Live Music Venues in Lowell, MA
The Tsongas Arena in Lowell (300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 978) 848-6900.) has hosted live acts ranging Tori Amos to The Boston Pops to Marilyn Manson to Method Man. Named for the late U.S. Senator and spoofed Presidential candidate Paul Tsongas Tsongas, the arena has concert seating for 7800. Patrons may purchase special “premium” seating for concert events and become a Club Seating member to make sure they’re not sold out of any event.
The Brewery Exchange/Playloft (201 Cabot St, (978) 937-2690) has live music from 9PM-1AM. Bands in a variety of styles play. Country acts occasionally come in on Country Fridays when a DJ plays country music (obviously) . According to the website, the atmosphere is sporty, with air hockey and billiard available for patrons. Beer includes lagers and ales made by the connected brewery.
Lowell, like any city, has it’s share of ethnic diversity or at least it’s ethnic restaurants. The Dubliner (197 Market St.) is, well, I guess you can guess what it is from the name- it’s an Irish pub. Along with the food and the beer, the venue, affectionately referred to as “The Dub” by locals who enjoy giving pubs nicknames, has a variety of live music Thursdays through Saturday. If you’re in the mood for something more Mediterranean, check out Athenian Corner Restaurant which hosts life tunes Thursdays through Saturdays. The house band The Athenian Corner Ensemble plays Greek, Arabic and Armenian music and is often accompanied by belly dancers. In fact, at the website (atheniancorner.com) you can check which of the dancers is appearing on which night. That’s really kind of creepy. The Oasis Bar & Grill (912 Gorham St., 978-452-0833) features Brazilian cuisine and live music.
Lowell has its own summer music series which takes place at Boarding House Park (off Interstates 93 and 495 and Route 3) a public outdoor venue. Past summer acts have ranged quite a bit: jazz pianist and singer Dr. John, Irish/Celtic and American folk acts, stars from Motown, swing bands, Grammy winner Keb Mo, Little Feat, Elton John and John Lennon impersonators, and various concert bands. Seating is bring-your-own blanket or beach chair. Shows begin at 7:30 PM.
Lowell also has its own folk festival. For several days in July, Lowell itself could be considered one big live music venue as it hosts the popular festival sponsored by local foundations and corporations the festival is produced by the Lowell Historic park (67 Kirk Street, Lowell, MA 01852, telephone #978-970-5000). The city has six different concert venues throughout the city including one on Market Street, one at St Anne’s and one at the Boarding House Park. Past Acts have included performers in bluegrass, Catalan Mexican, Cajun, Hellenic, Slovenian and many other American and international folk traditions.
