We all know that summer is concert season, so when the question arises as to what is the best summer venue there are a few things we need to consider:1. Location. Location. Location. Well, I guess if you want to get real technical that's three things, but regardless this is a very important factor. If I'm going to a concert in the summer, I want to enjoy the beautiful weather and maybe even catch a sunset while I rock out, because we all know that hipsters have a soft spot for sunsets. There's nothing better than taking in a summer show at an outdoor venue and since I'm pretty broke, we're going to stick to Boston because I can’t afford to travel too far from my desk. Also, there's got to be some post-show party options nearby, so I’m looking for a venue with a few bars in the neighborhood where I can grab a cold one and rest my legs after a couple hours of pretending like I am a good dancer.
2. Schedule If the venue is booking Bieber and the Jonas Brothers they already lost my attention. Unless the Muppets are doing a tour featuring their best Fine Young Cannibals covers, then I’m not springing for any of that Disney Channel mumbo jumbo. What I’m looking for is a schedule packed with a nice mix of up and coming acts and some established artists who I know will put on a good show.
3. Reasonably Priced As I mentioned before, even though Sonicbids pays their employees handsomely, I’m still not going to be able to afford a couple hundred bucks a month to see 1 or 2 good shows.
If you completely ignored the title of my post or were just distracted by my witty rhetoric (it happens) then you might be asking yourself - Where do these three criteria lead us? Well I’m an answer man and I’ve got an answer for you; the best place to see a show in the summer is the Bank of America Pavilion right on the water here in Boston.
The location is perfect, this summer’s schedule is packed with what promises to be some great shows (can you say Broken Social Scene and TV on the Radio on the same bill? Come find me in Section 1 Row R, I’ll be the guy jamming out while simultaneously watching the sunset and weeping) and it doesn’t cost anywhere near other Boston area outdoor venues like Fenway or the Comcast Center to catch an amazing show.
The schedule this summer features the aforementioned BSS and TVOTR show as well as The National with Wye Oak, Death Cab for Cutie with Frightened Rabbit, Flaming Lips and My Morning Jacket to name a few. With a schedule like this I guess I can forgive them for booking Selena Gomez and Ke$ha, but they’re only getting away with that this one time.
With a convenient location and plenty of local watering holes nearby to keep your night going strong after the show, the Bank of America Pavilion is the place to be this summer. So take your cue from me and get your tickets for the Muppets reunion before they sell out, it’s going to be one crazy concert summer.
