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Villa Victoria Center for the Arts
Categories: Bars, Venues & Event Spaces
Neighborhood: South End85 W Newton St
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 927-1722
- Nearest Transit:
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Newton St (Silver)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
4 reviews for Villa Victoria Center for the Arts
A renovated church tucked into a sleepy street in the South End, this cultural center/performance space has retained some serious spirit, and has hosted a myriad of cool, underground community events.
Because of the sheer openness and shape of the space are acoustics are solid. The pulpit was converted into a sizeable stage with a broad audience area where the pews once were. There's also excellent views from the expansive two tiered balcony.
When I first visited for Soul Revival in 2001 (a now defunct deep house party) the ceiling was painted midnight blue with stars, and people came together once a month to relive the reverence of its foundation through movement and sound. It was consistently one of the most beautiful experiences of my lifetime.
Keepin' Jeebus proud, folks.
I only wish they kept the organ.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2007
On the first Saturday of every month, I feel reverence for life. As the longest running dance night… Read more »
As other reviewers have suggested, one of the best things about Soul Revival has got to be the vibe. You will see people of all ages, races, background, interests, even dress-styles here, gathering in this beautiful old spiritual spot simply to enjoy the music and dance. This is a place to let go of all of your inhibitions and just fall into the music, and just have a great time without a care in the world - lose yourself in it.
The building itself is so pretty, but just a small warning that it can get extremely hot with all of the writhing, dancing bodies in the summer heat. If you go during the warmer months, be prepared to sweat! The event staff is incredibly nice, warm and friendly. The fact that this night of excellent DJs, wonderful deep house and dancing only happens once a month just makes it all the more special, and worth savouring.
Once a month, Soul Revival is held in this beautiful, historic location in the South End.
The building itself is lovely. As you walk into the main hall, there is a theater stage and plenty of space to set up seating for performances--or to clear it out for DANCING! woot!
Two sprawling staircases lead you to the upstairs with comfortable theater seats and a little dancefloor upstairs overlooking the atmosphere downstairs.
As for the Soul Revival nights, the crowd is a nice mix of ages, race and cultures all united to do one thing--get down to the funky beats--house, salsa, world beat. In one corner you'll see breakers, in another traditional Latin dances, in another the couple who can't dance and doesn't care, because its ON. Everyone's laughing, dancing and just having a great time.
This night is more than just going out to your average club on Landsdowne, this is a gathering of like-minded souls, a testament to the fact that somewhere in this world, there is a place where you can leave it all behind for a couple hours and celebrate what it means for you to be alive.
PS there's two bars--one upstairs, one down. Don't come to just get drunk. Come to get down :)
I guess this is a bit of a hidden gem if you're not into the theater scene outside of the bright flashy lights and construction of the "Theater District". I came here for the first time a couple years ago and I didn't know what I was getting into walking through those church doors (my friends were in Hair btw), but I ended up loving the space. Word on the street is that this place is a huge draw for Latin performers (it's run by La Casa de la Cultura/Center for Latino Arts), but I've only seen theater here. JHCC is up for rental though so many different events come through this remade church. The space is really quite nice. Capacity is 450 people with a staircase leading from the balcony onto the main floor so you can make your entrance. It's like your high school auditorium without the nailed in seats. And two fully equipped liquor bars. The ability to manipulate seating is a huge strength (for shows and for dances, etc). Although the shifting of seats could be a little distracting during the performance, being able to utilize the floor was helpful for the actors in the show I saw. The performers used a lot of the floor with the stage as just a backdrop and it worked out well. The sound and lighting were totally on (whewww).
Currently, the link is down to the events tab, but I'll definitely come back for dancing or another performance even if it creeps me out being one of the last people there. haha Would love to rent it one day, but old church? Spooky late night rehearsals? I dunno.
