Harpers Ferry   

Harpers Ferry is a key fixture in the Boston music scene, bringing in a variety of national, regional and local rock and blues acts. Its annual blues festival features artists like Bo Diddley, Monster Mike Welch, Matt ''Guitar'' Murphy, and Buckwheat Zydeco. No wonder the club has won multiple awards from Boston Magazine, the Boston Globe and Rolling Stone. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, heavily populated by people who are as serious about their music as they are keen to have a good time. Grab a pint of Longtrail Ale from the bar, a bite to eat, and play some pool or darts or foosball while you wait for the band to come on. Then watch a spacious bar be transformed into a frenzied musical madhouse, as the bigger acts will easily pack the place to its 340-person limit. It's worth noting that the sound at Harpers Ferry is pretty good: loud but clear. You'll hear what you paid for. All gigs start at 9:30PM (also specially noted). The cover varies, ranging from $3 for small, local groups up to about $20 for a popular national act like Blue Floyd. Members of the Boston Blues Society get free admission once a month with a Harpers Card when the cover is under $7. The strict 21-plus door policy is kind of a bummer for younger music fans, but probably inevitable in the current environment. Parking can be a little tricky. There is a lot behind the club with spaces both reserved for Harpers Ferry patrons and general spaces, but it also has spaces reserved for customers of the liquor store next door. Park there and they will tow your car. If this lot is full, don't park in the Osco Drug parking lot or on the residential side streets -- they'll tow you, too. Your best bet is to hunt for space along Harvard Street or Brighton Avenue.