Music has always inspired, united and healed. There is nothing like hearing your favorite song to lift your mood! Even though the current pandemic has us stuck inside at the moment, there's nothing wrong with looking towards your next trip. Why not make your next vacation a musical journey? If you are someone who has a deep love for music, consider taking a trip to a city in the U.S.A. known for its musical culture. Live and breathe music while exploring a new city! Below we’ve compiled a list of the top five music cities in America for you to consider. Which city will be your first stop?
Nashville, TN
Known as "Music City U.S.A.", Nashville holds a special place in the heart of many a music lover. Even though country music is the first genre that comes to mind when you think of Nashville, this city has much more than just country music to offer. Nashville is home to a vibrant musical culture and history, which includes almost every kind of sound; from gospel, R&B, rock and roll, jazz and much, much more! Nashville has birthed many a musical superstar, including Charlie Pride, Tim Mcgraw, Kings of Leon, LeAnn Rimes and the late Kenny Rogers. Nashville is home to the famous Ryman Auditorium, (also known as the Church of Country Music) and the exciting National Museum of African American Music. If you are looking for a fun night out while you’re in Nashville, be sure to make a stop at the B.B. King’s Blues Club.
Chicago, IL
The music scene in Chicago has evolved, which means a trip to the Windy City has a little something for everyone. In the early twentieth century, African American musicians ruled the scene so much of the sounds Chicago was best known for included jazz, blues and gospel. Many equate Chicago with blues music in particular, with many influential artists like Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters hailing from the city. In the 1980's Chicago House Music was born and made popular by local DJs such as Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy. Moving to more current times, Chicago has carved a major niche in hip-hop music, producing superstars like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Chance the Rapper. Depending on your preference, check out the annual Chicago Jazz Festival or the increasingly popular Lolapalooza.
New Orleans, LA
If you love jazz music, then look no further than New Orleans! Formerly known as "Dixieland", traditional jazz music first emerged in this soulful city. Dixieland changed the game, creating a new, energetic sound and forming the basis for jazz music today that we know and love. New Orleans has also been instrumental in many other genres like R&B and the blues. It has produced Iconic musicians like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino and Harry Connick Jr, to name a few! If you’re thinking about heading to New Orleans, you have your pick of music events and festivals to choose from, like New Orleans Jazz Festival, Essence Fest, French Quarter Fest, Voodoo Fest and of course, Mardi Gras.
Miami, FL
The music scene in Miami is reflective of the diverse cultural makeup in the city. Miami is home to many Hispanic immigrants, including Cubans, Dominicans and Puerto Ricans. As a result, you can expect a rich mixture of Hispanic sounds, including salsa, bachata, reggaeton, etc. Additionally, due to the significant West Indian population, Miami is also home to soca, calypso, reggae and dancehall. The Haitian community is known for it's Friday night concert series called "Big Night in Little Haiti". We all know Miami has a vibrant E.D.M. scene, along with a significant hip-hop scene as well. Many famous artists have called Miami home, including Pitbull, Gloria Estefan, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Enrique Iglesias and many, many more. When it comes to musical events, there is a festival for every kind of music lover—including Ultra, Rolling Loud, Miami Carnival, Ground Up Festival and Jazz in the Gardens!
New York, NY
The big apple has been a significant tourist spot for travelers all around the world, and it's an excellent option for those looking for an epic musical experience. The sounds of New York are very diverse, including jazz and R&B, but you can’t talk about New York without mentioning hip hop. The sheer number of fantastic hip hop artists hailing from New York City is countless, including Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Mary J Blige, 50 Cent, the Notorious B.I.G. and so many more! For hip hop lovers you should visit the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx (coming 2022) and jazz lovers should check out the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, as well as the number of famous live music venues like the Blue Note, Radio City Music Hall, Apollo Theatre and more! So as you prepare to make travel plans, consider one of these music cities. Coordinate the timing of your trip and you will have a lot of music events to add to your vacation.
For more details on events and venues in these five cities, get your free copy of our Guide to Music Cities in America. Use the guide to plan your next road trip or vacation close to home!
When you are ready to start planning your next vacation contact Black Soul Rhythms Travel. Submit a booking inquiry today!
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