A shrine to the Mississippi Delta region, this original branch of what is now a six-branch chain is decked out with cool Southern artwork and brought to life by premiere blues performers from all over the country. The space is built like an ark, so those from the middle to the back can see nothing. The age limit is a problem, but maybe the assumption is that you need to get some dirt on your hands before you can appreciate good blues. Now, House of Blues is going electronic every Sunday night with a series called Nutrition, where Shovel magazine brings in DJs to spin.

Lizard Lounge

1667 Mass. Ave. between Harvard and Porter Squares

547-0759

Lizard Lounge has a devoted, dreadlocked Cantabridgian following, but few Harvard types are cool enough to know about this avant-garde nest of musical experimentation. The lounge is 1920s Paris underground jumpstarted by a few decades, air-conditioned and in English. "Club d'Elf" performs mind-expanding electronica on Thursdays while Sundays see one of the best poetry jams in town, accompanied by the smooth Jeff Robinson Trio. Anyone can have a go: the atmosphere is hip yet forgiving.

Regattabar

1 Bennet St.

Charles Hotel

661-5000

To get to the nearest other place for good jazz, you'll need a car, a map and good luck. In any case, the Regattabar is the prime spot for live jazz in Boston, and any big name coming into town is going to come here. Consequently, the tickets are pricey, and you are more likely to run into older, sit-down folk. It doesn't always jump, but there's no arguing with the top-grade jazz. Tickets go on sale through Concertix, and only a limited batch can be bought at the door an hour before showtime. It's a formal business, and you are expected to dress appropriately.

Sanders Theatre

Harvard Yard