Boston Area Music Venues ONCE Somerville and Cuisine En Locale have Closed Due to The Pandemic

Posted on November 25, 2020 by News Team

According to a published report by the website Vanyaland.com, two indispensable places in the Boston music scene for underground music, culture, and food have closed permanently and will not re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic. ONCE Somerville announced today on Facebook that their venue and lounge, as well as Cuisine En Locale, will not re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic. “Cuisine en Locale is going out of business, and the space we call the ONCE Lounge and Ballroom will not reopen,” reads the announcement made by ONCE founder JJ Gonson. Both venues were unique and essential spaces in the area, with ONCE hosting many underground and extreme bands we covered many times. Although tiny, Cuisine En Locale also had some live music and hosted unique shows like Andrew WK and the Body. ONCE has held online shows via its Virtual Venue, which launched in late April. The Virtual Venue will continue to broadcast livestreams of live music in the meantime while a future plan is developed. There had been a successful crowdfunding campaign, and some government assistance that kept the clubs from immediate shutdown and layoffs, but now that the money has run out, the clock has run out too. Gonson has said that hope is alive to reopen the ONCE Ballroom venue in some other location someday when things get back to normal. We will miss these Boston Music Awards nominated wonderful venues where we attended and covered many shows, and even held our charity event, Metal For Nepal there.

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Once Ballroom To Close Tonight After Epic Metal Show, Re-Opening In September

Posted on July 31, 2018 by News Team

As Ghost Cult previously reported, Once Ballroom and Lounge, a.ka. Once Somerville, in Somerville Massachusetts is closing their doors tonight after a bit of a rough go this year. Thankfully, they plan to re-open in mid-September and are already announcing shows. Once has become an integral part of the New England music scene, not only for heavy music but as a real community building location inclusive for all people in the area. In addition to their weekly Tuesday metal nights, the club has hosted many a show that our staff was lucky to be on hand for, including particularly memorable shows from Windhand, Face To Face, Skeletonwitch and the site of the Ghost Cult sponsored Metal For Nepal 2 charity concert. Not only is the venue itself top notch, but the staff, service and the promoters who book the shows there are amazing. Tonight’s send-off includes a massive metal show with both floors going hard including the Boston date for Witch Mountain’s current tour and vaunted locals such as PanzerBastard, Upheaval, Lord Almighty, SEA, CAZADOR, Lex Russo, and more! Continue reading →

Boston’s Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert Raises Money For Earthquake Victims

Posted on June 26, 2015 by News Team

Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert

On June 20th Boston’s Metal For Nepal Benefit (#MetalForNepal) concert was held at The Middle East Nite Club in Cambridge, MA. The event was a resounding success, raising over $1200 for victims of two earthquakes in Nepal. The $1200 raised came from proceeds of ticket sales, an exclusive merch raffle of donated items, and sales from the Metal for Nepal compilation album. $1200 USD is the equivalent of NRS 120,000, and can be used to build temporary housing shelters and give life saving supplies to communities still reeling from the devastation. Headlining the bill was Obsidian Tongue, with Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. Special thanks to MediaBoss Television for being on hand to film the event.

Obsidian Tongue, by Meg Loyal Photography

All monies collected will go toward the Jai Nepal Youth Club, No Silence for Nepal, WHR Nepal, Reaping Hope and Jagaruk Nepal charities.

The co-founders of Metal For Nepal Boston commented on the event:

Kevin Brown : After an amazing outpouring of support, from friends and family, to locals who wanted to contribute, we have found ourselves at an end. One foot in the door of an awesome journey to help a wear country, head banging all the way!

Kunjan Joshi: It’s encouraging to see people from all walks of life supporting and helping rebuild Nepal. It’s a long way to recovery but we are very well on our way!

Keith Chachkes: Having volunteered at charity events in the past, I was surprised at how many people asked about the charities the money was going to, and what else they could do to help them. Metal For Nepal has inspired a deep and ongoing level of interest from metal fans. I am proud that I could lend a hand to make this happen. Thanks to Kevin and Kunjan for all of their support.

Metal For Nepal compilation cover

Sales of the physical copies of the benefit compilation organized by Metal for Nepal performers BruteMukti, featuring Nepalese metal bands dubbed Nepal Earthquake Relief, were brisk at the event. You can still donate and download the collection from Bandcamp here: https://nepal-earthquake-relief.bandcamp.com/releases. Physical copies will also be available for purchase at future Metal For Nepal events while supplies last, with all the proceeds going to charity.

The support of the metal community by the music industry has buoyed our efforts and we’d like to thank them:

Victory Records

Prosthetic Records

Dewar PR (Special shoutout to Curtis Dewar for donating crucial publicity services!)

Fly PR

EarsplitPR

Northeast Metal/Hardcore/Punk

Meg Loyal Photography

Several other PR firms, which made anonymous donations

Artist Mark Richards of Heavy Hand Illustration (Aborted, Pig Destroyer, Revocation)

Artist Michelle Duggan of Heartbeasts (Saint Vitus, Lord Dying, Cult Leader)

Please support the bands that performed at Metal For Nepal Boston:

Obsidian Tongue on Facebook

Native Construct on Facebook

Caricature on Facebook

Sonic Pulse on Facebook

BruteMukti on Facebook

There will be future Metal For Nepal Boston organized events in the near future. Metal For Nepal’s other shows have included one as in LA on June 13^thand other events around the world. BruteMukti will participate in New York’s Metal For Nepal event on July 15^that Archeron long side such bands as Sangharsha, Tiger Flowers, and Skullshitter.

Facebook event for Metal For Nepal New York

Metal For Nepal On Facebook

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Metal For Nepal Boston: at The Middle East, Cambridge MA

Posted on June 24, 2015 by News Team

Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert

As a person who has been a lifelong metalhead and a person that has worked in the non-profit world in the past, I find it strange when people are bemused to learn that people who love aggressive, heavy music also love helping people. When two devastating earthquakes struck Nepal and quickly turned entire communities upside down, a concerned crew of people stepped up and founded Metal For Nepal. They soon organized events all over the world, including one in Boston, MA. I was glad to contribute in any way I could personally and proud that so many people I know rallied around this show and this cause. (Editor’s Note: Ghost Cult participated in the planning of this event also helped run the show.)

On a sunny Saturday morning a bunch of folks from all walks of life, bands, fans, photographers, a crew camera and press people descended on The Middle East Nite Club in Cambridge, MA as we opened the sleepy club. Props go to the club and Erik Hansen of Wormwood Joint Booking. Slowly bands filled in and set up gear, volunteers set up tables with merch fans began to arrive for the show. Some fans were there early waiting for hours to get in, and it was odd to see battle vest wearing metallers hanging around the club in the bright of day. A few bands trooped in from Maine or Western Massachusetts. But by 1 PM bands were ready to take the stage, monies were being donated, merch was being sold, drinks were flowing and the crowd was joining in.

Along one side of the venue the bands set up some merch, as well as the main tables for the fundraising and raffle prizes. The early action was brisk where fans plunked down their cash to win cool stuff. Benefit organizers Kevin Brown and Kunjan Joshi were on hand to run the show, and Kunjan was selling the Metal For Nepal compilation CD at the show. Northeast Metal/Hardcore/Punk were on hand, volunteering their time to run the table. In addition to some of the bands playing that donated their own merch, labels such as Victory Records and Prosthetic donated signed items like posters and other stuff. Local Boston artists such as Mark Richards of Heavy Hand Illustrations and Michelle Duggan of Heatbeasts donated original artwork from the myriad of shows they’ve created posters for. Some bands even donated items from their personal collections, rare things they picked up over the years.

BruteMukti, by Meg Loyal Photography

And then it was time for the bands! BruteMukti kicked things off with a wild set led by front man Sanket Lama who leaped into the crowd sang from the mosh pit, waking everyone in the club up. This wasn’t going to be no Kumbaya singing, hand-holding event; this was a metal show dammit! Sonic Pulse took over next and played a raucous display of neo-thrash, youthful exuberance, and shred guitar goodness.

Sonic Pulse, by Meg Loyal Photography

Caricature, by Meg Loyal Photography

Next up was prog metallers Caricature, who triumphantly made their return to live action after nearly two years. Led by guitarist/vocalist Joseph Spiller (Aborted/System Divide, Last Chance To Reason) and a live lineup including Evan Sammons (Last Chance to Reason) the band tore through some classic material and news songs off of the just released Shadows Maxi-Single. It was great to see these guys in action. Metal Blade artists Native Construct were befouled by technical difficulties in the switchover between sets. This led to their 25 minute set being cut to 10, which was a shame. When they did get to play, the jammed their brand of genre-blurring, high-concept compositions that make up their début album Quiet World.

Native Construct, by Meg Loyal Photography

Obsidian Tongue, by Meg Loyal Photography

Closing out the show, Obsidian Tongue played their intensely emotional, well-crafted USBM songs. Although the room had many heads in attendance to see the headliner, the band made sure to remind everyone the purpose of the fundraiser, which was cool. Besides the enrapt fans, they captured the attention of every eyeball and earhole in the venue, leaving everyone raw and wanting more. We’re looking forward to their new album due out later this year!

All in all, it was great matinee metal show which raised funds for a great cause.

Information about donating to Metal For Nepal and the charities it supports.

[slideshow_deploy id=’28594′]

Obsidian Tongue on Facebook

Native Construct on Facebook

Caricature on Facebook

Sonic Pulse on Facebook

BruteMukti on Facebook

WORDS BY KEITH CHACHKES

PHOTOS BY MEG LOYAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Boston’s Metal For Nepal Concert Takes Place Tomorrow

Posted on June 19, 2015 by News Team

Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert

After weeks of planning, Boston’s Metal For Nepal Benefit (#MetalForNepal) concert is nearly here. Spurred into action after two devastating earthquakes rocked Nepal, Metal For Nepal mobilized to do our part to join the people on the ground lending aid and energy to ravaged communities in need of aid. Taking place at the legendary Middle East Night Club in Cambridge MA, the concert will be held on June 20th from 12 noon – 4 PM. Headlining the bill will be Obsidian Tongue, followed by Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. The show is $10 and All Ages. You can get tickets online here:

Link to the Facebook Event for Metal For Nepal here:

Proceeds from tickets, as well as exclusive raffle merch and other donations will go toward the Jai Nepal Youth Club, No Silence for Nepal, WHR Nepal, Reaping Hope and Jagaruk Nepal.

There is also a benefit compilation organized by Metal for Nepal performers BruteMukti featuring Nepalese metal bands dubbed Nepal Earthquake Relief. You can donate and download the collection from Bandcamp here: https://nepal-earthquake-relief.bandcamp.com/releases. Physical copies will also be available for purchase at the Metal For Nepal, with all the proceeds going to charity.

Special thanks to Kevin Brown, Kunjan Joshi, Erik Hansen of Wormwood Joint Booking, The Middle East Night Club and all of the bands for helping to organize this relief effort so quickly. In addition to the performers, many music labels, publicity firms, and independent artists have pledged their support to the concert in the way of donating all kinds of exclusive memorabilia and band merch that will be raffled off, adding to the specialness of the event. The support of the metal community by the music industry has buoyed our efforts and we’d like to thank them here:

Victory Records

Prosthetic Records

Dewar PR

Fly PR

EarsplitPR

Several other PR firms, which made anonymous donations

Artist Mark Richards of Heavy Hand Illustration (Aborted, Pig Destroyer, Revocation)

Artist Michelle Duggan (Saint Vitus, Lord Dying, Cult Leader)

Exclusive items such as Aborted’s recent LP signed by the band, Death’s lyrics book signed by James Murphy, assorted signed posters, exclusive screen prints from Mark Richards and Michelle Duggan, limited edition box set, vinyl, patches, cds and more made as personal donations from participants in Metal For Nepal!

Our exclusive buttons for our Raffle entrants were made by Russ Orcutt of All About Records.

Please support the bands that are performing at Metal For Nepal :

Obsidian Tongue on Facebook

Native Construct on Facebook

Caricature on Facebook

Sonic Pulse on Facebook

BruteMukti on Facebook

Boston’s Metal For Nepal Relief Concert Approaches

Posted on June 8, 2015 by News Team

Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert

Boston’s Metal For Nepal concert draws near as donations come in to fund the massive relief efforts needed to recover devastated communities. The Metal For Nepal Benefit (#MetalForNepal) concert will take place on June 20^th at the venerable Middle East Night Cub in Boston, MA. Headlining the event is bill will be Obsidian Tongue, followed by Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. The show is $10 and All Ages. You can get tickets online here:

Link to the Facebook Event for Metal For Nepal here:

All proceeds from ticket sales as well as donations raised from raffles of exclusive merch, and other types of donations made will go toward the Jai Nepal Youth Club, No Silence for Nepal, WHR Nepal and Reaping Hope.

In addition to these brave organizations, Metal For Nepal is also supporting another organization, Jagaruk Nepal. Led by a group of concerned engineers, Jagaruk Nepal are building shelters in the areas worst affected. They have come up with a proposal for their foundation with state goals and action guidelines for dispersal of monies collected. They also have shared a how-to guide on building a temporary shelter, crucial information to share or have on hand as the recovery effort is ongoing.

A donation can be made to Jagaruk Nepal via links on their Facebook or via direct bank transfer

Jagaruk Nepal Bank Account:

Machhapuchhre Bank Ltd. Account Name: Jagaruk Nepal

Account no: 5101524426294011

Branch: Putalisadak, Kathmandu

Swift Code: MBLNNPKA

Here are some other direct donate links for charities Metal For Nepal is supporting:

Rasuwa Relief

Jai Nepal Youth Group

No Silence for Nepal

Metal For Nepal compilation cover

In addition to the performers, many music labels, publicity firms, and independent artists have pledged their support to the concert in the way of donating all kinds of exclusive memorabilia and band merch that will be raffled off, adding to the specialness of the event. A full listing of these contributors and raffle prizes will be available soon.

More details to come.

#MetalForNepal

Obsidian Tongue on Facebook

Native Construct on Facebook

Caricature on Facebook

Sonic Pulse on Facebook

BruteMukti on Facebook

Obsidian Tongue, Native Construct, Caricature, Others To Play Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert

Posted on May 14, 2015 by News Team

In the wake of two earthquakes that have devastated the people of Nepal, a collective of Boston-area promoters, bands and music industry people have come together, to create the Metal For Nepal Benefit Concert. Held at the Middle East Night Club in Cambridge MA on June 20th, the concert will be headlined by Obsidian Tongue, followed by Native Construct, Caricature, Sonic Pulse and BruteMukti. The show is $10 and will be All Ages. All proceeds go to relief funds. You can get tickets online here:

Link to the Facebook Event for Metal For Nepal here:

All proceeds collected will go toward the Jai Nepal Youth Club, No Silence for Nepal, WHR Nepal and Reaping Hope.

Event co-promoter Kunan Joshi captured the essence of the current plight of Nepal earthquake victims:

“Remote villages and settlements are still untouched as a result of earthquake and landslides making access to these places very risky and limited. What we are trying is to provide these places with immediate relief. A dollar in Nepal converts to NRs 100 so a $100 in Nepal is NRs. 10,000 which is a lot of money there.”

“The issue right now is that if you send aid to some of the existing orgs, ngo, and ingos collecting funds, those funnel into the Prime Minister fund.”

“As of press time the Prime Minster fund has received millions of dollars so far, but there isn’t a plan yet to move to action those funds into tangible help. No public statement has been made yet on a timetable to disperse the funds to organizations that can help, especially people in remote regions who are suffering badly. We have a mission to help as much as we can, as fast as we can. Literally every friend is on the field. So that’s the best way to help now: equip them with funds, medicines and supplies to help people right now at this crucial time following the earthquakes.”

Event co-promoter Kevin Brown commented on the mission of Metal For Nepal:

“From the music that drives our hearts and minds, to the scene that we are the water to its rivers, we want to use our passion to help those on the other side of the world. Nepal’s rivers are dirty with what’s left of their shattered worlds, and we can use our rivers to help clarify theirs, put their worlds back together. Metal for Nepal is our desalinization plant, our efforts to cleanse what we can as we mosh and head-bang the day away.”

Many record labels, music publicity firms and music industry people have pledged to donate resources. More information, including a direct donate link will be available soon.

Obsidian Tongue on Facebook

Native Construct on Facebook

Caricature on Facebook

Sonic Pulse on Facebook

BruteMukti on Facebook

For more information on how you can contribute to Metal For Nepal, please contact:

Kunjan Joshi

Kevin Brown

Erik Wormwood of Wormwood Joint

Keith Chachkes of Ghost Cult Magazine