You never know where the next great music hotspot will emerge which is part of the fun of being a music aficionado. So many bar bands you see on a Saturday night have the potential to be the next (Bruce Springsteen) and the E Street Band or (George Thorogood and) the Destroyers. The latter came out of Delaware, so up and coming music spots happen in the most unlikely places.
Austin, Texas has dubbed itself as the music capital of the country in some circles. One look at the depth, quality and variety of the shows and venues shows that’s not an overstatement.
It’s probably no surprise that Austin has stayed true to its country roots. But Austin features more than just the classic, twangy, honky tonk tune you’d expect coming out of the area. This city has opened its arms and mind to embrace many genres. It might surprise people to learn that pop singer Christopher Cross is a native Austin musician. That is, it’s a surprise to those outside the area. It’s certainly not a surprise to the locals who know multiple music choices thrive in the area.
The Web site, http://www.austinlivemusic.com/ lists a bevy of live music venues for you to check out if you are lucky enough to have a few days to spend in Austin. Before you go, or if you are planning your trip and live music is your passion, check out the Austin Chronicle online at http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Calendar/MusicListings to see what sort of acts are in town. Another good site, which bills itself as the guide to Austin’s music scene is http://www.unlockaustin.com/. This site lists bands by name, venue and genre, so you’re sure to find something that will scratch that musical itch while you are in town.
When someone mentions New York as a music venue, the natural instinct is to think of New York City, but it’s upstate New York that has become a powerhouse of the music scene. It may seem surprising until you consider the a little festival called Woodstock that hosted 400,000 music lovers from around the country. It wasn’t held in New York City, but in Bethel, New York.
The tradition continues in outdoor music festivals in upstate New York. If you’re not in the loop, check out http://nymag.com/srch?t=bar&No=0&N=259+101 to find music events happening in the area.
Seattle has been so strong in the development of up and coming bands that the phrase “the Seattle Sound” was coined. Seattle is home to many alternative bands and mother to the grunge movement, bringing us Nirvana and Pearl Jam, among others. In short, Seattle is a music-friendly city.
When the grunge trend faded in the mid-90s, Seattle set the scene for the next musical phase, bringing us such bands as Death Cab for Cutie. If anything defines the Seattle music scene it’s independence. It’s a city that sets trends as opposed to following the pack. When it comes to Seattle, it’s a lot like they say on Survivor: expect the unexpected. If you are planning a trip to Seattle, check out http://www.seattleweekly.com/music/ to see which bands will be in the area.
It’s tough to think of Tennessee as being an up and comer in the music scene given it led the field as the home of the Grand Old Opry, so it’s more of a re-emergence. The key to its new up and coming status comes from the fact that it has adapted with the times. Many country singers have crossed over into other genres. Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Rascal Flatts are just a few examples of those who have taken country to the masses, making it a great music spot. More than that, the music roots are reaching far beyond Nashville.
While many a musician dreams of playing Madison Square Garden, the musician’s Mecca, so many other cities have emerged as up and coming sites on the music scene. Before you travel, get on the Web, check out what’s available, then prepare to be entertained by past, present and future music greats in places you’d least expect it.
