Best rock club
The Middle East, a perennial winner in this category, became the center of gravity for the local music scene
almost immediately after rock groups started playing here - rattling the falafel plates and upstaging the
belly dancers - in the early 1980s. The gentrification of Central Square proceeds apace, but the Middle East
has cleverly blended in with its surroundings, this year opening an upscale restaurant, ZuZu, between two of
its three music rooms. But don't worry that the club's losing its social consciousness: it recently hosted
three concerts - with a variety of indie, punk, and hip-hop bands - to benefit the Red Cross in the wake of
the September 11 terrorist attacks. The list of rock bands that have played the Middle East is mind-boggling,
but on the Blake Babies' Web site (www.blakebabies.com), guitarist John Strohm claims to have been part of
the first concert there. The Babies were at the Middle East again this summer as part of a reunion tour, and
Strohm described the club's transcendent vibe: "My memories are alive there, as are those of so many others;
but the future remains rife with rock 'n' roll possibility. For at least one fantastic evening we can reserve
our space in the annals of history, but become completely in the moment."
South of the Charles, the legendary Paradise puts more emphasis on national acts (such as the Butthole
Surfers and Social Distortion), but local bands show up on a regular basis, along with folk and jazz
artists. You can't get hummus here, but the sightlines in the main room are excellent, and there are minimal
waits at the four bars.
Middle East, 472-480 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (617) 864-EAST; Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm Ave, Boston, (617) 562-8800.
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