Get Jiggy With It
Words by Tanya White
Austin isn’t the only music game around. There are plenty of places across the nation to experience talent from big names to up-and-comers. These three cities are considered the fundamentals for music in the United States, viewed as drivers of the industry and the future source for big talent. You can catch a show seven days a week, afternoons or evenings, covering most genres in any one of these destinations.
Music City, USA: Iconic Nashville
Nashville is more than the Ryman Auditorium, Bluebird Cafe, or Honky Tonk Highway. The history of music in Nashville goes as far back as Davy Crockett, who performed his poetry and played the fiddle entertaining locals and explorers of the frontier. In 1925, the radio broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry put Nashville on the musical map and still remains the longest, continuously broadcast radio show in the nation, which you can catch at their exclusive theatre. The city encompasses all aspects of the music industry, supporting writers, performers, and producers, as well as being the hub of vinyl record production. Numerous music museums that are worth the visit are scattered around town. One that tops the list is the Johnny Cash Museum.
Read more about a Weekend in Nashville here…
Sippin’ on Gin & Juice in Atlanta
Atlanta was recognized over a decade ago by the NY Times as “hip hop’s center of gravity.” Driven by the popularity of the genre combined with additional infrastructure to support musicians and a growing number of producers and venues, the music scene has exploded. Three spots to begin your adventure include Ponce City Market where you’ll find the stage at City Winery showcasing a variety of acts, Tabernacle downtown which is part of the House of Blues clubs, and Masquerade, leaning towards rock. They offer three venues inside: Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. Last, but not least, don’t leave town without sampling some of Atlanta’s fried chicken.
Lights, Camera, & Music in LA
Artistic development in Los Angeles is not limited to film. The music scene has been vibrant for decades, exploding in the 1960s along the Sunset Strip and producing internationally known bands like The Doors and The Beach Boys. Open since 1922, The Hollywood Bowl is a must-visit for any music lover. The most famous and iconic singers and musicians of every decade have played there, and it’s absolute magic to feel the energy that shakes the soul as top performers take stage. Between sets, check out the Grammy Museum that brings music and history together from some of the biggest acts of all-time.
Looking for something low-key?
Catch a show in one of these cities:
1. Lafayette, Louisiana
2. Memphis, Tennessee
3. Kansas City, Missouri
4. Denver, Colorado
5. Provo, Utah
