We're into music! Especially traveling to a city rich with music. Then, getting to know everything we can about the local sound. Discovering new bands, learning the history, the music festivals, etc. If you're not familiar with our Travel Playlists, give them a spin. Like this one: Made in Minnesota. Then, start planing your next musically-centric 4 day getaway.
Here are some of our favorite travel destinations for all you music-minded travelers (in no particular order):
1. Seattle, WA:
Doesn't need much explaining. Can you say the birth of grunge? We're talking Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Mother Love Bone, Soundgarden, Modest Mouse, Mudhoney, The Postal Service. And the list goes on.. Grunge music no doubt played a huge hand in defining the Seattle music scene, so if you're visiting, allow the appropriate amount of time to fall deep into the 90's. Because grunge is everywhere.
Must Do:
-Catch some live music at the Crocodile Cafe in Belltown. Doesn't matter who's playing. Just go.
-See a Nirvana cover band. Period!
-Wander the town. Go where the people are going. Because the locals know best!
Diversions:
-Dimitrious's Jazz Alley. Because jazz is still going strong in Seattle.
-Take the Stalking Seattle Rock & Roll Tour. See the first place Nirvana ever played, the home where Kurt Cobain died, Jimi Hendrix related sites, etc.
2. Minneapolis, MN
Best known for Funk Rock. And an unsuspecting music scene, thanks to Prince. And Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Morris Day, etc. And their sound remains. This city loves Prince (and the color purple). But MN is also the home of Bob Dylan, so in addition to funk, you're going to find a good assortment of folk rock. Plus, it's where we're from.
*If you haven't seen it, watch the movie "Purple Rain" before visiting. If you have seen it, watch it again.
Must Do:
-Catch a show at First Avenue. If you watched "Purple Rain" you'll understand why. See whoever happens to be playing. Any band will do. Its rawness is impeccable.
*Stars painted on the outside of First Avenue represent the bands that have performed there
-Attend one of the music festivals in the heart of downtown mpls: The Basilica Block Party or Rock the Garden. Guaranteed to be a good line up, with incredible views of the city.
Diversions:
-"Purify yourself in Lake Minnetonka" (See Purple Rain).
-Tour the late Prince's home and studio, Paisley Park.
-Visit Blue Claw's workshop and offices. Just send us and email, we'll make sure we have your favorite adult beverage on hand.
3) Austin, TX
Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" (thank you Willie Nelson). Austin is also known as the home of South by Southwest (SXSW). Nuff said. Do you have any idea the number of bands that owe a majority of their success to SXSW? We don't either. There are too many. But just to name a few: The White Stripes, Janelle Monae, Alabama Shakes, Foster the People, Imagine Dragons, Haim, Kid Cudi, John Mayer, MIA, James Blunt, Amy Winehouse, Skrillex, The Lumineers, Katy Perry, The Strokes, etc. Genre-wise, Austin is home to many. So explore your favs.
Must Do:
-Roam Sixth Street and pop into as many venues as possible.
-Hit up SXSW and take in as much live music as you can.
-If you can find a way, catch a live taping of Austin City Limits. If you can't get tickets (it's tough to do), hit up the Austin City Limits festival.
Diversions:
-Breakfast tacos and BBQ!
-Shop along South Congress (SoCo).
4) Los Angeles, CA
There are so many interesting things to do in LA when it comes to music. And endless amounts of history (you may have to go more than once). Home to a number of record labels, and the stomping ground for many bands, musicians, executives, etc. Not to mention the bands that have been formed there: The Doors, Guns n' Roses, Metallica, The Beach Boys, Guns N' Roses, Rage Against The Machine. All playing a big roll in defining the local sound.
Must Do:
-Catch a show at Hollywood Bowl.
-And The Troubadour.
-And Whiskey a Go-Go
Diversion:
-Visit Capital Records. Consider it ground zero to the entire LA music scene.
-Grammy Museum
-Jump on the Hood Life Tours and see the role LA played in the evolution of rap. Take a tour through Compton and South Central.
-Grab some vinyl at Amoeba Music. Might be the largest independently owned record store in the world. Pretty sure it takes up the entire block, located just off Sunset Blvd. Catch some live music while you're buying some music.
-Walk Sunset Boulevard and pop into the Rainbow Room Bar & Grill for a drink or two. It's known as the bar for rock musicians and has been frequented by the likes of Guns n' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as numorouse other legendary acts.
