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Eight places to see live music with no cover

G

ot more music in your soul than money in your pocket? March is a busy month for live music in a town that’s teeming with it, but we know a secret: Some great venues charge no cover, yet offer first-rate music in every genre. So treat yourself—or, more accurately, get treated—to some great live, local music without having to pay through the nose at the door. Still not convinced? We’ll throw in some great beer, cheap drinks, and half-price appetizers.

Shhhh! In 2009, its first year in business,
Boston’s House of Blues sold more tickets than any concert venue in the world. Yeah, sorry, there’s a cover.
1.
A club away from the pack, with no cover for DJs and live music—plus half-price appetizers
2.
A tiny club with no cover, cheap drinks, and live music every night
3.
A hipster hotspot with no cover—if you know what time to get there
4.
A dance club with no cover (and free lessons)—if you know when to go
5.
A timeless club for free jazz, open every night of the year—without a cover
6.
Throw a few bucks into the donation hat, but don’t worry about paying a cover for the best live bluegrass north of Dixie. There isn’t one.
7.
Some (usually) free live blues with your Louisiana barbecue
8.
How to see the best reggae in town, for free

  • Know more bars or clubs with live music and no cover? Tell us.