Music to My Ears: The Haute 5 Live Music Venues in Boston

Boston is home to more than championship-winning sports teams, Ivy League universities and a gorgeous skyline set across the Atlantic Ocean: it also boasts a live music scene that’s parallel to none. Whether you’re just in town for an evening or call Beantown your home 365 days a year, these Haute 5 live music venues are sure to bring music to your ears—literally.

The Bank of America Pavilion

Summertime, and the living’s easy: outdoor enthusiasts will thrive at the Bank of America Pavilion, where its waterfront-facing dome hosts national acts in the warmer months (typically, from late April through late October). The 5,000-person capacity site boasts a handful of VIP sections, plus on-site bars, and several 5-star restaurants within walking distance for pre-or-post show noshing. Rain or shine, the show must go on.

The Bank of America Pavilion is located at 290 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617.728.1600

The House of Blues

Formerly Boston haute spot Avalon, the House of Blues’ Boston location got a serious facelift in 2008 with a multimillion-dollar revamp. The club hosts bands, solo artists and private events (Amy Winehouse and Mos Def have both played here), with an adjoining VIP area, The Foundation Lounge, set as the perfect backdrop to host posh after parties.

The House of Blues is located at 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, 617.960.2583

The Institute for Contemporary Art

A year-round favorite becomes a seasonal wonderland in the summertime months, when the museum hosts its famed HarborWalk Sounds on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 P.M. Pop, jazz, blues and bluegrass radiate through the ICA’s second floor amphitheater overlooking the Boston Harbor (though on especially warm – and dry – nights, the bands will play outside on the museum’s dock), bringing a new love for local music and the arts into one haute night.

The Institute for Contemporary Art is located at 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617.478.3100

Scullers Jazz Club

World-renowned and 20-years strong, Scullers Jazz Club is Boston’s crown jewel of jazz clubs. Overlooking the Charles River, the club has hosted storied acts such as Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr. and Bobby Short, among others. Those looking to soak in saxophone will find the club’s dinner, show & stay package attractive, with seasonal courses served to order and luxe amenities awaiting their return post-show.

Scullers Jazz Club is located at 400 Soldiers Field Road, Allston, 617.783.0090

TD Garden

The largest entertainment venue in the city, the Garden is no place for small-time acts looking to cut their teeth. Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan and Aerosmith have all played sold-out shows in this 20,000-person arena, which has undergone a multitude of renovations and upgrades during its 15-year history.  VIP patrons will enjoy private box seating, which includes concierge and bottle service, as well as private entry.

The TD Garden is located at 100 Legends Way, Boston, 617.624.1000