B y M a r k G r e e n l a w
JUSTIN WAGG
Small Stages,
BiG Sound
MC Taylor, aka Hiss Golden Messenger, performing in the Tourists Lodge. Most Sing for You Slumber shows are free.
THE BEST INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUES ACROSS THE BERKSHIRES
The Berkshires has long been celebrated as a premier destination for live music, attracting audiences from near and far to world-class venues like Tanglewood and festivals such as FreshGrass at MASS MoCA. While larger stages such as the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and the Colonial Theatre host nationally and internationally renowned artists, the region also boasts an extraordinary array of smaller, intimate venues that locals( like yours truly) adore. These spaces— whether showcasing the Berkshire’ s own musical talent or welcoming regional and touring acts— provide an up-close concert experience. It’ s this vibrant and personal aspect of the music scene that inspired me to create Music in the Berkshires, the digital sibling of Berkshire Magazine and your ultimate guide to live music in the county. I treasure the charm of small venues— the warmth, the impeccable sound, and the opportunity to connect with artists before and after a show. With over 70 venues regularly hosting performances, the Berkshire’ s live music landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic.
These venues fall into two categories, generally speaking: listening rooms, which prioritize the music, and bars and restaurants, where the music complements food, drink, and conversation. Here are a handful of my favorite intimate venues that make this region a haven for music lovers like me.
38 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2025