The Best Cities for Live Music

Whether you like to sing along with the band, dance to the beat or simply sit back and listen—the best cities for live shows let you enjoy music your way. Don't forget to bring home a souvenir band T-shirt or two as you tour the best cities for live music from coast to coast.

National Acts Daily

Many music lovers travel to Las Vegas to catch some of their favorite resident performers, but there's a wide variety of musical genres and venues in this city. Take a walk down the famed Las Vegas Strip to see who's playing at the intimate House of Blues or the expansive MGM Grand Garden Arena. Head downtown to see Broadway shows at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. You can also knock over some pins at the Brooklyn Bowl, while you watch a concert from the elevated bowler's lounge or on screens directly above the pins.

A Little Bit Country

Heralded as the Country Music Capital of the World since the early 1900s, Nashville still rates as one of the best cities for live music. Spend a Saturday evening at the Grand Ole Opry watching a live broadcast of the radio show that made country music legendary. You'll see long-time stars share the stage with up-and-coming country artists. to create a truly memorable experience, combine your tickets with a backstage tour before or after the show. Then, head down Nashville's Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway to enjoy free music at Acme Feed & Seed.

All That Jazz and More

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, but the city's awash in many different musical styles. Check out the Old U.S. Mint or the French Market for daily performances sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Dip into the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club, one of the city's oldest live jazz joints. Mix it up with a trip to the Maple Leaf Bar for some funk, blues or zydeco. On Sunday, zip into Tipitina's for a traditional Cajun fais do-do dance party and move your feet to the accordion and fiddle-led rhythms of Acadian tunes.

Keepin' It Weird

Austin prides itself on being weird, and its music scene is no different. The city is home to the longest-running TV music series, "Austin City Limits," which showcases unique musical acts ranging from country to blues to indie rock. Check out the show's annual two-weekend festival in October or enter online for a chance to win free tickets to the weekly taping at the Moody Theater. Combine two of Austin's best features—music and barbecue—with a visit to Stubb's Bar-B-Q. Hear bands outdoors at Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater or on an indoor stage while you enjoy barbecued beef, pork, chicken, turkey or sausage.

Singing the Blues

Chicago is noted as the "Home of the Blues," but it has made major contributions to jazz and rock ’n’ roll as well. Immerse yourself in the city's rich musical history, see national acts and discover up-and-coming musicians at iconic uptown venues like the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theatre. Unearth the city's jazz roots at the Jazz Showcase, a fixture jazz club since 1947. Don't overlook Chicago's speakeasy scene for listening to live music. Once-secret Prohibition-era bars like the Drifter sweeten the experience with concealed entrances and craft cocktails from the 1920s. You'll see performances from indie singers, belly dancers, contortionists and other entertainers.

California Dreamin'

With its own unique West Coast style, Los Angeles is to the music industry what Hollywood is to movies. Hip-hop, punk and many other styles rooted in the streets of East L.A. turned mainstream in the last half of the 20th century. Check out the latest indie rock groups at iconic venues like the Silverlake Lounge or the historic El Rey Theatre. Catch annual summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. With a wide array of music choices from classical to rock, there’s something for everyone at this outdoor venue.

A Melting Pot of Music

If your musical tastes run to the eclectic, you'll love the diversity New York City offers. Savor classical music concerts at world-class venues like Carnegie Hall or the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Check out the latest indie artists in Greenwich Village at intimate venues like Cafe Wha? and the music festivals held in Washington Square Park. Take a trip to Harlem to visit the clubs where jazz greats Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday once played, and check out old-time clubs like the Showman's Jazz Club or Bill's Place.

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