The lights dim, the crowd stirs, and the show you traveled for kicks into gear. In that moment, your vacation becomes something more: you're feeling the heartbeat of the city. Live music can transform a destination into an unforgettable experience, taking you on a deeper journey through its history and culture.

In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes travel writer and musician Edmund Vallance to explore how music shapes the way we experience the world. Edmund shares stories from his adventures chasing live performances across continents, from seeing Lou Reed in a tiny Porto venue to watching the Sex Pistols in Las Vegas. As both a performer and a passionate fan, he reveals how music can unlock a destination's true character.

You'll discover why Gen Z is leading the charge in concert travel and hear about iconic venues from Red Rocks in Colorado to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. You’ll learn how music museums can turn you into a fan—even if you've never heard the artist before. Edmund also shares practical tips for finding serendipitous musical moments that can change how you see a place, plus his bucket list of must-visit music destinations—from Santiago de Cuba to Vienna's Mozart houses.

What You’ll Learn:

3:36 How music festivals like South by Southwest can become the cornerstone of an unforgettable trip 

9:25 Why having one central concert can reshape an entire destination 

14:38 Seattle's essential music sites for Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana fans 

20:48 New York's historic jazz venues to celebrate Miles Davis' centennial year 

25:00 How to find life-changing musical moments through randomness and saying yes

Connect with Edmund Vallance:

Journalism: http://www.edmundvallance.com/

Music:  http://www.edvallance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundvallance/

Listen to his music on Spotify

What musical experience would you travel anywhere for? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises