While most Cambridge residents go out of their way to attend concerts at stadiums and large music venues, others have tapped into the joy, intimacy, and affordability of small, local shows in the area. Rather than featuring the biggest crowds, hottest bands, or best tech, these small music venues serve a different purpose: they create community and culture. For many, local music can be an outlet for creativity, a community hub, and a safe space for those who may not feel accepted in the rest of their community. Liv Hendrickson ’26, explained to the Register Forum simply, “When I’m at shows, I feel safe.”
Not only are these concerts welcoming, but they are also affordable, with many charging less than $20. However, there is much that could be done to improve the local music scene, and a main demographic not being served is teenagers. As CRLS teacher Dr. Breyer explained to the Register Forum, “Without [all-ages venues], I think we just lose so much of the culture in the city.” Lacking the draw of famous musicians, even the rare all-ages venues often struggle to draw in teenagers. This may simply be due to a lack of advertising and awareness, as Ella Flannery ’25 explained to the Register Forum, “I’ve heard stories from my mom about the local music scene growing up in Cambridge, and I always wanted something like that, but I didn’t know there was still one.”
Many venues have been lost to time, but the remaining ones still benefit the local community far beyond music. Somerville’s Davis Square is home to both The Rockwell and Crystal Ballroom, which, only 500 feet apart, demonstrate the variety that small venues can provide. The Rockwell is a tiny, underground, black-box theatre with a capacity of 200, hosting local comedy, music, theatre and open-mic nights. Crystal Ballroom, on the other hand, holds up to 500 people and hosts musicians, art markets, book talks, and so much more. As Hendrickson explained, “being able to go to a show one night and then buy art there the next day is so unique and special.”
Cambridge is home to slightly larger venues, offering another chance for the community to embrace music. The Middle East in Central Square, which consists of five small, interconnected venues, is a Cambridge landmark, having hosted names such as Modest Mouse, Elliott Smith, and Public Enemy, as well as local musicians. As Adam 12, Boston Radio personality, told CBS Boston, “You could go and see a national headlining act downstairs …and the following night you could see the next up and coming local act upstairs –and both would be great.”
Perhaps the greatest demonstration of this community, however, can be found when looking at nontraditional shows. Cambridge and Somerville are home to “DIY” concerts in spaces such as churches, bars, and community centers. Whether it is a pub like the Burren featuring local Irish musicians or the First Church hosting a punk show to fundraise for the local unhoused community, these shows create an environment where everyone can find a place where they feel seen, loved, and part of a community.
