Boston is spoiled when it comes to choices in excellent live music, which can be found literally every night of the week. And Cambridge and Somerville — the unofficial local home of blues, folk, bluegrass, and more strummy old-time tunes — offer some very tasty treats indeed. Here are some of the more notable residencies you can catch on this side of the river throughout November.
Mondays: Bluegrass at Atwoods
A longtime standing purveyor of prolonged residencies, Atwoods hosts the “Atwood’s Bluegrass Band” (Sean Staples, Eric Royer, Dave Westner, and southpaw mando maestro Jimmy Ryan) every Monday. There’s no cover and you never know who is going to show up and sit in. Got a “case of the Mondays”? Then cozy on up to the bar, grab yourself a fine craft beer, and listen to these guys pick out some hot bluegrass tunes all night long. (877 Cambridge St., Inman Square. atwoodstavern.com; 21+, 9:30 p.m., free)
Tuesdays: Session Americana at Lizard Lounge
Tuesday is a toss-up, since there are a few good residencies this month. But my heart has to go with one of my favorite bands at one of my favorite venue: Session Americana at the Lizard Lounge. Lizard has that comfy, speakeasy-type vibe and the Session guys sit around a table like old friends hanging out and picking tunes at your house. These fine gents always put on an amazing show and often bring up special guests (this month, guitar maestro Duke Levine will be sitting in). A helpful tip: Either get there early to get a good table (or into the club at all) or show up after 10:30 p.m. to watch the second set. The place tends to clear out a little and a fresh crowd usually overtakes the latter half of the night. (1667 Massachusetts Ave., between Harvard and Porter Squares. lizardloungeclub.com; 21+, 8:30 p.m., $10)
Wednesdays: Coyote Kolb at the Plough and Stars
Rock n’ roll and blues and swampy awesomeness. Jamaica Plain rockers Coyote Kolb kicks off a residency at the Plough on Nov. 6 and showcases some of talented friends over the three-week run. The Plough is a great, snug little joint, so you can either sit in the booth at the back and take it all in, or be front and center dancing to these dudes as they melt your face. The Plough also has that random pole running through the center of the stage in case you really feel like getting down. Tattoos and facial hair are optional, but strongly encouraged. (912 Massachusetts Ave., between Central and Harvard Squares. ploughandstars.com; 21+, 10:30 p.m., free)
Thursdays: Baker Thomas Band at Toad
The Lizard Lounge’s slightly-smaller-brother-venue up the street houses an ongoing residency of epic proportions…literally. I am never quite sure how the Baker Thomas Band fits the entire band in the venue, never mind on the tiny stage at Toad. Suffice to say, it is a night to be reckoned with. High energy, great grooves, and perhaps best of all, band leader Tom Bianchi is one funny dude and a hell of an onstage personality (last week, he shaved most of his fluffy hair off for a Mr. T Halloween costume). Another “get there early to get a seat” kind of a gig, but you will want to stick around all night for this one. (1912 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square. toadcambridge.com; 21+, 10 p.m., free)
Fridays: Tim Gearan Band at Atwoods
One venue listed twice? Sure, why not? Head back on out to Atwoods on Fridays to catch The Tim Gearan Band. Tim always has a killer residency going on and this month is no different. A great guitar player, a great songwriter, and a great choice for your Friday night musical needs. (877 Cambridge St., Inman Square. atwoodstavern.com; 10:30 p.m., $7)
