SOMERVILLE

Somerville sits immediately northwest of Boston and has evolved from a working-class suburb into one of Greater Boston's most active music neighborhoods. Davis Square, Union Square, and the Assembly Row district each contribute to a scene that rivals Cambridge in depth.

Davis Square is the center of gravity. The Somerville Theatre, dating to 1914, hosts concerts and film alongside its Crystal Ballroom upstairs venue with a 500-person capacity. The Burren is an Irish pub that runs a serious live music calendar in its back room. Sally O'Brien's books bands nightly. The Jungle, The Rockwell, Union Tavern, and Warehouse XI add further options across rock, comedy, experimental, and DIY shows. Arts at the Armory programs community and cultural events. AMC Assembly Row 12 anchors the cinema side.

Somerville's scene is scruffy and welcoming. Cover charges tend to be low or free, and the bar-venue hybrid model means you can stumble into quality live music on a Tuesday without planning. The city's density means three or four venues operate within a few blocks of each other.

Tip: Davis Square is the go-to — take the Red Line to Davis and you are within walking distance of most venues. The Burren's back room and Sally O'Brien's are reliable any night of the week.

Neighborhoods: Davis Square • Union Square • Assembly Row • East Somerville • Ball Square