Guides

When you hear 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 music venues that will match any groove or vibe you want. 

Here is Zeitcaster’s Top 10 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 with not only hosting summer symphonic concerts, but 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 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 once been a brothel and speakeasy during the Great Depression, but two things are definite facts. 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 with this musical lore and legendary history which makes this place as visually appealing as it is appealing 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 because the live music you can 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 for more.
3. The Lion's Den: Found underneath the famous Red Lion Inn, the Lions Den offers a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere to listen to an almost nightly rotation of jazz, blues, folk, indie and original 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 not a bad seat in the house here, since the Mahawie is small compared to other Performing Arts Centers.  You can sit back and enjoy holiday concerts that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit, or hear hip hop, blues, rock and classical music compositions. 
5. The Stationery Factory: This venue used to be just what the name says- a stationary factory! Steeped in history, this Dalton music venue has a cool, eclectic vibe that makes listening to local and regional artists always a fun experience. A bonus is that there is both a brewery and restaurant onsite!
6. The Egremont 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, music since 2016. The Barn has been voted as having the best open mic in the Berkshires, but also offers top tier music from the 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 glass blowing 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 sort of space to hear music too; Klezmer, indie, 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 fused community together through the power of music since its conception back 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 music. 
2. Infinity Music Hall: This small 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 and intimate setting to see 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 music venues hits the right chord for what you’re looking for!