I was at the Middle East a few months ago for The Feelies. It's a great venue in that the determined fan can make it within feet of the performer. I too have been around the corner at TT's. I well remember a Robyn Hitchcock show that included an inoperative men's room. I hope they have since sprung for a plumber! Here's a review of the new FT:

http://www.soulscratch.com/

Peter T.

And yes, there have been other New Englanders at the DBIS in the past:

Reg in Massachusetts Dale in Maine Green Mountain in Vermont (no surprise given his moniker) Lee might also have been from Vermont