I’m a road trip addict, and many of my USA road trips have been based around music scenes. I started heading to the obvious music mechas of Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans. I’ve been to the punk bars of New York, the rock scene of L.A., visited Motown, and the Chicago Blue bars, I felt like I’d seen it all, but I soon realised I’d barely scratched the surface.
While all the above and must-see music cities, I’ve since had some of my favourite music travel experiences, visiting lesser-known locations. Let me tell you about a few of the US music cities you might not have heard of, why you should add them to your bucket list, and some of their most important venues.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a city buzzing with creativity and artistic talent. Known for its vibrant arts scene, it’s no surprise that it’s home to a thriving music community. From bluegrass and folk to indie rock and electronica, the city’s music scene is as diverse as its population. Its numerous venues, from intimate bars to larger auditoriums, regularly host local and touring bands.
The city hosts a vibrant indie rock community, a lively electronic music scene and is also known for its jazz and blues performances. The city is also home to the Moog synthesiser company, which has attracted electronic musicians and enthusiasts.
Notable venues:
- The Orange Peel: Known as one of the best live music venues in the country, The Orange Peel has hosted many renowned artists, including Bob Dylan, The Beastie Boys, and Jack White. This 1,100-capacity venue offers an intimate setting for various genres, from rock and hip-hop to electronic and indie.
- The Grey Eagle: As one of Asheville’s longest-running live music venues, The Grey Eagle is a staple of the city’s music scene. It’s a listening room-style venue that hosts local, national, and international acts, focusing on folk, Americana, and indie rock.
- The Asheville Music Hall: Located in the heart of downtown, the Asheville Music Hall is a versatile venue that features a variety of musical genres. It’s known for its high-quality sound system. The venue hosts the famous Tuesday Night Funk Jam, a beloved local tradition.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska, has a thriving and diverse music scene that often surprises visitors due to its relatively low profile. The city has a rich musical history and has made significant contributions to indie rock, partly thanks to the homegrown Saddle Creek Records. This influential indie label helped launch the careers of bands like Bright Eyes, The Faint, and Cursive. In addition to indie rock, Omaha’s music scene features a variety of genres, including blues, jazz, punk, and electronic.
The city’s music community is known for its supportive and collaborative atmosphere, with local musicians often working together on various projects. This cooperative environment has fostered a wealth of talent and continues to produce innovative and unique sounds.
Notable venues:
- The Waiting Room Lounge: Located in the Benson neighbourhood, The Waiting Room Lounge is a popular venue offering an intimate setting with a capacity of around 400 people. It hosts a diverse range of genres, such as indie rock, punk, hip-hop, and folk.
- Slowdown: Co-owned by members of the band Cursive and associated with Saddle Creek Records, Slowdown is a multifaceted venue with a reputation for hosting an eclectic mix of music acts. The venue features a smaller front room for intimate shows and a larger room for more prominent performances.
- The Holland Performing Arts Center: This state-of-the-art facility showcases a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music. The Holland Center is home to the Omaha Symphony and hosts many national and international artists. Its stunning architecture and acoustics make it a favourite among performers and concert-goers alike.
Denton, Texas
Denton, Texas, just north of Dallas, has a vibrant and dynamic music scene that its larger neighbours often overshadow. With its two universities – the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University, the city has a youthful energy that significantly contributes to its music scene.
UNT’s College of Music is one of the nation’s largest and most respected music schools, mainly known for its jazz studies program. This has naturally fostered a robust jazz scene in Denton, but the city’s musical taste is far from monolithic. Indie rock, country, bluegrass, and folk music thrive in Denton, primarily influenced by the city’s Texas roots.
Denton hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival and the 35 Denton Music Festival.
Notable venues:
- Dan’s Silverleaf: This venue is one of the most iconic music spots in Denton, known for its commitment to showcasing local talent. Dan’s Silverleaf hosts various genres, from country and folk to indie and rock.
- Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios: This legendary venue has been a cornerstone of Denton’s music scene for years. It’s a favourite spot for indie and alternative rock, but you’ll find a wide range of genres on any given night.
- Andy’s Bar: Located on the historic Denton Square, Andy’s Bar is a staple in the Denton music scene. With its rooftop patio and live music nearly every night of the week, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy Denton’s vibrant music scene
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison’s music scene is a blend of homegrown talent and international acts. Its diverse musical offerings range from indie and punk to classical and jazz. The city’s summer music festivals are a big draw, as are venues like the Orpheum Theater and High Noon Saloon, which attract a variety of performers.
Madison’s music reflects various styles, including indie rock, folk, hip-hop, jazz, and classical. The city hosts numerous music festivals annually, attracting local and international talent. Events like the Madison World Music Festival and the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival showcase the city’s musical diversity.
Notable venues:
- The Orpheum Theater: Opened in 1926, The Orpheum Theater is a historic venue that has hosted various performances, from vaudeville acts to modern concerts. It’s known for its stunning interior, excellent acoustics, and diverse lineup of performers.
- High Noon Saloon: This intimate venue is a favourite among locals for its wide range of musical acts. From rock and country to blues and indie, High Noon Saloon showcases both local talent and touring acts.
- The Majestic Theatre: As Madison’s oldest theatre, The Majestic offers a unique blend of history and contemporary entertainment. It hosts a variety of music performances, from electronic and hip-hop to rock and folk, and is known for its lively atmosphere.
Burlington, Vermont
MGMT in black and white.
Burlington, Vermont, might be small in size, but its music scene is anything but. The city is known for its vibrant and diverse music culture, which ranges from folk and jazz to rock and hip hop. Burlington’s music scene has also been heavily influenced by the improvisational style of the jam band Phish, which originated here.
Burlington’s music scene is rooted in its strong sense of community. Local musicians and bands often collaborate, creating a unique and dynamic blend of styles. The city is also home to several music festivals, such as the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Grand Point North Music Festival.
Notable venues:
- Higher Ground: This is the largest non-arena concert venue in Vermont, attracting a wide array of local, national, and international acts. Higher Ground features two performance spaces and hosts diverse genres, from rock and hip-hop to folk and electronic.
- Nectar’s: Known as the birthplace of Phish, Nectar’s is an iconic venue in Burlington’s music scene. Offering live music seven nights a week, this venue is a favourite spot for local bands and touring acts alike.
- Radio Bean: This coffeehouse by day and music venue by night is known for its intimate setting and eclectic line-up. At Radio Bean, you can catch a variety of performances ranging from folk and indie to jazz and blues, often on the same night.
These cities may not have the same musical fame as Nashville or New York, but they offer diverse and vibrant music scenes worth exploring. Whether you’re an aspiring musician looking for inspiration or a music lover seeking new sounds, these underappreciated cities offer a wealth of musical riches.
