Wachtelligence

Author: aj wachtel

In 1974, A.J. Wachtel left Springfield, New Jersey for Boston to attend BU, and well frankly he never left. Maintaining the "aggressive, in your face" charm of someone from New Jersey, he has used that tone to cover the Boston Entertainment scene as a music journalist for over 40 years. He is the expert of the Boston scene during the 80s and 90s and if you doubt it, just ask him. AJ has now put down the pen and picked up a mic for his podcast: Wachtelligence. Join AJ and his guests as they talk about the past, present and future of the local & national music industry.
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Language: en

Genres: Music, Music History, Music Interviews

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

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S4, Episode 1: Charlie Abel: Owning a Club In The Hub
Episode 1
Saturday, 17 October, 2026

Season 4, Episode 1, AJ chats with Charlie Abel a longtime fixture in Boston's live music scene, best known for owning Harpers Ferry, the legendary Allston club that became a cornerstone of the city's music community and a driving force behind the "Allston Rock City" scene. Known for hosting local blues jams and both national and regional talent, Harpers Ferry earned a reputation as one of Boston's premier live music venues before closing its doors in 2010. Charlie continued his commitment to live music with Thunder Road in Somerville, a neighborhood venue that showcased local bands, hosted dance parties, and offered music-themed brunch events. Today, he remains part of Boston's independent music scene as a co-owner of Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Massachusetts, helping carry forward the tradition of creating spaces where live music and community come together.