Lowell, MA
Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts, conveniently situated at the intersection of three major roadways (Interstates 495 and 93 and Route 3) and a 40-minute drive from downtown Boston. Located in northeastern Massachusetts, it is also just over the border from both New Hampshire and Maine. The former textile epicenter is a great place to stop on any tour of the Northeast - especially if you're a band from northern New England heading south. While Lowell fell on hard times beginning in the '40s with widespread factory closures, the city has experienced an economic and cultural rejuvenation in recent years, even receiving the National Civic League's "All-America City" award in 1999. Area colleges include The University of Massachusetts Lowell and Middlesex Community College. Each summer the city hosts the Lowell Folk Festival, which is the largest event of its kind in the country. The city also has its own summer music series, which takes place at Boarding House Park, a public outdoor venue. Multiple new clubs, bars and music venues have recently been established in the city and LowellRocks.com, with its events calendar, venue listings, and artist profiles, has been working to form a more cohesive scene out of the city's burgeoning nightlife.
Book A Gig: Venues
Rusty G's Place
731 Lakeview Ave
Lowell, MA 01850
(978) 453-7337
www.rustygsplace.com
Just over a year old, this bar/club promotes itself as the premier music venue in Lowell. It hosts live music seven nights a week, including weekly all-ages shows. Contact Gary for booking or email gag7343@aol.com.
The Brewery Exchange
201 Cabot Street
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 937-2690
www.thebreweryexchange.com
This sprawling, three-floor facility boasts multiple different venues for various types of performances. "The Play Loft" is the Brewery Exchange's live music-specific venue, hosting bands seven nights a week. There is also a restaurant, sports bar, pool hall and dance club, all of which provide opportunities for live performance. For booking, email info@thebreweryexchange.com.
The Old Court
29 Central St.
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 590-9011
Conveniently located in downtown Lowell, The Old Court is a beloved Irish pub and restaurant. Upstairs is Club Purgatory, the Old Court's live music venue, hosting local entertainment every night of the week. For booking, call the number above.
The Worthen House
141 Worthen Street
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 996-4468
www.worthenhousecafe.com
Lowell's oldest tavern and restaurant, The Worthen House was built in 1894 and is a historic fixture in Lowell. It hosts an eclectic array of live entertainment every night, including college band night, rock and blues performances, acoustic singer/songwriters on Tuesdays, and an open mic night every Wednesday. For booking, contact the manager, Penny Kokkinos, at info@worthenhousecafe.com.
Hynes Tavern
467 Gorham Street
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 452-8795
This small, recently renovated restaurant and bar hosts DJs, dancing and live music all week long. Hynes Tavern is located in downtown Lowell, but still boasts plenty of parking. For booking, email sjmmclory@aol.com.
Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus
61 Market St
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 454-2739
www.brewdawakening.com
This small, locally owned coffee shop makes a strong effort to support the local arts community. The venue features acoustic and jazz performances every Friday and Saturday. For booking, call (978) 454-2739 or email info@brewdawakening.com.
Princeton Station
147 Princeton Street
Chelmsford, MA 01863
(978) 251-1500
www.princetonstation.com
Princeton Station is a large restaurant/banquet hall with a great bar and lounge. The venue hosts live entertainment from Wednesday to Saturday. For booking, call the number listed above.
Reflections Sports Bar
67 Parkhurst Drive
Chelmsford MA
(978) 490-8393
www.reflectionslounge.com
Reflections is the largest sports bar in Northern Mass. The bar hosts live bands every Friday and Saturday night and is a great place for touring rock bands to stop. For booking, call the number listed above.
Promote A Gig: Media
WUML 91.5 FM
University of Massachusetts Lowell
1 University Ave.
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 934-4963
www.wuml.org
WUML is the freeform, student-operated college radio station at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In addition to an array of music and talk programming, the station hosts the show "Live From the Fallout Shelter" every Monday night in which New England rock groups give live performances and interviews. The show has been running for 19 years, hosting hundreds of bands, including The Lot Six and The Pixies. For booking, email falloutshelter@wuml.org, or for submissions, email the music director at md@wuml.org.
Lowell Sun
15 Kearney Square
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 458-7100
www.lowellsun.com
Lowell Sun is a daily newspaper serving towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The magazine covers Lowell life on all fronts and features a Music & Nightlife section. For more information, call the number listed above or visit the paper online at www.lowellsun.com.
Gear/Repairs
Whitsett Guitar Works
181 Market St.
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 454-1601
www.whitsettguitarworks.com
Whitsett Guitar Works offers quality repair at affordable prices. Service is provided by appointment; call the number listed above for scheduling.
Russo Music Center
334 Bridge St
Lowell, MA 01850
(978) 454-1221
Russo Music Center is a dealer of beginner and intermediate instruments, as well as high-end used gear. The store specializes in instrument repair and will do emergency guitar repair.
Johnson Music
340 Pleasant Street
Dracut, MA 01826
(978) 454-0055
www.johnson-music.com
A good spot for amplifier repair just north of Lowell, Johnson Music just added Bernie Ziegner - an experienced tube and solid state expert - to its staff. Email Johnson-music@verizon.net for more information.
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