Earlier this month the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) polled its writers on what are the top 10 best cities for live music. And Austin was knocked off its self-proclaimed throne by New Orleans. With Live Fix’s previous sensual experiments, I have to completely agree with SATW president, Bea Broda’s comments on the relationship between live music, travel and the senses. “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.”
But is NO really the best US city for live music?
One writer said this of NO. “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.”
I’ll have to take their word for it as I have yet to visit either city.
But I did feel a little hurt that Chicago came in at #5. And I wonder what local promoters thought of Laurie Borman’s words on Chicago’s live music scene. “Chicago’s reputation as home of the blues can’t be understated, 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.”
What do you think of the SATW list?
1. New Orleans
2. New York City
3. Austin, Texas
4. Nashville, Tenn.
5. Chicago
6. Memphis, Tenn.
7. Montreal
8. Las Vegas
9. Branson, Mo.
10. Denver