Studio 52 is a community artist space located in the heart of Allston, and is proud to support the Boston music scene and local artist community.

It was around this time last year when we finally got a look inside Sonia, The Middle East’s new live music venue extension in Cambridge’s Central Square.

The fully renovated, state-of-the art 350-person capacity room opened in March, replacing the former T.T. The Bear’s Place space, but did so without a liquor license, and has been operating as an all-ages and 18-plus venue in the months since, capitalizing on under-21 dance parties and booking bands and artists who prefer to play shows without age restrictions.

Last night (January 29), Sonia revealed that they have finally been awarded a liquor license through the City of Cambridge, one that manager Ned Wellbery says is an extension of their current one at The Middle East.

“This means we will be able to accommodate more shows and events,” Wellbery tells Vanyaland. “We couldn’t book as many before because a lot of people wanted alcohol.”

Wellbery adds that there won’t be any significant programming changes to the venue, which has operated more as a performance space than traditional rock club. “We are still going to be a multi-genre venue,” he says. “We will still book all ages shows when needed.”

Another perk of Sonia being able to serve alcohol will be a lowered room cost. We reported last year that it costs roughly $1,500 to book a show at Sonia, a price that reflected the fact that the venue couldn’t pull in bar sales. Wellbery says that number will drop, though didn’t specify by how much.

“Yes, the room cost will be lowered for all 18-plus and 21-plus shows,” he says.

Coming up on the calendar, Mod Sun’s The BB Tour hits Sonia on Wednesday (January 31), while Glow Boston parties with Flyy Home, Antrik, and AG on Saturday (February 2). Among the notable acts coming through in upcoming weeks are Ella Vos (March 10), Dead Meadow (March 28), Lo Moon (March 29), The Night Game (March 31), and Sunflower Bean and Dream Wife (May 3).

Featured Sonia photo by Nikhil Watson, courtesy of the venue.