Guides

When people mention the Berkshires, you might think of great hiking, fantastic restaurants, awe-inspiring art museums, or grand gardens from the Gilded Age. What you might not realize is that the Berkshires is also home to an eclectic mix of live music venues that will match any groove or vibe you want.

Zeitcaster’s Top 10 Live Music Venues of the Berkshires:

1. Tanglewood: Open seasonally during the summer, this outdoor concert venue held its first concert in August of 1934 when a group of Berkshire music buffs arranged for the  New York City Philharmonic to perform three outdoor concerts.  Since then, Tanglewood has become synonymous not only with hosting summer symphonic concerts but also everything in between. You can pack a picnic and grab a spot on the expansive lawn and hear anything from rock to blues to country. The annual 4th of July concert that James Taylor puts on cannot be missed! Tanglewood is an experience any local or visitor needs to have on their music bucket list. 
2. The Dream Away Lodge: The Dream Away is rumored to have been a brothel and speakeasy during the Great Depression, but two things are definite. One: The Dream Away caught attention back in 1975 when Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and The Rolling Thunder Revue visited; the interior of this quaint music venue is steeped in musical lore and legendary history, which makes this place as visually appealing as it is for the ears. Two: The Dream Away is tucked away on October Mountain and is not the easiest place to find, but the adventure of finding it is worth the time, as the live music you hear is all original and spans multiple genres. The Dream Away is also seasonal, so once the snow thaws and the mountain is safe for vehicles to drive back up, you can be sure you will hear unbelievable guitar riffs and drum solos that will leave you wanting more.
3. The Lion's Den: Found beneath the famous Red Lion Inn, the Lion's Den offers a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere for an almost nightly rotation of jazz, blues, folk, indie, and original live music. The Lion’s Den is equipped with a bar and a small spattering of tables, so it is usually standing room only here, but that’s ok. This just makes it easier for you to tap your feet. 
4. The Mahawie: This Performing Arts Center is found smack dab in the middle of Great Barrington.  While The Mahawie offers many cultural events such as dances, theater, comedy, film screenings, and lectures, it is a popular venue to hear national musical acts. There is no bad seat in the house here, since the Mahawie is smaller than other Performing Arts Centers.  You can sit back and enjoy holiday concerts sure to get you in the holiday spirit, or hear hip-hop, blues, rock, and classical music. 
5. The Stationery Factory: This venue used to be just what the name says — a stationery factory! Steeped in history, this Dalton music venue has a cool, eclectic vibe that makes listening to local and regional artists a fun experience every time. A bonus is that there is both a brewery and a restaurant on-site!
6. Buttonball Barn: “More than a venue, it's a Vibe!” The Barn has served various purposes since the 1830s, but has been pleasing the local community with lively, almost nightly, live music since 2016. The Barn has been voted the best open mic in the Berkshires and also offers top-tier music from many genre-defying bands. Zydeco, jazz, rockabilly, rap, funk, soul, and jam bands that make you want to sing along are all on the menu here at the Barn!
7. The Foundry: This West Stockbridge multi-disciplinary performance space used to be a glassblowing shop. The Foundry’s name references “roots” and is now a safe space for artists to produce work that pushes the boundaries of convention. You can catch anything from a Drag show to stand-up comedy to live performances celebrating the diversity of all people. The Foundry is a cool, off-the-beaten-path space to hear live music, too; Klezmer, indie, and instrumental tunes are all part of the roots that make The Foundry thrive. 
8. MASS MoCA: More than a museum, MASS MoCA embraces art in all forms, including music. There are multiple indoor and outdoor stages that make listening to year-round live music possible.  You never know what kind of evocative composition or arrangement you might hear, but you won’t leave disappointed. 

Worth the drive: These last two hot picks are not in Berkshire County, but close enough to make this list!

1. The Iron Horse: Just a short trip up the Mass Pike to Northampton will get you to the Iron Horse, whose motto is Music Alone Shall Live. Indeed, it is more than their motto; The Iron Horse has brought the community together through the power of live music since its inception in 1979. Seating 300 people, the Iron Horse welcomes local musicians, as well as national artists like The Lumineers, Phoebe Bridgers, The Black Pumas, and Brandi Carlisle. The one thing they all have in common? To make their audiences feel alive through live music. 
2. Infinity Music Hall: This small live music venue was originally built in 1883 to be a combination barbershop, opera house, and saloon. Now rocking a world-class sound system and modern facilities, Infinity offers a relaxed, intimate setting for amazing live music. You can get tickets to see national acts like The Tower of Power or local acts featuring some of the best up-and-coming new artists. 

Zeitcaster hopes one (or ALL) of these live music venues hits the right chord with what you’re looking for!