New Orleans is the best city in North America to hear live music, says a poll by journalists and photographers in the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
“New Orleans bleeds music – it’s in the air, in the water, in the people. You can’t go to New Orleans without the music swallowing you whole.” Lisa A. Tomaszewski, travel editor, HMP Communications.
“Where else can you “Rent” a seat next to some “Guys and Dolls,” let down your “Hair” and be transported anywhere from the “South Pacific” to “Chicago,” and leave the theatre thinking, “Mamma Mia!” that was some enchanted evening!” Evelyn Kanter, freelance travel writer/photographer.
“Only in Austin, Texas can you go for super-delicious and inexpensive barbecue, sit outdoors at a picnic table and hear decent live rock at no additional charge.” Carole Terwillger Meyers, travel writer.
“Austin is home to the yearly South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, where nearly the entire city becomes a music venue for a week. There are hundreds of live shows a day, making it just as fun for locals as for industry executives.” Joshua Hinsdale, freelance travel writer.
“Nashville isn’t just the ‘home’ of country music. It’s the heart and soul of country music.” Steve Winston, freelance travel writer
“Chicago has the reputation as the home of the blues, with live shows available at clubs every night. The diverse neighborhoods and city-sponsored events also offer live music, from Old Town School of Folk Music to Lollapalooza in Grant Park and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It's all here, all the time.” Laurie Borman, freelance travel writer.
“Barbecue and blues, blues and barbecue. Memphis is a foot-tapping, sensory delight.” John H. Ostdick, freelance travel writer.
“Doesn’t get any better than Memphis, Beale St. and barbecue, wow, what a concerto. Plus the ghost of old Elvis is always hanging around somewhere, munching on a fried banana and peanut butter sandwich and strumming his guitar.” Rich Browne, host, Barbecue America.
“Montreal has anything you might want, with a European accent.” George Bryant, freelance travel writer.
“Montreal is a hotbed of world music, and free music festivals!” Nancy Lyon, freelance travel writer/photographer.
“From Elvis and Frank through Barbra and Barry to Celine and Bette, Vegas has been THE venue every great act hopes to get booked into. And with all the smaller lounges at the major hotels, you can catch talent on the way up, too.’’ Bob Jenkins, freelance writer.
"Where do top sidemen go when they tire of the LA lifestyle? To Branson where they can play their music at any of its 52 live performance theatres, enjoy life on three pristine lakes and 12 championship golf courses. Every day's a musical high, but the Christmas scene is fabulous!" Lorraine O'Donnell Williams, travel writer.
10. Denver, Colorado
“Red Rocks is the most visually stunning outdoor amphitheatre in the country, maybe the world. “ Ted Alan Stedman, freelance travel writer.
“A concert at Red Rocks should be on everyone’s bucket list … Red Rocks is one of a kind.” Kim McHugh, freelance writer.
“Travel should involve all five senses, and one of the great travel experiences is listening to live music in the places where it originated or in spectacular settings,” says SATW president, Bea Broda.
More Top 10 travel destinations, trains, ferries and photo tips
The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) is a non-profit association that works to promote responsible travel journalism and to provide professional support for its members, including travel journalists, photographers, editors, electronic media, film lecturers, television and film producers, and public relations representatives from the travel industry.
For more information, visit: www.satw.org
I love the music in Maryland. There's the outdoor pavilion in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, right next to the water. Fells Point has music in every bar on a Saturday night, and Annapolis (the state capital) has a great venue in an old row home (it's a brewery, too, which gives it extra credit). None of the seats are more than 20 feet from the acts!
Posted by: Sandy Wieber | October 11, 2009 at 09:46 PM