I added this first because it's the one I'm most passionate about, aka, it came to mind first. I hated it! Well, I could just be bitter because my favorite band at the time, Citizen Cope, was playing and it was the worst show I've ever been to. I was in the balcony so we were pretty high up. Luckily the place isn't too big so it was still a little personal. If you're unfamiliar, it's basically an old opera house sort of thing. Also, lot of teenie boppers running around. Sorry, but I don't need 16 year olds asking if I'll buy them beer. Again, I won't say the Orpheum sucks, but I had a bad experience so I'll think twice about it next time...

This place was pretty cool. I saw Bronson Arroyo and some other play for a Red Sox fundraiser: Hot Stove, Cool Music. You're close to the stage no matter where you are. Even in the back, you'll have a good experience (may or may not be because you're closer to the bar). They also had a silent auction going in another room where the WS trophy was so we had something to do before the concert started. The kind of bands I like play at places like this. Famous, but small venue.

Well I'll need your help on this so leave a comment. I've never been here but pass it all the time. I never know the bands playing so the ten dollar cover is a real gamble. Seems like a grungy place but that's what I like. No idea the size of it or how many stages.

Saw a Sublime Tribute here once and it was really cool! Bigger than I expected. We got right up front and had a blast! Plenty of space to sit at a table and enjoy the music or go stand up closer. They also had cover but price has escaped me. It's also an 18+ venue so keep it in mind when the younger sibling or someone like that visits. Good alternative than, well, I'm not actually sure what to do in the city if you're under 21...

I saw a Berklee band here with a friend. It was kinda cool to just hang for a bit on a Wednesday and see some live music. It is a little cafe with a room attached. It can probably fit 100 people in front of the stage? It's a place I'll look up once in awhile to see if anyone playing rings a bell.

I loved this place. Went and saw Kings of Leon in the rain. It's a pavilion. After the covered seats there used to be just a big lawn but they put in seats I guess pretty recently. I was in the seats pretty far away I would say. The sound was still amazing (could feel the bass drum in your chest) and they had screens as well on the outside edge of the pavilion. This place is nothing like the rest on the list. Much bigger bands play here. I don't know how many it sits but my guess is 50,000 or something.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!!! Pay for parking!! I can't stress it enough. We just followed everyone like sheep into the free parking. We sat in the lot, no one moving, for an hour and a half. Everyone was soaked, out of beer, and desperate to just get home (45 minute drive). So I guess pay for parking, or make sure the cooler is full for after the concert...

Okay, this isn't a venue but whatever, it's my list.

Matt Murphy's is so small. When they get a good band in there, it's awesome! You and about 25 people get to enjoy them. I love it. Perfect place for a guiness and some tunes. I've heard irish bands, ska-like bands, and just a dj play there before.

Cantab is the reason I named my guide the way I named it. (again, bar more than a venue)

I love blue grass music so when I went, I was instantly in a good mood (friday night). Yes, there are some weirdos/townies in there but mind your business and you'll have fun. There was a 5 dollar cover.

I did venture once down to the lower level and it was so gross. From what I remember, it was a basement room with no windows - people surrounded by concrete. It was UGLY. So my advice is to stay upstairs and get down with the old folk, cause there are plenty of them.