A recent issue of the Utne Reader listed Davis
Square in Somerville as one of the fifteen hippest places to live
in America. Opened in 1914 as a vaudeville house, The Somerville Theater
has been a part of Davis Square for eighty-three years. With 900 seats
(split between a loge and balcony), the theater offers performers
an ideal mid-size venue: not too small that fans will be shut out
by limited space, but not so big that the intimacy between crowd and
musician is lost. Sit anywhere: the sound is great, even way back
in the balcony, and the auditorium is small enough that everyone has
a great view.
Still, it's only in the last decade that
the Theater has dedicated itself to presenting live music on a
regular basis. Not too long ago, the theater might have hosted ten
concerts each year. Now that average is close to eighty--and with a
world-class roster of performers working in a dizzying range of
styles, The Somerville Theater has quickly garnered a reputation for
excellence. A night of music here might mean prominent folk
musicians (Greg Brown, Bruce Cockburn, and Patty Larkin, all
performed in November), but it also might mean Throat Singers from
Tibet. Or a world-renowned harpist. (Recently, through a fluke of
scheduling, harpists led the bill on consecutive nights.) The
Somerville Theater presents great music, period. No boundaries, so
pigeonholed styles. Just quality.
The all-ages music venue is part of a
larger complex, doubling as a movie theater. Four screens show
first-run films seven days a week, even when a concert occupies the
main stage. As such, the concession stands offer all the standard
movie fare: popcorn, ice cream, candy, . . . even professional
advice! Our candy-counter girls discussed the relatives pros and
cons of butter as a popcorn topping as they served us. (One argued
that sugar was tastier.) And the place is still shining from its
recent renovation, which included replacing all the old theater
seats with cushy new ones. Before the show, wander over toward the
satellite screening rooms and check out the red-eyed owls lurking
above you in the corners-they're just another special touch in this
fun, relaxed setting.
And how's this for a deal: the music venue
hires ushers on a volunteer, per-show basis. Simply sign up to work
a show. If they call, all you'll need is a flashlight and a friendly
smile to watch your favorite musicians perform. No strings
attached--except, of course, that only a limited number of ushers
are needed, so be sure to sign up well in advance. No guarantees,
but I don't think it's a stretch to say this policy insures you'll
find some of the most grateful ushers in all of Boston at 55 Davis
Square. And some pretty pleased guests, as well.
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