Berklee Performance Center

Planning a Night at Berklee Performance Center

Berklee Performance Center sits right where Massachusetts Avenue meets Boylston Street, in the busy stretch between Back Bay and the Fenway. That location shapes the whole evening. The Hynes Convention Center stop on the Green Line is a short walk away, and several bus routes run along Mass Ave. Driving is possible, but street parking is scarce on show nights and garages nearby fill quickly, so public transit or a rideshare is usually the calmer choice.

The hall is known for its range. On any given week the calendar might include student ensembles, faculty recitals, jazz, gospel, world music, singer-songwriters and touring acts, and many student and faculty performances are low-cost or free. Programmes change constantly, so check Berklee's official event listings for dates, ticket details and any door or seating policies before you go.

Tips for concertgoers

• Arrive early. Popular student showcases can draw big crowds, and lines on the sidewalk move slowly on cold Boston evenings.
• Dress for the weather outside and the warmth inside. Layers work well. A silk or satin-lined hat or scarf protects curls and twists from wind and winter dryness on the walk over.
• Make a night of the neighbourhood. Boylston Street and the side streets toward the Fenway have plenty of places to eat before or after a show.

Hair that lasts through a long performance

For performers, stage lights bring heat and sweat, and a showcase day can mean hours of rehearsal before the curtain goes up. Styles that tend to hold up well include box braids, knotless braids, twists, cornrows and fresh locs retwists, ideally done a few days ahead so the scalp has time to settle and edges aren't tender on show night. Pack a small kit with a satin bonnet, a light leave-in or oil and a few spare pins, and avoid heavy products that can melt under hot lights.

Audience members dressing up for a special concert can take the same approach: book early, especially around end-of-semester showcase season when demand rises. Browse our services for style options, and see more spots around the city in our venues guide.