Description: Boston is not a primary destination for a lot of rock bands - it has only produced a handful of talent for the rock scene in recent years and thus falls under the radar and is skipped on many-a-tour. Still, Bostonians are not completely out of the loop when it comes to great live music - they have the Paradise Rock Club to tide them over.
The Paradise is a small club with standing room only. It has a dank and dark feel with patrons typically crammed from wall to wall or clinging to posts to gain a better view. There is a large balcony area, but unless you get a front row standing position this does not provide much better a view. The stage at the Paradise is low to the ground, so that rock stars are almost on the same level with their audience. It creates an intimate feel for the shows, but some artists might not feel this is best to reach their full audience.
The Paradise and next door bar both serve drinks and beers at standard prices for the area (between $4-$7). They still sell bottled beer which is surprising (since they don't serve glass bottles at a lot of venues these days), but is convenient for beer selection. Bartenders are friendly, but are stuffed in the back corner of the concert-area; making them difficult to get to and a bit of an after thought.
The interior of the Paradise could definitely stand for an upgrade. The last concert I attended there, nobody stood in the middle of the room because a water pipe was leaking on everyone's heads there. They definitely should look into getting that fixed!
The Paradise gets very good acts from all over the world. Most shows cost between $10-$20/person to attend. Tickets can (and should) be purchased ahead of time through ticketmaster, as they most times sell out ahead of time for any of the more popular bands. Most groups that play here are signed to an indie production label - though they aren't played so much on the radio they are usually the best live acts in the business to see.
The last time I went to the Paradise was for a sold out "Camera Obscura" show. They are a Scottish band who very rarely tours the states - what a great opportunity to see them live in my own hometown! I am glad the Paradise remains in business and brings such great talent into Boston - talent that otherwise might not have an outlet in this town.
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