Whether you’re an avid concert-goer or a lover of American music history, there are plenty of must-see destinations to add to your travel bucket list. From music venues to museums and historic sites that once were home to music legends, these spots will take you on a musical journey that you’ll never forget!
The Caverns
The Caverns, a jaw-dropping underground concert venue in Grundy County, Tennessee, resides deep in the ground near the base of the Cumberland Plateau. Its natural acoustics and otherworldly beauty are what set it apart from other venues in the US.
During guided tours, visitors walk through Cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations and otherworldly natural wonders like Frozen Niagara, Fat Man’s Misery and Grand Avenue. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to go back and explore again.
It’s also home to the award-winning PBS series Bluegrass Underground, now rebranded as The Caverns Sessions. Featured artists include the best in roots, rock, country, jam band and Americana music.
The Caverns has also recently opened a new amphitheater that’s designed to host socially distanced concerts and has already put up shows by NeedToBreathe, Blackberry Smoke and Lucero. It has a new concessions building, restrooms and space for local food trucks. It’s expected to see more than 100,000 guests a year by 2023.
Hollywood Bowl
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the most famous venues from US to meet favorite artists. It’s home to the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and it hosts hundreds of musical events each year.
This outdoor venue is a popular destination for concerts under the stars, and it offers a range of food and drink options to keep you comfortable during the show. However, if you want to get the most out of your concert experience at the Bowl, it’s best to take a tour to learn more about the history of the building and how music has shaped it throughout the years.
The Hollywood Bowl Museum provides free tours for groups of 10 or more, immersing visitors in a behind-the-scenes experience at the famous amphitheater. The tours include a walk backstage and on-stage, as well as a visit to the museum.
9:30
If you are a fan of live music, 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, is one of the most famous venues from US to meet your favorite artists. It has hosted thousands of local and national acts, including music pioneers like Bob Dylan and James Brown to alt-rock favorites like Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, and Foo Fighters.
The 9:30 Club has been around since 1980 and sits on the ground floor of the Atlantic Building at 930 F Street, Northwest. It is known for its small capacity and intimacy, making it a favorite among concertgoers looking to get up close with their favorite band.
Despite its small size, the 9:30 Club has been a staple of the local music scene for decades and has hosted many of the most popular bands in America. It is owned by Maryland-based concert promotion company I.M.P., which also owns the Anthem, Lincoln Theatre and Merriweather Post Pavilion in the DC area.
The Tower Theater
One of the most famous venues from US to meet your favorite artists, The Tower Theater is a place where many big names in music have performed and stayed. It is often considered ‘Philly’s version of Fillmore in New York’ and has hosted artists such as Paul Simon, Neil Young, U2 and David Bowie.
A complete restoration of the building’s exterior, tenant improvements in the retail wings and modifications to allow the adaptive reuse of the theater auditorium for performing arts have helped revitalize the Tower District. Today, it is a bustling area of restaurants and bars.