The Top 10 Concert Venues in Massachusetts
When it comes to enjoying a concert or live music in Massachusetts, there are some top notch concert venues to choose from in the state famous for the midnight ride of Paul Revere and an infamous tea party. Some of the best aren’t your traditional large scale arenas or stadiums. Some of the best concert venues in Massachusetts are actually nestled in city neighborhoods.
1. TD Garden
The home of the Celtics and Bruins is one of the major concert venues worth mentioning due to its long history, excellent seating arrangement and overall setup. The Foo Fighters, Rihanna, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, The Who and Madonna are just some of the artists who have graced the venue’s stage over the years. Depending on venue setup, nearly 20,000 fans can fit into the arena for a concert event. Transportation to and from the arena is readily available since it is located on a major route in Boston. Concertgoers have a wide selection of restaurants and bars to sample before or after a concert.
2. The Palladium
The Palladium in Worcester is an all ages venue best known for its live shows. Home to many festivals, the Palladium can be configured as necessary for each event. The venue has attracted acts as diverse as Blink 182, 50 Cent, Disturbed, The Used, Prince, New Found Glory and Jay Z. Worcester, the second largest city in Boston after Boston, offers plenty of hotel accommodations, neighborhood attractions, restaurants and other activities to keep concertgoers happy while in town.
3. House of Blues Boston
The Boston version of the popular franchise is a regular draw for local and mainstream bands alike. Artists include Allstar Weekend, Lauren Hill, Pat Green and Young the Giant. While rocking out, you can enjoy tasty samples from the House of Blues menu. Gumbo, fried chicken and BBQ chicken pizza are local favorites served up at HOB. Local bands are often included among scheduled shows, a plus for those looking to experience something different.
4. Paradise Rock Club
This Boston venue, located in the city’s Brighton neighborhood, has played host to everybody from Coldplay and Van Halen to Phish and Tom Petty. Variety is on tap here with music genres ranging from pop to alternative. For those looking to get up dance, the club features a full dance floor. A full bar welcomes guests who want to relax between shows. The club’s restaurant, decorated with artwork from local artists, includes a menu offering typical New England dishes. Cash only at the box office.
5. Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club
Named after John DeLellis, a retired police officer who opened the club in 1969, this club is found in the Boston neighborhood of Somerville. The weekly line-up includes jazz, Cajun, rock, country, blues, folk and just about everything in between. Sunday Jazz Brunch is a popular attraction. Reservations aren’t required, but recommended to avoid being turned away on busy nights. Don’t forget to sample the shrimp scampi and southern fried chicken.
6. Toad
This Cambridge club focuses on bluegrass and folk, but local bands of different genres perform here as well. Solo artists and bands perform here every night. You may end up elbow-to-elbow with locals here, but nobody seems to mind. This is definitely one of the cozier venues in Massachusetts. The capacity isn’t that great here, but the music and atmosphere more than makes up for it.
7. Xmortis
Goth music is alive and well at this Cambridge club. The DJs are said to be engaging and extremely talented. The staff is friendly and the food includes many local favorites. Bands range from well-known goth rockers to local bands looking for a place to play. Xmortis is described as one of the best places in Cambridge to sample new and local bands. Drink prices are considered reasonable and the club holds many special music-related events throughout the year. Goth parties are held every Friday.
8. Lizard Lounge
Ultra-hip and unpretentious are some of the phrases used to describe this Boston venue. When bands aren’t performing, events like Open Mic Night bring people into this club. Located beneath the Cambridge Common restaurant, music lovers can hear everything from folk and rock to jazz and new age music. Local bands and internationally known artists alike stop in to play. As an added bonus for sports fans, no bands are scheduled on big game nights.
9. The Beehive
Funky and elegant are the words used to described this live music venue in Boston’s historic South End. The Beehive features everything from jazz and blues to reggae and even a little Latin. The acoustics are said to be amazing. Top that off with local charm and culinary delights and you have a memorable experience. Reservations are recommended to ensure you get in to enjoy the music on busy nights.
10. Berklee Performance Center
Located in Boston’s historic Back Bay, this venue is ranked as one of the top college music venues in Massachusetts. Ensemble students and past students often play here. There is even a faculty singing night. Mainstream acts such as George Clinton make regular stops here as well. The Varsity Vocals International Championship of A Cappella is just one of several annual events that make this venue one of the best in the state.
About the Author
Nancy Zimmer writes for TicketLiquidator.com, a website dedicated to helping event-goers find the best concert tickets.
How to Make Moving Painless
How to make moving painless for most of us is very simple. The best way to make moving easier is hiring moving companies to assist in the endeavor. Moving companies are experienced in the entire process of moving homes and the people who live in them. These companies have trained teams of persons at the ready to help in every aspect of moving. These type of companies can be hired to move a family, an office or an entire company. They can be hired to move anything down the road, across town or even to another state. For most moving companies, there is no job to large or too small.
By hiring a company to move your home or business, you will save many aggravations associated with moving by yourself. The costs of renting equipment, vehicles or storage units will not be necessary, and everything should be covered under the fees charged by the moving company itself, making your move as efficient and productive as possible within a short time frame. As with any such contract, there may be incidental or extra charges if you are not prepared on the date scheduled. So it is best to be prepared and ready to go on the scheduled dates, as it is on that date that the moving company expects to be transporting your belongings. If anything should occur to delay your ability to move, be sure to contact the company you have hired immediately.
For the most part, moving companies are as reliable as their reputation. It is a good idea to check out a company with the Better Business Bureau and anyone you know who has used them before. Both are good indications of their reliability, service quality and customer service. If you have any indication that a company is problematic, it would be advisable to shop around for other options. The last thing you need on your moving day, is a moving company that does not show up on time or worse, one that cancels at the last minute. Such breach of contract is usually grounds for your money back, but that could take time or legal recourse in some cases. So try to find the most reputable company that you can for your money.
Remember, it is worth paying a few dollars more for any worthwhile moving companies. They will make the moving of your home, office or company as painless, as is humanly possible. So take your time finding the right moving company.
Heating Oil Prices Gauge
Overall, Massachusetts heating oil prices continue to fall since peaking at $4.00 per gallon in May 2011. The fading Euro continues to factor in easing of prices due to the weak forecast of recovery for the diesel-dependent European economy. Two other factors contributing to the price decrease are the warmer than normal winter conditions in the Northeast United States in general and the fact that distillate fuel inventories are currently above the recent historical average. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) now projects that the average household will use only 650 gallons of heating oil this winter, a 4.1% decrease from a year ago. Last month, the decline was expected to be just 2.1%.
The EIA also reports that heating oil consumption across New England has fallen 26 percent between 2004 and 2009. The decline, was attributed to reduced household use, rising oil costs, better home insulation and new furnace technology.
Excluding Boston, heating oil prices in MA overall range from $3.15 to $3.86. Boston heating oil prices are $3.14 to $3.95 presently. Across the state heating oil prices are; $3.34 to $3.69 in western MA, $3.54 to $3.71 in northwestern MA, $3.08 to $3.60 in the Springfield area, $3.09 to $3.79 in west central MA, $3.30 to $3.69 in east central MA, $3.30 to $3.75 in central MA, $3.15 to $3.86 north of Boston, $3.20 to $3.74 northwest of Boston, $3.28 to $3.70 in Cape Cod & Islands, $3.18 to $3.80 in southern MA, $3.20 to $3.80 west of Boston, $3.15 to $3.75 south of Boston, $3.19 to $3.80 southwest of Boston, $3.15 to $3.79 in north Boston, and $3.14 to $3.95 in south Boston. Across the region Massachusetts remains near the top averaging $3.84 per gallon. (Connecticut is the highest averaging $3.97, while Rhode Island is among the lowest at $3.61).
Clearly, MA heating oil prices are falling.
Mass Energy Consumer Alliance is non-profit organization that since 1982 has provided heating oil at prices of 15-30 cents per gallon less than the average retail price charged by full-service dealers. As an example, Mass Energy fuel oil price on December 13, 2011 was $3.50 per gallon, while the Massachusetts state average was $3.84 per gallon.
Heating Oil — A Good Choice for Massachusetts
Worcester heating prices in MA are higher during the winter. This is the same no matter where you go. The winter Waltham MA heating prices follow the same trend. This is true no matter where a person goes. Even though this is true, it still makes sense to use home heating oil in many homes throughout the state. Low-income residents may be able to get help with a person’s heating bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP).
The individual homeowner knows the limitations of heating oil. The tank needs to be filled periodically. It needs to be filled more often in the cooler months of the year. The owner of the tank calls the oil company. The oil company fills the reserve. The user should be able to enjoy hot water and a comfortable environment for weeks or months. The bill may run a few hundred dollars, but this is in comparison to a gas bill that a person receives every month. The Lowell Massachusetts heating oil prices and Cambridge heating oil prices in Massachusetts are now different than the Quincy heating oil prices.
Natural gas and heating oil do have one benefit over the gasoline that is used to fill the car that sits in most people’s driveways. The user does not get different prices in different towns. The prices are often set by the company. They do not go up or down based on the town where a person lives. The different oil companies can start their own price wars. They want to get and keep long-term customers. They can get new customers by making sure that they have competitive low prices. They can keep their old customers by making sure that they keep their prices low.
Heating oil provides an efficient, relatively environmentally friendly source. The user can make it even more environmentally friendly by making sure that his furnace is in good repair. It does not take much to keep the emissions in the furnace down to an acceptable level. The homeowner may need to call in a technician to help him keep the furnace in good working order.
Best Places to Retire on the West Coast
Many people migrate to the west coast of the United States for the beautiful ocean views, year around warm temperature coastal climate or even snow mountain solitude. The huge number of people living in and around these larger than average cities that spot along the American west coast, and also the American countryside inland is demanding.
The different locations are in Seattle, Washington and the Seattle metropolitan area, Spokane, Washington, Portland, Oregon and the Portland metropolitan area. These larger cities offer this unique population its inhabitants the freedom of a more numerous selection of overall activity types. The larger cities are still quite numerous, and include cities all along the west coast of the Pacific Ocean. Sacramento assisted living facilities are popular. Other places like California and the greater Sacramento Area, San Francisco, the San Francisco Bay Area, and also the cities named Oakland, San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Long Beach as well. San Diego assisted living facilities and Assisted living facilities in Illinois and San Antonio assisted living facilities are also common.
There are a few things that also help in determining the best places to retire on the west coast. These things allow for the maximum enjoyment of the retiree’s twilight time. This along with making an informed decision on retirement living can lead to a greater appreciation, and genuine enjoyment of those special twilight years.
In preparation for retirement, there are several aspects to consider. They include; the presence of convenient health care, the costs associated with everyday living, the retirees choices from their possible free time actives, non-retirement family member’s location, social actives near retire selection, or other cultural or art displays or buildings.
There are many different levels, or types, of retirement communities. They vary in size, hospital vicinity, and other assorted factors, as mentioned previously. Sometimes the total cost is greater than commitment monies that are available to the retiree. The annual membership fees, or other costs, may cause some retirees stress of not having enough money to pay for their retirement location completely. In these instances, there are still options. Assisted living is one of them. The cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and many of the cities discussed have assisted living programs that retirees can enjoy.
Tips for Seniors to Stay Healthy
Staying active is very important for seniors. You may not be running marathons but you can still stay active. One of the best tips for seniors to stay healthy is to find a walking partner. A walking partner will encourage you to show up for your daily walk even when you may not feel motivated to. Assisted living facilities in Michigan are a great place to find people who will walk with you each day.
Simply walking each day can add many years to your life, especially when compared to a sedentary lifestyle where you just lounge on the couch each day watching television and snacking on food.
The level of activities that seniors can perform at varies a lot. Some seniors can run marathons, lift weights, ride bicycles, and go swimming amongst other activities. For other seniors simply being mobile is in itself an activity. Regardless of how much or how little you can do it is important that you stay active doing what you can activity-wise. If you only walk casually at a slow pace then force yourself to go walking each day.
Depending on your health level you may be able to go skiing or other more extreme sports for seniors. If you do not feel comfortable participating in sports that you once did then you can cut it out, however you should remain involved with activity at a level you feel confident and safe doing. If for example you use to participate in diving but you feel your bones may be too brittle to continue diving, you can still show up and swim laps and aqua exercises even if you live in assisted living facilities in PA.
You may feel discouraged that you can no longer perform at an athletic level similar to what you could do when you were younger. Massachusetts assisted living people now understand that you need to accept the fact that you are older and exercise and remain active at whatever activities and exercise you can do to help keep your body in the best health possible and to allow you to live longer so you can enjoy your grandkids for many years to come.
6 Football Party Food Recipes
For diehard football fans, there are essentially two seasons in a year: football season and non-football season. Enthusiastic fans are known for getting rowdy and having fun—and their appetite for both football and food is practically insatiable. Whether you’re throwing a football party to kick off the season or hosting a Super Bowl celebration, these delicious football party food recipes are perfect for entertaining a hungry group of guys and gals. From chicken wing recipes to chips and dips, these zesty appetizers and finger foods will be a huge hit at your party.
1) Amazing VELVEETA Nachos
Nachos are, without a doubt, one of the most popular items on a football party food menu. Not sure which ingredients guests like/dislike on their tortilla chips? Become a true ‘host with the most’ and set up a nacho bar, complete with various meats, cheeses and toppings. Allow them to be the master of their ‘nacho’ domain!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Take 1/2 lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA and 7 cups (6 oz.) tortilla chips and mix and match your recipe from these options:
Meat Choices
- 1 lb. taco-seasoned cooked and drained extra lean ground beef
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef, cooked, drained
- 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked, shredded
- meatless: 3/4 cup refried beans
Topping Choices
- 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa
Finishing Touch Possibilities
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/3 cup BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
- 1/3 cup BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 2 tbsp. chopped jalapeno peppers
Directions
Spread tortilla chips onto microwaveable platter; top evenly with cubed VELVEETA.
Microwave on HIGH 2 minutes or until VELVEETA is melted.
Top with meat, toppings and finishing touches to build your own nachos.
2) Ultimate Chicken Wings
It wouldn’t be a real football get-together without chicken wings, and this recipe takes the trophy. The orange marmalade and Asian Sesame with Ginger dressing in this recipe put a spin on traditional wings by adding a sweet tangy flavor. Enhance the flavor even more by marinating the chicken wings overnight or cooking them slowly in a Crock-Pot.
Servings: 24 wings
Ingredients
2 lb. chicken wings (about 12), split, tips removed
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup Asian Sesame with Ginger dressing
1 tsp. garlic powder
Directions
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Place chicken wings in single layer in shallow foil-lined baking pan. Bake 15 minutes or until browned.
Meanwhile, combine marmalade, dressing and garlic powder.
Brush marmalade mixture generously over both sides of wings. Continue baking 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
3) Chicken BBQ Sliders
You can’t go wrong with sliders—they always make great football party food. Whether you’re entertaining rough-and-tough men, sophisticated women or a little bit of both, bite-size burgers delight everyone’s taste buds. A healthier twist to the traditional beef sliders, this chicken recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. Give these mini sandwiches a slight kick by adding banana pepper rings or pepperoncini peppers to the filling, and substitute hot dog buns for Hawaiian rolls.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 pkg. (7.5 oz.) OSCAR MAYER CARVING BOARD Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
8 Hawaiian rolls (2 inch), split
2 American cheese singles, quartered
Directions
Cook chicken and barbecue sauce in nonstick skillet on medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently.
Fill rolls with cheese singles and chicken mixture.
4) PHILLY Cheesy Pizza Dip
What do you get when you combine pizza and crackers? A delicious pizza dip, of course! This recipe is incredibly appetizing, not to mention a cinch to make—watch it disappear before your eyes. The cream cheese gives the dip some sustenance, while the pizza sauce adds a little zest. This football party food favorite is especially ideal if you need appetizers for a last-minute shindig.
Servings: 16
Ingredients
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. each chopped red and green peppers
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
RITZ Crackers
Directions
Spread cream cheese onto bottom of microwaveable 9-inch pie plate; cover with sauce. Top with layers of all remaining ingredients except crackers.
Microwave on HIGH 2 minutes or until heated through.
Serve with crackers.
5) BLT Rollers
Scrumptious sandwiches and football parties go hand in hand—you can’t have one without the other. These BLT Rollers are super easy and super-duper delish. If your party-goers are watching their weight, reduce the calories by using Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese, reduced-fat mayonnaise and turkey bacon. Spinach-flavored tortillas taste great, too!
Servings: 14
Ingredients
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
2 flour tortillas (8 inch)
1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce
Directions
Mix cream cheese and mayo in medium bowl. Add bacon and tomatoes; mix well.
Spread onto tortillas; top with lettuce. Roll up tightly.
Cut each into 7 diagonal slices.
6) Oreo Cupcakes
Satisfy your gang’s sweet tooth with this easy recipe that includes milk’s favorite cookie, Oreo. The best part about a football party, or any party, is the dessert spread, and these chocolate delights will surely disappear by the end of the first quarter. And because they’re such a cakewalk to make, you can focus on what’s most important: the football game!
Servings: 24
Ingredients
24 OREO Cookies
1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
Directions
Place 1 cookie in each of 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Prepare cake batter as directed on package; spoon over cookies. Bake cupcakes as directed on package. Cool in pans 5 minutes; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.
Remove paper liners; cut cupcakes horizontally in half.
Fill with COOL WHIP. Serve cookie-sides up.
