Boston Blues & Beanpot Brews: A Drummer's Dizzying Dispatch

okay, so. boston. right? i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like a cymbal crash. touring with the band, you know how it is - blur of airports, questionable hotel coffee, and the constant hum of amplifiers. but boston… boston was different.

I just checked and it’s… a proper damp chill right now. Like, the kind that seeps into your bones and makes you crave a ridiculously oversized sweater. The kind that makes you want to huddle in a pub with a pint. Speaking of which…

Let's talk about the food. Forget your fancy restaurants. I’m talking clam chowder so thick you could stand a spoon in it. I overheard a couple arguing about whether Legal Sea Foods is actually worth the hype. The guy was adamant it was tourist trap nonsense. The woman just rolled her eyes and ordered another lobster roll. I’m with the guy, honestly. Check out some local spots instead. Yelp has a few decent suggestions, but trust your gut.

Someone told me that Mike’s Pastry in the North End is a battlefield on weekends. Apparently, the cannoli wars are real. I didn’t brave it, to be honest. I’m not a fan of crowds, especially when pastry is involved. I found a smaller bakery a few blocks away - way less chaotic, and the sfogliatella was divine.

My drumming gig was at this tiny club in *Cambridge. The acoustics were… interesting. Let’s just say my kick drum was rattling the glasses. The crowd was amazing though - a bunch of students and older folks who clearly appreciated a good beat. The owner, a gruff guy named Sal, kept yelling, “More cowbell!” which, you know, classic.

I spent a day wandering around Beacon Hill. Those cobblestone streets! Seriously, my ankles are still protesting. It’s ridiculously picturesque, like stepping into a postcard. But also, kinda creepy. All those brownstones staring down at you. I felt like i was in a movie.

Pro-Tip #1: Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Pro-Tip #2: Public transport is your friend. Parking is a nightmare. The T (subway) is pretty reliable, though it can get crowded during rush hour. Check out the MBTA website for schedules and fares. https://www.mbta.com/

Pro-Tip #3: Don’t ask for directions from anyone wearing a Red Sox hat. Just… don’t. It’s a local law, I think.

If you get bored, Providence and Worcester are just a short drive away. I didn't make it out there this time, but I've heard Providence has a surprisingly vibrant art scene.

I stumbled upon this amazing vintage shop in Back Bay - “The Velvet Underground” (not that Velvet Underground, sadly). Found a killer leather jacket for like, twenty bucks. Seriously, the deals are insane if you’re willing to dig. Check out this guide to vintage shopping in Boston for more ideas: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g6084-Activities-Boston_Massachusetts.html

I heard that the Museum of Fine Arts is worth a visit, but I’m more of a street art kind of guy. Found some cool murals in the Fenway* neighborhood. Definitely worth a wander.

Honestly, boston is… complicated. It’s historic, it’s modern, it’s charming, it’s chaotic. It’s got a weird energy. But i kinda loved it. I’d go back. Maybe when it’s a little warmer.

Oh, and one last thing. Someone, clearly a little tipsy, told me that if you throw a penny into the Public Garden pond, you’re guaranteed good luck. I didn’t try it, but hey, it’s a thought.

For more Boston travel ideas, check out this local forum: https://www.city-data.com/forum/boston/

Okay, i’m gonna go lie down now. My ears are still ringing.