Sofar Sounds: Hidden Gem Concerts
Expect the unexpected
By Mia Overbo
Last Wednesday, my friend and I had a concert experience unlike any other. When we spotted the gray door and staircase leading to the secret venue, we had no idea what to expect, and that was the best part.
Sofar Sounds, a live music company, hosts secret concerts in over 100 cities around the world. They connect rising artists with eager crowds gathered in unexpected places like museums, rooftops, or barbershops. They offer $20-$30 tickets for shows in Somerville, Back Bay, Union Square and more. The exact location isn’t revealed until three days before the event.
Greeted at the door, we were welcomed into the basement of a church. We found our way to one of the eight or nine blankets spread out on the floor. Each had a perfect view of the stage. My friend and I — the only non-millennials there — knew this would be a change of pace from our usual night out.
“The most rewarding part is that people are attentive to you,” Radha Rao, a performer with Sofar and BU alumna, shared. Unlike the steakhouses and bars where her music plays in the background, Sofar creates a space where she is heard, front and center.
All three artists we listened to that night played unreleased originals and shared anecdotes about each. Ava Sophia from Boston sang uplifting lyrics while playing piano. Zion Rodman from Cape Cod shared folky, catchy interludes and melodies on his guitar. We ended the night singing “Bennie and the Jets,” guided by American Idol star Jillian Dawn from Nashville.
“My favorite part about it is I can go to basically any city I want, and I don’t have to worry about promoting a show. And, the audience is always eager to be there,” said Dawn, who has performed over 20 shows with Sofar.
If you’re curious to hear more, check out sofarsounds.com/boston. Take a friend who’s up for the unexpected.
And, check out the Sofar performers we met:
@avasophiamusic
@zion_rodman
@jilliandawnmusic
@radhamusic_