Club Passim   

Finding a true folk music club is not an easy task these days. Fortunately for Cambridge residents, there's Club Passim. Since 1963, this brick-floored basement hangout has attracted some of the top acoustic strummers in the business -- including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Suzanne Vega -- many of whom consider Passim to be one of the top folk clubs in the country. Thanks to a great sound system, intimate setting and a nightly bill that brings in the top local and national acts (as well as the occasional open mic), it's not hard to figure out why this place has become such a mainstay in and around Cambridge. On popular nights, all 150 seats fill up quickly, so be sure to order tickets in advance. The club operates as an alcohol-free non-profit and is partially funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council with membership benefits such as discounted tickets, a bi-monthly newsletter and music classes. For food, there's also the in-house Veggie Planet, which serves up some of the best vegetarian pizza anywhere and uses dough made by the Haley House, a homeless service provider. Honest folk music is only one of the offerings at this socially conscious club but it also happens to be what they do best.