Florida has much more to offer visitors than ‘gators and Disney World. Florida also has a great music scene, and plenty of options to get all music lovers moving this summer. With music festivals like Tampa’s Sunset Music Festival in late May and Miami’s own Calle Ocho Carnival, as well as hip and popular venues such as the Orpheum in Tampa and Miami’s iconic Cuban nightclub Ball & Chain, when it comes to music the sunshine state has something for everyone.
Florida’s musical heritage
With its southern roots, Florida is best known for its contributions to the world of country music and blues, but has something to offer lovers of all genres, from punk and rock to electronica. The sunshine state was also vital to the development of the ‘Southern rock’ genre of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
In addition, Miami’s Cuban influence has spawned its own Latino crossover genre, and the city is bursting with great Latin music venues, most of them offering Cuban-style food and drink to their guests as well great music.
Cities like Gainesville, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville have been hotspots of musical creativity for decades, nurturing big names such as Tom Petty and Gram Parsons. Legendary venues such as Grand Central Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s Voodoo Lounge add to the state’s musical heritage.
Music with a backdrop
What makes Florida even more enticing to music lovers is the incredible zest and energy this state puts into everything it has to offer. Take a stroll around Miami’s Little Havana quarter, for example, to experience a completely unique blend of sounds, sights, flavors and smells.
Florida provides music lovers with an incredible backdrop to their acoustic experience. You might be checking out smoky bars or stylish nightclubs by night, but by day most Florida visitors head for the state’s many attractions. On the Florida coast, you can do both together, with beach bars and lounges providing great musical entertainment as well as delicious cocktails and fantastic atmosphere.
Where to stay
Florida is geared towards tourists, and has hotels and other lodging options in all price classes throughout the state. For example, the TradeWinds Island Grand resort – located on St Pete Beach and operated by Blue Green resorts – is right next to some excellent beachside live music venues, or you can head into nearby downtown St Petersburg to enjoy a concert at the legendary Jannus Live venue.
In short, if you are looking for those summertime blues – or pretty much any other type of music – along with some fun in the sun this vacation, Florida is a great bet. All along its coastline and deep into the bayous there is great music, hot parties and top quality festivals to be found for all tastes.
