Best of Boston

Like its predecessor, Harper’s Ferry, Brighton Music Hall is essentially a dive bar with a big stage and cheap drinks—the perfect venue for indie headliners. The 340-person space draws remarkably hot bands, including U.K. soul-folk sensation Michael Kiwanuka, Canadian indie-rock faves Japan-droids, and Brazilian singing star Céu. And unlike at the roomier venues in town, you can get in a round of pool and still make it up to the front in time for the show.