June 06, 2024
Boston's music scene is as vibrant and diverse as its rich history. While it's only 40 miles from Boston to Plymouth Rock, the true rock—of the sonic variety—is always present in the city. Music, like the city's distinctive accent, is an integral part of Boston's soundscape.
The city's musical talent is as expansive as the Charles River, producing iconic artists like Aerosmith, The Pixies, and pop-rockers Boston. Boston has also given us art-rockers The Modern Lovers, ska sensations the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the funky and soulful J. Geils Band, and the stylish singer-songwriter Aimee Mann.
With so many significant and eclectic recording artists calling the city home, it should come as no surprise that Boston offers music fans so many live performance options. The city boasts 72 venues, ranging from iconic concert halls and intimate venues to waterfront amphitheaters and open-air spaces. The events schedule for the rest of 2024 is packed, featuring 44 cross-genre concerts.
On June 15, Grammy-winning blues slide guitarist-vocalist Bonnie Raitt will perform at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. There's not a bad seat in the house at the four-story venue. The charming 91,000 square foot hall, which boasts fantastic sightlines, has hosted such heavyweights as James Taylor, Morrissey, and Bruno Mars.
Welsh indie-rockers Los Campesinos! are scheduled for June 16 at the legendary Paradise Rock Club. The aptly named Paradise has been in existence since the '70s and has hosted legendary acts like U2 and Kings of Leon. Arrive early for drinks at the Paradise Lounge, which typically opens an hour before the club opens its doors.
On June 20, Emo queen Lana Del Ray will bring the summer sadness to Fenway Park. The iconic stadium is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and is home to the Boston Red Sox.
Charismatic jazz vocalist-guitarist John Pizzarelli will perform on June 21 at Scullers Jazz Club. This stylish venue, known for its terrific sound and comfortable seating, also offers a bar menu and table service. Dinner is served upstairs in The Boathouse 400 Restaurant, boasting gorgeous views of the Charles River. A pre-show option features small plates, a hot carving board, and desserts.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan will perform on June 22 at Leader Bank Pavilion. This stunning tented outdoor theater overlooking the Boston harbor is a must-visit destination in its own right.
Leader Bank Pavilion
Lo-fi indie rockers Guided By Voices are set to play on June 22 at the Royale Nightclub, which features a large balcony with a baroque foyer.
A collection of mega pop stars will headline TD Garden in June, including Melanie Martinez on June 7 and Janet Jackson on June 28.
Genre jumping vocalist-pianist Bruce Hornsby will return to Boston on June 27 for a performance at Plymouth Memorial Hall. Metal act Street Tombs will also be performing on June 27 at the Middle East, which is one of the most hallowed Boston venues. The Middle East opened in 1970 as a restaurant but emerged as a Mecca for emerging alt-rock bands. The club, which is in the middle of Central Square, is comprised of several live performance venues, including the Upstairs, Downstairs, Zuzu, Sonia, and Corner.
Teen idol alum Donny Osmond will turn back the clock on June 30 at the Boch Center. The country-rocking Felice Brothers will return July 13 to The Sinclair. The minimalist venue on Harvard Square features a balcony and a main floor and a separate bar area.
Singer-songwriter extraordinaires Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello will perform on July 14 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. A few days later, Fenway Park will host country star Kane Brown on July 20, The Foo Fighters on July 21, and Blink 182 on July 23.
Bluegrass/Americana recording artist Old Crow Medicine Show will perform on July 21 at Roadrunner. Political comic Bill Maher will riff July 26 at the MGM Music Hall. Indie rockers Redd Kross will perform on July 27 at Brighton Music Hall. Punk rock band Black Flag is slated for August 1 at Sonia, and Psychedelic soul band The Black Pumas will play August 2 at Leader Bank Pavilion.
Fenway Park will welcome Journey and Def Leppard on August 5 and Green Day on August 7. On the same day, Jennifer Lopez will deliver her hits at TD Garden. Acapella act Straight No Chaser is scheduled for a live performance on August 9 at The Cabot. Rapper Future will be the focal point on August 13 at TD Garden, and hip-hop artist French Montana will bring his show to the Citizens House of Blues on August 17.
Alternative artist Santigold will perform on August 21 at Big Night Live, which is a glamorous venue reminiscent of the elegant music halls and supper clubs of yesteryear. You won't have to wait long for a drink since there are three bars.
Rapper-actor Childish Gambino will headline on August 23 at TD Garden. Bush returns on August 23 to Leader Bank Pavilion. It's two nights of R&B superstar Usher August 27 and 28 at TD Garden. Pop act the Chainsmokers have returned from a hiatus for a tour, which stops at Suffolk Downs on August 28. And you won’t want to miss Incubus playing its classic album "Morning View" in its entirety on August 31 at TD Garden.
RuPaul's Drag Race will go all out on September 17 at the Orpheum Theatre. The lovely venue opened in 1852, when it was the Boston Symphony Orchestra's original home. It's one of the oldest theaters in America and has lost none of its luster. There’s a lively scene in the stylish bar in the foyer during intermissions.
Speaking of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, lovers of classical music should catch a performance at Symphony Hall, a beautiful venue known for its exceptional acoustics.
That's quite an array of venues and recording artists. No wonder Seatpick and Fifty Grand selected Boston as a top live music city! But music has been the heartbeat of Boston since the '50s and 60s with celebrated South End Jazz to 70s and '90s rock.
Boston might be known for its rich colonial history, a food scene with an array of culinary delights, and a passionate sports fan base. However, the vibrant musical scene, which is eclectic and possesses a plethora of first-rate venues, is also a reason to visit and stay in Boston.
Provincial locals might not understand, but Boston is a music aficionado's dream city. Not only are there a variety of venues with eclectic styles of music — there’s also always a concert no matter the season. So book your next getaway and get ready for a concert you’ll remember for a lifetime!
