America has some serious talent and music lovers know the best jams these days happen outside the major cities. Once upon a time, bands had to make it to musical meccas such as Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, or Austin to draw crowds and make a name for themselves. Not anymore! The following places are some of the best cities in the United States to catch some fresh acts and good times.
Lancaster & Hershey, Pennsylvania
Experience small town atmosphere with big city sound in Central Pennsylvania. Every year, Hershey plays host to national favorites such as Dave Matthews Band, Dixie Chicks, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Nearby Lancaster is filled with an active arts and music scene, including community pianos decorated and placed around town for passersby to play. Lancaster’s Chameleon Club hosts all-time favorites like Rusted Root as well as up and lesser-known bands such as Streetlight Manifesto. Every First Friday local singer-songwriters can be found on street corners and serenading patrons of the oldest running indoor farmers market. Each summer, residents and visitors fill Long’s Park Amphitheatre for their popular outdoor concert series. The world-famous American Music Theatre not only puts on its own musical productions that feature live animals and sets to rival the biggest shows on Broadway, they also frequently hold concerts for classic oldies like Johnny Mathis and the Temptations.
Dover, Delaware
Home to the growing annual Firefly Music Festival, Dover has made a name for itself. In June, over 90,000 attendees flock to The Woodlands of Dover to experience some of the hottest and most popular names in the music industry. With unparalleled lineups, this festival is quickly becoming a household name akin to the Woodstock of yesteryear.
Pensacola, Florida & Orange Beach, Alabama
Hosting Frank Brown’s International Songwriters Festival, Flora-Bama has drawn music lovers from across the country to their establishment. Artists like Taylor Hicks and the Mulligan Brothers have drawn big crowds at their annual Shindig on the Sand music festival. For fans of good times and American music, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than listening to artists jam on the beautiful white sand beaches of Pensacola.
Frederick, Maryland
Frederick is a forerunner of the music industry, churning out new sounds and up and coming artists. The scene draws musicians from the Philadelphia and Greater DC/Baltimore areas. Their Alive@Five concerts and First Saturday events bring the music to the streets. It’s not unheard of to witness an impromptu sidewalk dance party when a band strikes up. Venues such as Café Nola and The Blue Side Tavern host full houses for local award winning singer/songwriter bands. One-of-a-kind sounds can be found around every corner any given weekend. Easily becoming the heartbeat of the new American music scene, hard-working passionate bands like Signs Point East and artists like Adrienne Smith are on track to become national sensations.
There is nothing quite like the power of live music to get you into the dance party spirit. The sensation of the bass pounding through your bones and the shared energy of community can’t be found anywhere else. Nothing beats the quality of entertainment and level of service the venues these smaller cities provide.