The Top 4 Music Towns (That Aren’t Nashville)

Shops, galleries, restaurants, and a lively music scene can put any town or city on the map. For many, enjoying new artists and tried-and-true favorites for live performances is an unparalleled experience. And whether you are planning a weekend away, or a major move, a city’s music scene may be enough to sway your decision one way or another

Many are familiar with Nashville, Tennessee, and while we love its rich history, it’s only one of the diverse musically rich cities that exist across the Americas. From sold-out mega-tour stadiums and music festivals to intimate cafe performances from local musicians—here are four cities with live music scenes waiting to be enjoyed and discovered by visitors and residents alike.

And as people take advantage of longer days and warmer weather (as well as April’s designation as International Guitar Month) these are the places to do it. 

Austin, Texas

With over 250 live music venues, a night doesn’t pass in “The Live Music Capital of the World” without a performance or two—or most likely, many. The music options include big-name events like South by Southwest and local favorites such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival—because Austin caters to every taste and genre. So keep an open mind to its many melodies. 

For the classics:

The Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul have been at the epicenter of Austin’s music scene since its earliest days. Lucky enough, they both happen to be on Austins’s famed South Congress Street. 

For Karaoke Lovers

Brave souls looking to leave their mark on Austin’s music scene should without a doubt visit the The Highball. With a catalog of over 14,000 songs and seven thematically designed private rooms by local firm Space Warp Designs, The Highball will provide some of the most memorable nights of music in Austin. 

For Austin’s Local Flavor

Donn’s Depot is a piano bar and saloon with a longstanding history in Austin. In 1972, its owner purchased a retired train depot and its rail cars, hired a piano-playing tire salesman (who the establishment would soon by named after), and created what would become a staple of Austin’s music scene.

Its broad patronage—from college students to long-standing music lovers—speaks to the reach of its unparalleled experiences. 

For a full breakdown of Austin’s program of offerings, connect with Engel & Völkers Austin. 

New Orleans, Lousiana

The “Birthplace of Jazz” is still strongly influenced by music legends like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, and Professor Longhair. The melodic, genre-pushing notes emanating from this southern city have long called to music lovers far and wide.

The Most Up-to-date Information on New Orlean’s Music Scene

Every night, establishments across New Orleans come alive with live music performances. The best place to keep track of all the happenings is the city’s local radio station, WWOZ.

Where the Legends Play(ed)

For the most classic New Orleans experience, you will want to head toward  Frenchman Street. This area of the French Quarter is known for attracting the best and brightest, old and new. Try out Snug Harbor, an intimate jazz venue famous in New Orleans and beyond. 

The Most Popular Venue in New Orleans

Though New Orleans is known for its jazz, its venues also book shows for genres from burlesque and latin dance music. One of the city’s most popular establishments, The Maison, is known for its wide range of performances and a multi-floor venue. The mezzanine level has tables and seating perfectly positioned to take in the main stage’s performers, while the “Penthouse” level is ideal for lively dancing. 

Beignets and Beats

If you are going to New Orleans, it would be a shame to not get a taste of its music and its famous dessert, the beignet. At Café Beignet, you can enjoy the best of both in one venue. The brand’s soaring popularity has led it to open multiple locations. We suggest the original one on Royal Street. 

Wondering about the best time to visit New Orleans’ music scene? Contact our local experts at Engel & Völkers New Orleans.

New York City, New York

 No comprehensive music journey without a New York City chapter. Its a marquee stop on the world tours of mega-stars and the original stomping grounds of now-famous singer-songwriters.

For the Biggest Shows

Though many know Maidson Square Garden as the epitome of the New York City music scene, the Barclays Center, opened in 2012, features top-of-the-line acoustics and a thoughtfully designed seating scheme to make sure that from the front row to the nosebleeds everyone enjoys the performance in all its glory. 

For History Lovers

A taste of old-world opulence can make a live-music performance other-worldly. From Ella Fitzgerald to Jimi Hendrix, the Apollo Theatre in Harlem has been a longstanding home base for top performers visiting and living in New York City.

For Discovering Up-and-coming Artists

Sometimes, the best performances are the ones we see before the stars make it big. While sold-out shows are the Barclays Center and the Apollo Theatre may make front-page headlines, it is performances at smaller venues like the Mercury Lounge on the Lower East Side that stay with us far past the end of the night. With only 250 seats, it’s a small, intimate, and wallet-friendly option for the best in music experiences. 

To learn more about the expansive offerings of life in NYC, reach out to Engel & Völkers New York City.  

Montréal, Québec 

Home to Celine Dion, Montréal is a must not miss stop on your tour of world-famous music scenes across the Americas. Between its electronic music festivals and poignant symphonies, the range of Montréal’s voices is nothing short of magnificent. 

For the Best Electronic Music

If you hear locals talking about the latest performance at SAT, it’s because the formality of its full name, Société des Arts Technologiques might give you the wrong impression. Its four stories are dedicated to cutting-edge developments in the world of electronic culture and entertainment (think 360-degree visual projections) and makes for top-of-the-line parties. 

For Orchestrating the Perfect Occasion

Just because of their longstanding presence in the music industry, symphony houses aren’t necessarily the oldest buildings. In fact, they are often the recipients of the newest audio engineering technology, of which, the Montréal Symphony House is no expectation. Almost as incredible as the 200 singers and 120 musicians that can fit on stage at once, is the building’s architectural prowess. It is not only LEED-certified but it can also be altered and molded to best serve the unique acoustic needs of each performance. 

If Small Performances are Up Your Alley

In Montréal’s Little Italy, Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles is a well-loved neighborhood joint. Friendly locals enjoy vegetarian tacos, well-priced refreshments, and two quaint bowling lanes. If you go on the right day, you may be lucky enough to catch the local talents taking over the two alleys for lively, unpretentious performances. 

The best way to explore the music scene of any city is with a local Please reach out to any of our advisors at Engel & Völkers Montréal to learn more about the music that calls Montréal “home.” 

Whether it’s music, restaurants, shopping, the best neighborhoods or finding the right school district a local expert is an invaluable resource in understanding what makes each city, and community, follow the beat of its own drum.

Here at Engel & Völkers, our advisors know just how to assist and advise our clients on the places and opportunities that will help them follow their dreams, home.

Time for your next chapter? Reach out now. 

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