and more cheers for live, local music. And I'm not talking about big concerts where you often have to drop loads of money on tickets. I'm talking about those perfect venues and bars where it's all about the more intimate and relaxed vibes. Now THAT'S how so many of us like to experience live music, with zero commitments and just good times.
So I had to search for the best place in each state. Now of course, just like music, it's all relative. Still, this list is a great place to start where you're sure to hear that favorite local or up-and-coming aritst, or even someone famous going back to their roots of playing live music in a dive bar or small stage venue.
According to Best Live Music, the best way to hear the unexpected and experience fresh sounds with coolness thrown in organically is by going local all the way. No pressure, just fun.
Connecticut: Toad's Place
I'm starting here, because this place is hands down one of the best in the country. I've been here several times and it's worth a getaway for live music. I mean, Toad's Place in New Haven is legendary. According to Best Live Music, The Rolling Stones and U2 jumped on stage and played surprise sets to unsuspecting patrons. And from local and regional artists and bands to Billy Joel, Muddy Waters, and Bob Dylan, the stage is legendary for anything from rap to smooth jazz and everything in between.
Maine: Aura (Formerly Asylum)
If you're in Portland and craving live music, you can't beat Aura and its several floors of music. According to Best Live Music, the first floor hosts popular, known acts, while the bottom level is a hot dance club, so you can change it up a bit. The acoustics and great views are some of the best out there, according to Best Live Music.
Massachusetts: Toad
It's dive bar time in Cambridge, where very often the best memories are made when it comes to live music. Best Live Music says this tiny, crowded bar attracts true music lovers, where you can hear incredible blues and roots music, up-and-coming singer-songwriters, and only the best in the land of tribute bands. It's simple, local, and fun with zero pretentious moments, and knocking back beers practically with the band on stage is why Best Live Music says this is a must.
New Hampshire: The Stone Church Music Club
From Aerosmith to Bonnie Raitt, Best Live Music says this legendary venue with blue grass bands to Irish music, rock to pop, and even open mic nights is where you'll find everything. When this Newmarket venue goes with bigger names, it's a weekend thing, leaving weeknights to just casual fun and great live music, according to Best Live Music. From Aerosmith to Bonnie Raitt, you'll always find something different.
Rhode Island: The Strand Ballroom (formerly Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel)
In Providence, this is a total fixture on the local live music scene, according to Best Live Music, where local country music is happening one night and jazz or rock the next. It's a smaller establishment that relishes in the local and live scene that's been around since the '70s and is still a must for good music.
Vermont: The Monkey House
Talk about talent in a most intimate venue in Burlington. Best Live Music says they regularly showcase huge amounts of musical talent and up-in-comers that also happens to be a regular stop, sometimes with surprise sets, for a bit of those bigger acts roaming around New England.