Travel to your favorite shows!
Traveling is often associated with the thrill of discovering new places, cuisines, and landscapes. However, there’s another enriching dimension to travel that often goes unnoticed: the pursuit of concerts and cultural activities. Whether it’s the allure of a live concert, the grandeur of the opera, or the elegance of the symphony, travel for concerts in new towns to indulge in these cultural experiences can be incredibly rewarding.
The Allure of Live Music and Concerts
There’s something magical about live music that recordings simply can’t capture. The energy of the crowd, the immediacy of the performance, and the unique acoustics of each venue create an experience like no other. Traveling to see your favorite band or artist live can transform a regular trip into a memorable adventure. After all, each town offers its own unique music scene, from intimate jazz clubs to grand stadiums, allowing you to experience the local culture in a profound way. I believe this speaks to the concept of “collective joy” that we all feel when we are feeling the same energy at an event. We like to travel for concerts at places like Robert’s Western World, in Nashville:
Discovering New Sounds by Travel
Traveling for concerts also offers the opportunity to discover new music. Each town has its own local bands and genres that reflect its culture and history. Exploring these can broaden your musical horizons and introduce you to sounds you might never encounter otherwise. Nashville is a city I will travel to again and again. It is truly a *musician’s* town- there is good music spilling out into the streets from every bar and restaurant and hotel and it is such an exciting vibe. Backstage Nashville is one of my favorite spots to visit each time I visit; they showcase the songwriters behind the music we all know and love that makes it to the radio. The last time we visited, the writer of “I Hope You Dance” got up and shared her incredible story and the insight into the creative process was fascinating.
https://www.backstagenashville.net
The Timeless Appeal of the Opera
Opera is a centuries-old art form that combines music, theater, and visual arts into a singularly powerful experience. Traveling to see an opera performance can be a journey into the heart of a town’s cultural heritage. Historical opera houses themselves are often architectural marvels, offering a glimpse into the past and the cultural priorities of the time. Going to the opera is so good for your soul. The combination of the drama of the costumes, the music and the passion of the performers is unforgettable. Opera not your thing…or have you just never been and are scared? All of the programs have synopsis of the shows and many have the English translation on screens above the stage.
https://www.operadeparis.fr/en
The Elegance of the Symphony
The symphony is another cultural gem that offers travelers a deeply moving experience. Each orchestra brings its own interpretation and flair to performances, and the chance to hear a renowned symphony orchestra in its home venue is a treat for any music lover. Attending symphony performances in different towns can also be an educational journey. Many orchestras offer pre-concert talks or lectures, providing insights into the composers, the history of the pieces, and the nuances of the performance. I have season tickets to a few local orchestras, but I love to travel to visit ones that are new to me, or symphonies that are playing in towns I would like to visit. Having tickets to an enriching experience is an incredible way to anchor your whole trip.
Building Your Trip Around the Music Event
By and large, one of the most exciting aspects of traveling for concerts or cultural activities is the opportunity to build your entire trip around the event. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Choose Your Destination Wisely: Above all, research upcoming music festivals, concert tours, or opera seasons to select a location that excites you. This can be the cornerstone of your travel plan. Let me know what bands or performances are on your radar and I can build your whole itinerary around that. This is one of my favorite ways to travel.
- Plan Related Activities: Coordinate your itinerary to include activities that enhance the music experience. For instance, if you’re attending a jazz festival, consider visiting local jazz clubs or taking a jazz history tour. There are so many tour guides that are dying to show off their knowledge- that is a nice accent piece to a trip to really help you hit the ground running in a new city.
- Book Accommodations Nearby: Look for lodging that allows easy access to the venue. Staying close can enhance the experience, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere before and after performances. Getting the vibe of the area by walking around the local scene before a show is position A for a great night. You might meet someone else going to the show at a cool spot for pre-show cocktails.
- Explore Local Cuisine: Pair your musical adventure with culinary delights. Research local eateries that reflect the culture of the area, perhaps even venues that host live music. This really is the only way to do it! Bonus points if you somehow tie the music in with the food- like a crawfish boil before a zydeco show. 🤌🏻
- Engage with the Community: Attend pre-event gatherings, workshops, or community events related to the concert or festival. Our local opera and symphony both host pre-show talks. This will deepen your connection to the local culture and enhance your travel experience. Always, always take the time to chat someone up- you never know who you will meet on your travels. I recently met a very cool musician waiting in the security line at Charles De Gaulle airport. They were rifling through his bag (turns out the TSA can’t comprehend the idea of a harmonica) and mine as well (or an empty water bottle) and he gave me his two favorite places for dinner in Paris, where he had lived for many years. One of his recommendations turned out to be the best meal of the trip! So, it goes without saying, you never know who you’ll meet on the road.
Traveling for concerts and cultural activities not only enhances your travel experience but also enriches your understanding of different cultures. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary around the music, and let REW Travel plan your next adventure!