Studio 52 is a community artist space located in the heart of Allston, and is proud to support the Boston music scene and local artist community.
We spill too much digital ink on this website chronicling the closing of venues, so here is a much-needed change of pace and momentum — ONCE Ballroom and Lounge is re-opening on September 16.
Back in July, the independently owned and operated Somerville live music complex on Highland Avenue announced it was going dark for August, taking a summer break to recalibrate, recuperate, and reorganize its business structure and practices. “Our goal is to be open in the early fall, when the season starts in September,” ONCE proprietor JJ Gonson told Vanyaland a few weeks back. “That is the goal, that is the dream… We don’t know what the future is.”
Now, the future is a bit clearer, and it includes a healthy slate of live music, both booked by the venue and in partnership with various promoters like Crossroads Presents, the company that also books venues around town like Brighton Music Hall and The Paradise Rock Club.
The September 16 re-opening will be anchored by a party titled “All At ONCE: A Triumphant Return” that will feature, according to a release, “live music, food, photography, and community — exemplifying the venue’s philosophy and ideals.” Things kick off in the afternoon with a rock and roll ribbon-cutting ceremony by Tom Galligani, Somerville’s director of economic development. The day also features “SomerStreets Strike Up the Band”, in conjunction with The City of Somerville and the Somerville Arts Council’s SomerStreets, with Lockette, sister, and Awaaz Do on an outdoor stage with a ONCE beer garden plus grab-and-go sandwiches from Cuisine en Locale. From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., “LOCAL Focus: A Celebration & Sale of Boston Rock Photography” fills the ONCE walls with a rock photography exhibit from local talents, and “A Fond Farewell: Bob Colby’s Musical Adieu” kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with performances by 15 bands and solo artists.
Beyond the grand re-opening, Metal Tuesdays and Simpson’s Trivia also return to the Lounge, both Moth Radio Hour and Toddlerbilly Takeover return to the venue, and the fall live music calendar shapes up like this so far:
ONCE Fall 2018:
September 20: Allston Pudding presents Thin Lips
September 22: 1st Annual ONCE FEST
September 28-29: 2018 Boston Fuzzstival
October 13: Porter productions presents The Pack A.D.
October 19: Prom Do-Over
October 24: Doctor Gasp Halloween Show
October 27: Porter productions presents SuperSonic – North America’s Tribute to Oasis
November 1: Crossroads presents Mom Jeans (sold out)
November 2: Crossroads presents Roky Erickson (limited tickets remain)
November 8: The Wilbur presents Jamali Maddix
Featured ONCE photo by Cara DiFabio for Vanyaland.