The Middle East in Cambridge opened in 1970. Back then, it existed as a Lebanese restaurant that occasionally hosted Lebanese bands. It wasn’t until 1987 that The Middle East saw its first rock concert.
Ever since it was turned into a venue, The Middle East has grown to attract gradually larger audiences to its five different concert spaces. These spaces count Upstairs, Downstairs, and Sonia, which are all larger rooms dedicated exclusively to music, and the venue’s two smaller rooms, which are restaurants that also host live music.
Altogether, The Middle East can accommodate approx. 1200 concert-goers among all of its spaces. A wealth of notable artists have performed at The Middle East, including The Smashing Pumpkins, Eminem, and Independent Venue Week honorary artist ambassador Chuck D’s Public Enemy.
It’s no wonder that The Middle East has established itself as a premier destination for touring artists when they come to Boston, and we’re pleased that the venue will take part in Independent Venue Week for the second year in a row.
