When you think of the schools in Massachusetts, the most likely to first think in the Boston area is home to more colleges than any other city really should be. But in the western part of the state, the Northampton area is also the Central University of Massachusetts-Amherst University, Amherst College, Smith and Hampshire College all around. There is another well, but I can not remember what it is. Oh, well. In short: where no university, no live music. And the Northampton area is known to be a kind of New England mecca.Many living place of live music venues in North Hampton, MA are connected to Iron Horse Entertainment Group. These sites include the Iron Horse Music Hall 20 Center Street (413) 584-0610), which has scheduled a full of live rock and blues acts, some with familiar names, some less known. The Pearl Street Nightclub (10 Pearl St., 413-584-7771) host similar events more for rock bands. They have a battle of the bands range of types. The Basement (used to be Bishop Hall, 41 Strong Ave, 413-586-8900) offers live entertainment every night. Live music events including a weekly singer / songwriter night and the performances of local bands. Blues keep the spotlight on Monday. Acts of jazz, reggae, roots, folk and rock can also be heard here. Cover charges are low in the range of $ 5. No cover Monday. The place is connected to an Italian restaurant. Also found in the Elevens Northampton (140 Pleasant St., 413-586-9155). This place features live performances spanning "independent, local, regional artists, national and metro" playing blues, jazz, rock in different categories according to their website. On Fridays and Saturdays, live bands play exclusively. On Mondays, live bands share the stage with a DJ. Singer / songwriters perform on Sundays. Minimum age for entry: 21. Charges of cover vary from night to night. True, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the largest of the five (which is that one?) Joined the "college five" area may be known as "zoomass" but that does not mean you can not find good music there. There are several places for live music on campus and the Fine Arts Concert Hall (413-899-University of Massachusetts), which hosts live events like opera classics, Bowker Auditorium, which has live performances throughout year ranging from jazz to classical to world / ethnic, and Bezanson Recital Hall where visitors can hear a variety of live events, including concerts of classical music and jazz. Then, of course, is the Mullin Center (413-545-0505) where the rock acts come to entertain the students. Nine Inch Nails are set to take place in early 2006. Ah, that's the fifth: Mount Holyoke! Mount Holyoke also offers live music at the Northampton-Amherst area. Located on the campus of Mount Holyoke in South Hadley (50 College St, 413-538-2431) The auditorium seats more than 1200 clients. Events include music student events and outdoor entertainment student sponsored by a variety as in the steel drum bands past, oldies cover bands and a capella groups. They are connected to student clubs with different political agendas, so it's fun. Chapin known artists include Ani DeFranco on.