Could ONCE Somerville soon be ONCE Cambridge?
The independent live music promoter and venue space announced today (January 27) that it has submitted an application to rent the former OBERON location just outside Harvard Square. That spot, at 2 Arrow St. in Cambridge, was left vacant after the American Repertory Theater opted last fall to not renew its lease for 2022. OBERON, a longtime performance theater and alternative nightlife haven, had operated in Cambridge for 12 years, but was not part of the A.R.T.’s future plans as it eventually relocates to new digs in Allston.
“New home news: ONCE has submitted an application to rent the Oberon space!” ONCE posted to social media this afternoon. “Light a candle. Spread the word. Come on, Army. Let’s save some venues!”
ONCE closed its brick-and-mortar ballroom and lounge on Somerville’s Highland Avenue in November 2020, several months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Last summer, in addition to carving a digital presence with its Virtual Venue livestream series, it hosted several live music shows and events at the outdoor Boynton Yards space, and has currently been active in the local music scene booking music at Davis Square’s The Rockwell and The newly-opened Crystal Ballroom at The Somerville Theatre.
Stay tuned for more.