Cleveland, Ohio
In association with: Brand USA
Hear the sounds of musical legends past, present and future on an action-packed itinerary across the northeast of the US, with Road Trips USA
Chicago in Illinois is a must-visit for music lovers and is the starting point of Brand USA’s Great North Music Tour road trip itinerary, which takes in some of the biggest musical cities across the Midwest and the northeast.
Steeped in jazz and blues history and with a lively musical theatre culture, Chicago has plenty of opportunities to enjoy live performances across the city. Head to the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge for jazz and big band performances or witness the next generation of performers on the smaller stages in the Bucktown and Logan Square neighbourhoods.
Next, follow the Lake Michigan shoreline into Michigan and head to Detroit, known as the birthplace of Motown music. Visitors to the Motown Museum can marvel at the impressive collection of memorabilia and see where music legends such as Stevie Wonder recorded hits.
Over in Cleveland, Ohio, soak up the history and learn all about the biggest rock artists at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – all in the city where the phrase rock ‘n’ roll was coined by a local DJ.
There’s more history to uncover in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. See where jazz performer Lena Horne first performed in the Hill District in the mid-1900s, then get a taste of the city’s musical future with a visit to Brillobox – a venue known for its support of up-and-coming artists.
Head east to Philadelphia for a visit to the iconic Academy of Music, which dates back to 1857. There’s a great outdoor festival scene in the city, and visitors in the summer can soak up the culture at a free riverside concert.
New York City is the next stop, where some of the most iconic US music stars, from Lady Gaga to Cyndi Lauper, have their roots. Those looking for an underground experience should head to the small clubs of Greenwich Village, while legendary venues such Madison Square Garden host some of the world’s most famous names.
At the final stop of Boston, Massachusetts, there’s a whole host of live music to be enjoyed across the city’s vibrant bar and pub scene. Check out some of Boston’s emerging talent at one of the city’s intimate venues, before rounding off the trip with a night at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Download the full itinerary here.
To book this itinerary for your clients, call Gold Medal on 0800 014 7777, or visit goldmedal.co.uk
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PICTURES: Brand USA/Mike Wilkinson