My first choice would be Panicum virgatum 'Northwind.' It's the most erect and upright grass I've seen, and will stay within the narrow bed nicely. The species is almost certainly native to Massachusetts, at least in its coastal regions.

My next choice would be Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster.' Not quite as erect in habit as 'Northwind' but close. A benefit is the fact it is a cool season grass and will start its seasonal growth earlier than 'Northwind' and provide a longer season of interest.

Most other tall grasses will greatly exceed 1.5-2' of bed width, at least at the top of the clump. If you can stand the overhang of driveway and lawn, then there are far more options.

Thanks Donn. Northwind looks like a good match for my needs. What do you think of mixing it with Karl Foerster in a border? Don't want to go with anything that will be wider because of the driveway proximity.