Somerville Theater

Intimate. The word is overused when describing clubs and theaters. However when speaking about the 905 seat Somerville Theater in the Boston suburb of the same name, it's where you must start. With only 411 seats in the orchestra and a 483 seat balcony that practically reaches the stage, their isn't a seat where you don 't feel like you can be heard from the stage. A few nights ago, Marc Brownstein, bass player for the Disco biscuits was describing the thrill of their October 30th show as looking up at people dancing in the balcony and recognizing faces. Intimate.

For many bands, Somerville is one of their first theater shows. The Boston area has long supported music with its humongous college population, and it's own sometimes vibrant music scene. The local music clubs have far less than desirable conditions for both the artist and the fans, so a Somerville gig is the goal. For jambands, promoters such as Gamelan and Planetary Groove Productions bring in regional and national acts, and often give a Somerville debut to a deserving local band. The theater now does close to 100 shows a year with a wide variety of music ranging from folk, world, funny songwriters, and Celtic fiddle. However, back in 1989, when Sherry Belski started booking shows for the former vaudeville theater turned movie house, no one was interested. Phish was one of the first bands to give the theater a try as they were seeking non-traditional venues. Their shows quickly became legendary and word on the theater quickly spread.

A show at Somerville is its own experience. Davis Square is nearly impossible to find if you don't know Somerville. The easy way is the MBTA or subway which stops right next door. Personally, I prefer the lots in the neighborhood behind the theater as shows often go past the last train. Davis Square is perfect for the all important pre-show meal with a variety of restaurants. Pre-show, your jambands staff recommends the BBQ at Redbones, or a liquid dinner at the Burren featuring the best Guinness in Boston.

The theater sits dead on in the middle of the square where 5 roads converge. The marquis is bright, and well..busy, with listings of upcoming shows and this weeks movies. Movies? Around the corner is the box office windows. "Movie tickets on the left, concert on the right" booms a voice through the window speaker. Walk back through the main doors and we are in a movie theater lobby with a snack bar. Moviegoers head left and down the stairs to the 4 theaters which were built underneath the theater in 1997. We walk straight, get our tickets ripped and are strapped into a fashionable paper bracelet.

Most jamband shows are general admission. The orchestra is refurbished comfy movie theater seats with cupholders in three sections with a small dancing area in front. Behind the seats sits the sound board and a standing room area which also offers great sound and sight lines. the balcony is rather steep, a little cramped, and the seats less comfy. (only the orchestra was refurbished in '97) It's divided into two sections, mezzanine and upper balcony. The mezzanine offers one of the most unique theater views as it is practically above the stage. To the left and right of the stage are two sets of theater boxes where the brave are on display to showcase their best dance moves. Set break: Somerville has a liberal come and go policy. Just keep your bracelet and ticket stub. Besides gaining you reentry to the show, a ticket stub will also waive the cover at Johnny D's Uptown Lounge across the street where eclectic food, music, and a great beer selection awaits. At many shows, you'll find your favorite jambands.com editors or writers there knocking back as many as possible in 20 minutes while discussing the first set or the next day's Box Score.

The Somerville line-up for the past 5 years covers all the generations of our "little scene." Original H.O.R.D.E tour members, Phish, Blues Traveler, and Widespread Panic headlined in the early and mid 90's. The next wave to graduate from the clubs included moe., Strangefolk, String Cheese Incident, Leftover Salmon. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and Medeski, Martin and Wood, and Robert Hunter held legendary two night stands. The past two years has seen local favorites, The Slip, Deep Banana Blackout (part of the jambands.com tour), Percy Hill, and just recently a mindblower from The Disco Biscuits.

Sherry Belski admits she has a fun job, as she works with promoters and all the bands, and makes sure to check out at least part of every show. Her favorite? "Ween is the best show we've had." Unfortunately, most Boston venues won't qualify for mention here due to their poor sound, sightlines, and overzealous security. Somerville stands as an example of the great environment that can be created when the emphasis is on the music.

by David Saslavsky