At many Newton venues, the live music scene is still on hold By Suzanne Crow Boston University journalist,Updated March 13, 2021, 3:38 p.m. Email to a Friend Union Street Restaurant and Barâs upstairs room hasnât had live music since the outbreak of COVID-19. SUZANNE CROWcontributed photo The lack of live music in Newton during the pandemic has had a broad impact on the community, from restaurants that hosted bands to musicians who relied on gigs to fewer fund-raising opportunities. And Governor Bakerâs most recent plans for reopening donât offer much change for the live music scene. Paul Speidel, a professional musician and music educator who has worked and performed in Newton since 1990, said live music is still limited under the restrictions, and he is taking a âwait and see approach.â