Live music in Middlesex County, MA

Arts at the Armory welcomes Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah to the Spotlight Stage for an intimate piano-centered set. Long associated with guitar-forward performances, he is turning to the piano to bring new closeness and clarity to songs that helped shape early 2000s indie. As the driving force behind Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, he developed a devoted following through a direct-to-fan approach in the era of music blogs and MySpace, earning admiration from artists such as David Byrne and David Bowie. Fresh from a run of small European shows, this appearance offers a rare chance to hear his work reimagined up close and in a new light. Alt-americana artist Jessye DeSilva will open. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the show, with general admission seating. Tickets are non-refundable and all sales are final. Arts at the Armory strives to be a welcoming, accessible community arts space and participates in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, offering 10 free tickets per Spotlight Series performance for EBT, WIC, and ConnectCare holders, with a maximum of two per person.

A cover band performs a live set of familiar songs.

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet brings five decades of vibrant Cajun music shaped by the band’s Acadian roots, powered by Michael Doucet’s expressive fiddle and vocals, and known for getting even the most reserved audiences on their feet. Their sound draws from New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, zydeco, country, and bluegrass. Appearances include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Carnegie Hall, and Richard Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in England. The group became the first Cajun band to earn a Grammy with L’amour Ou La Folie in the Traditional Folk Album category in 1998, added another Grammy in 2010 for Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and has received twelve nominations. They were regular guests on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion, and their music was featured on HBO’s Treme. Their 25th album, From Bamako to Carencro, highlights musical connections between Bamako in Mali and Louisiana that resonate through their work. The ensemble also created a holiday program, 14 Cajun Christmas, that pairs selections from their catalog with bayou flavored renditions of classic seasonal songs. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Ingrid Andress brings the Nowhere Else To Go Tour to The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA for an all ages performance. The multi-GRAMMY nominated singer and songwriter arrives with new tracks including Now I Know, Taillights, and Tattoos, with more music on the horizon as she finishes her third studio album. That forthcoming project follows Good Person and Lady Like, both co-written and co-produced by Andress. Her recent albums have drawn wide recognition. Good Person appeared on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Year and its 25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2022, and features the GRAMMY-nominated, Platinum No. 1 Wishful Drinking with Sam Hunt, which Billboard counted among the ten most played songs on country radio that year. Lady Like earned a spot among Billboard’s top ten country albums of its year, set a record as the highest streaming debut by a female country artist, and includes the multi-Platinum No. 1 More Hearts Than Mine, the only debut single from a solo female artist to reach country radio’s Top 20 in 2019. Lady Like also received GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Album and Best Country Song, while Andress earned a Best New Artist nomination, making her the only country artist recognized in a Big Four category. Each ticket also supports arts opportunities for young people. Twenty-five cents from every purchase benefits The Shout Syndicate, a Boston-based, volunteer-run fundraising effort that helps fund youth-led arts programs at established creative youth development nonprofits in Greater Boston, housed at The Boston Foundation and working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Boston Creates plan.

Firefly's BBQ presents a live performance by an act appearing at the venue for the first time. Attendees may choose to enjoy a meal beforehand, then head to the dance floor.

Playland #10 at ManRay embraces spooky season, with creative attire encouraged. The upstairs bars will be staffed by Steve, Haley, and Lindsey, while Cub Rye serves in the Pup Lounge. Expect a lineup of go-go performers including Mx. Kranium and Buck Fifty, plus a special performance from rising drag star Thrash Infection. MAX returns as the vendor with eerie outfits and accessories for the season. The flier is by Tyler Whitaker, and the imagery draws from a 1980 Blaine Dixon photo featuring two Halloween partiers on Polk Street in SF.

Celebrate the Merrimack Valley Chapter’s 15th anniversary with a relaxed barbecue featuring a catered meal, beverages, music, and more. Fellow Nam Knights and Ladies, along with families, bikers, riders, and friends, are welcome. Final details are still being arranged, and more information will be shared as plans are confirmed.

Seasoned singer and songwriter Bryan Bielanski blends rock and folk into a sound that feels both recognizable and new. His hook-filled originals fuel a near-constant travel schedule, with more than 2,600 performances to his name, including 311 in 2025, spanning numerous U.S. states and international stops such as Austria, Belgium, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Listeners and reviewers around the world have noted that his energy lives up to the upbeat spirit of his album Bryan's Super Happy Fun Time.

First Parish in Lexington, Unitarian Universalist hosts a candlelit classical tribute to Coldplay from Lumos. A string trio performs instrumental arrangements of favorites such as Clocks, Yellow, Viva La Vida, Fix You, The Scientist, Paradise, Magic, My Universe, Everglow, and A Sky Full of Stars. Two sittings are offered. Seating is first come, first served within allocated tiered zones in Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze. This event is for ages eight and up. The venue is wheelchair accessible, although front row placement is not guaranteed. Lumos partners with distinctive spaces across the UK and US to present concerts honoring world-famous artists, and a donation is made to a different charity each month.

Experience an evening of music, rhythm, and cultural celebration as the dance floor fills with the lively spirit of Garba and Dandiya. Attendees often arrive in festive attire, share the floor with friends, and enjoy upbeat music in a colorful setting that celebrates community and joy. The celebration takes place in the gym at Marshall Simonds Middle School.

At Sonia, the Clockwork Circus brings Boston’s Burning Man decompression to life with an evening of music, art, performance, and connection. The gathering highlights sharing, mutual support, radical self-expression, and uncompromising inclusivity in a respectful, consent-focused environment that favors participation over spectatorship. Expect live music to begin the evening, time to socialize, DJ sets in the main room, an open stage in the side room, and art installations to experience throughout the night. A cabaret and variety showcase spotlights movement arts and performance talent from the community. Participation opportunities include presenting tactile or immersive art, offering DJ or live music, and performing in the cabaret. Tickets are $25 including fees, and the price is scheduled to rise to $28. Attendees are encouraged to bring curiosity and creativity, connect, dance, make, and help shape an unforgettable night.

Vista Philharmonic Orchestra marks America’s 250th year with three American works by William Grant Still, George Gershwin, and Aaron Copland. William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1, Afro-American, weaves blues elements into the symphonic tradition and holds a historic place as the first symphony by a Black composer performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Pianist Sara Davis Buechner takes the solo role in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a meeting of jazz-era vitality and classical structure. The program closes with Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, featuring Fanfare for the Common Man and honoring the citizens, laborers, and soldiers of the World War II era.

Follen Folk Nights features Crys Matthews, a Nashville-based singer and songwriter recognized as a leading voice in a new wave of social justice music. An award-winning and prolific lyricist and composer, she blends Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into a bold, layered performance rooted in traditional melodies and driven by forthright original lyrics. Her songs speak to the present moment.

Standard Tuning makes its first appearance at The Sports Zone in Dracut with an upbeat night of rock and dancing. Expect a fun cycle of eating, drinking, and moving to the music, then doing it all over again.

Fuego y Candela offers an energetic evening built around music, dance, and community, with social dancing in dedicated salsa and bachata rooms. Expect performances by Andres & Vivi and by Desmond Le. The salsa room features DJ Condori and the bachata room features DJ Lui G. A beginner salsa class with Masacote is included. The Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts provides spacious dance floors, a full cash bar, reliable air conditioning, and convenient parking with an on-site lot, nearby lots, and street parking. Admission is $20 for the class and social dancing, with a $5 discount for students who present a valid ID.

Step up to the mic at the annual Amram Jam, an open reading for Kerouac-themed poetry and prose with live backing from David Amram and his band. Wireless Mike Flynn emcees the event. Reader registration is available on site and will also be accepted during the Baby Driver book discussion. The gathering takes place at HIVE Public Market.

Vocalist and percussionist Wendee Glick joins Steve Heck on keyboard and vocals for a program of songs from Barbra Streisand’s long career at Music Elements. Treats will be served. Funds support Music Elements, including a scholarship fund that helps provide lessons to those in need. The cover charge is $20. For reservations, call Anita at 978-221-5641.

Sunday Karaoke brings an upbeat night featuring Nightlife Entertainment. Singers of every experience level are welcome to take the microphone and perform well-loved songs while enjoying lively vibes, friendly company, tasty drinks, and great music. Skilled DJs keep the energy high so friends can share a memorable evening of performances and entertainment.

Tia Fuller, a Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue artist, brings her signature sound to The Regattabar. The acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and bandleader blends precise technique with soulful expression, weaving jazz with elements of pop and R&B. Expect a powerful set from a standout voice in modern music.

VOCES8, a 2023 Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble from Britain, presents Lead Me Home, a concert tracing the wide sweep of American choral traditions shaped by faith, folklore, poetry, and popular song. The program spans Virgil Thomson’s My Shepherd Will Supply My Need and the spirituals My Lord What a Morning and Steal Away, then moves into contemporary soundscapes by Caroline Shaw, Morten Lauridsen, and Eric Whitacre. It also features songs of place and longing such as Samuel Barber’s To Be Sung on the Water, the cherished folk melody Shenandoah, and the reflective Vincent. The finale offers sparkling city portraits in April in Paris and I Get a Kick Out of New York. Centered on the clarity and warmth of America’s musical voice, the concert charts a path through music of landscape, memory, and belonging.

Grace Enger brings The Satisfied Girl Tour to The Sinclair with Aubory Bugg. This event welcomes all ages. For each ticket sold, twenty-five cents is directed to The Shout Syndicate, a volunteer-run Boston fundraising effort that supports youth-led arts programs at established creative youth development nonprofits in Greater Boston. The Shout Syndicate is housed at The Boston Foundation and partners with the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture through its creative plan, Boston Creates.

At Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant in North Billerica, enjoy a music-driven spin on bingo where songs take the place of numbers. As each track plays, participants mark matching titles on their cards, whether on paper or on a phone. The playlist keeps the energy up, with plenty of chances to sing along, tap your feet, and maybe even dance for a moment.

Tricky brings his singular sound to The Sinclair for an all ages performance. The moment aligns with Different When It’s Silent, his first release under his own name in six years, arriving after a run of projects on his False Idols label that include Lonely Guest with contributors such as Oh Land, Marta Złakowska, Joe Talbot, Murkage Dave, Paul Smith, and Lee Scratch Perry, Fifteen Days with producer Mike Theis under the name Theis Thaws, and a joint album with Marta last year. The new material reflects a period marked by personal loss and a desire to work quietly, a direction that shifted when manager Alan McGee encouraged presenting these songs as a Tricky album. On the record, Bristol singer Mitch Sanders leads most of the vocals, with additional appearances by Red Run Rambo and Christian Pattemore. The set of songs spans guitar grit, shadowy electronics, and moments colored by strings and an operatic voice, and it includes a reimagined version of Dope Lemon’s Marinade. Marta joins Tricky on the closing track Out of Place. True to form, he continues to spotlight emerging voices from his community. In addition, twenty five cents from each ticket supports The Shout Syndicate, a Boston based volunteer effort that funds youth led arts programs through The Boston Foundation in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.

An open mic night takes place at Main st Grille & Taphouse on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Sign-ups are available on site before the music begins. Performers can take the stage, supporters can cheer on local talent, and anyone can enjoy the food while taking in the show.

Monster Groove and the Killer Horns bring an evening of soulful rhythm and blues to Baramor. If you cannot be there in person, a live stream will be available on Facebook.

Presented by The Middle East, this all-ages show features performances by Buddha Trixie, Flight by Nothing, and Pleaser. Advance tickets are $20, with admission priced at $25 on the day of the show. Attendees of legal age will need a valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. The venue enforces a strict no smoking or vaping policy inside the building. A dine-and-skip-the-line option is also promoted for this event.

Celebrating ten years of My Hero Academia, this live concert follows the journey from Deku's first steps toward heroism to high-stakes battles across all eight seasons. Powerful music and vivid visuals come together for an immersive retelling that brings the series to life. A 15-piece ensemble performs Yuki Hayashi's score, highlighting courage, friendship, heartbreak, and victory as memorable moments from the anime play on screen. The result is a concert experience that showcases heroic set pieces, the heroes and classmates at the heart of the story, and a go-beyond spirit that connects with fans of all ages. Whether you have been with Deku and Class 1-A since the start or are discovering the story now, this event offers a musical tribute and an emotional journey in one.

Henry Laliberte performs a live solo set at Baileys Bar & Grille in Townsend, MA. Expect a mix of songs that spans multiple eras and genres, alongside a menu of meals and appetizers, a wraparound bar, and a variety of beverages.

Enjoy a music-fueled twist on bingo at CanalSide Food + Drink in CambridgeSide. Your card features song titles and artists instead of numbers, a DJ cues up the tracks, and you mark off matches as you listen. Complete five in a row in any direction, call bingo, and win a prize. It is free to play, with prizes awarded each round. Two to three quick rounds keep the energy high from start to finish. Great for casual listeners, competitive players, and groups of friends, with no music knowledge required.

Get ready to sing your favorite songs at a welcoming karaoke night. Whether you love the spotlight or simply want to try a tune for fun, the mic is open and the atmosphere is supportive. From confident crooners to first-time performers, everyone gets a chance to shine.

Experience a music-driven twist on bingo where tunes take the place of numbers. Mark off songs on a paper card or on your phone as each track plays. Expect toe-tapping rhythms, sing-along moments, and the kind of energy that can get you up out of your seat.

Presented by Global Arts Live, Senegalese bassist and composer Alune Wade brings Family Affair to the Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, a program that explores the musical kinship of West Africa and Louisiana. With a band featuring musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, he blends Afrobeat and juju with the brass-driven sounds and jazz rhythms of New Orleans, creating a lively exchange in sound. The performance unfolds as a dialogue where history, culture, and a compelling groove meet.

Fantastic Cat performs at The Sinclair with a show open to all ages. For every ticket purchased, 25 cents will be contributed to The Shout Syndicate, a volunteer-run Boston fundraising effort that supports youth-led arts programs at proven nonprofit creative youth development organizations in Greater Boston. The Shout Syndicate is housed at The Boston Foundation and collaborates with the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture through the Boston Creates plan.

Rockage brings a rescheduled debut to Waves Restaurant & Bar with a dance-focused set built to keep the floor moving. Expect an energetic mix of favorites chosen to get people on their feet. The venue features a large dance floor, food from the restaurant, parking available, and drinks from the bar.

The Middle East presents LEAP on the Entropy World Tour with support from Out In Front. This is an all-ages show, and a valid ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages. Advance tickets are $20, and the price is $25 on the day of the show. Vaping and smoking are not allowed inside the building. A dine and skip the line option is noted for attendees.

Vanessa Collier brings powerhouse vocals and searing saxophone to The Regattabar in Cambridge, MA. Praised by AXS, Rolling Stone, and Elmore Magazine and recognized by Buddy Guy for her standout playing, she delivers a soulful, blues-rock sound that turns up the heat. A four-time Blues Music Award winner, including Contemporary Blues Female Artist in 2022, she showcases expressive sax work and a commanding voice. Seating is assigned based on purchase date. Tickets bought at the door are seated first come, first served at remaining tables. Groups larger than eight must purchase a group package.

Neko Case returns with the fearless, ever-evolving songwriting that has made her a singular voice, continuing to explore bolder ideas with wit and curiosity. Her ninth album, Neon Grey Midnight Green, arrived last fall to wide praise, pairing a spacious sound with a surprisingly intimate feel. Recorded live with a full band, it preserves the immediacy of being in the room, keeping breaths and the faint rustle of sleeves to underscore the human touch at its core. Case produced the record herself, highlighting the underrepresentation of women, nonbinary, and trans producers, and she identifies as gender fluid while using she and her pronouns.

Tokyo Tea Room brings the Feel Forever Tour to The Sinclair for an all ages concert. Each ticket contributes 25 cents to The Shout Syndicate, a Boston-based volunteer-run fundraiser that supports youth-led arts programs at proven nonprofit creative youth development organizations in Greater Boston. The initiative is housed at The Boston Foundation and partners with the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture through the Boston Creates creative plan.

Suitcase Junket returns for a two-night celebration of the new album To Go On with a special guest band featuring Kris Delmhorst, Ciarra Fragale, Julia Read, and Louisa Stancioff. Ciarra Fragale opens the show. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Lorenz, known as The Suitcase Junket, blends early blues and rock and roll with the spontaneity of jazz and a clear affection for Tom Waits, channeling it all through inventive one-man-band artistry. To Go On, his seventh album, was created after the loss of his sister, singer-songwriter Kate Lorenz. The result is a tender and deeply resonant collection that reads as an intimate dialogue with someone dearly missed.