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Live music


Southern comforts


America’s southern states offer a unique experience, says Ella Buchan, and the trio of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville is a multi-centre not to be missed


From the jazz that meanders through the streets of New Orleans to the blues of Memphis’ Beale Street and the honky-tonk bars of Nashville, music is the soul of America’s south. And the region is more


accessible than ever – British Airways launched direct flights to New Orleans this March, followed by a Nashville route from May 2018. “We have recently seen


an increase in bookings and enquiries to the south from our wide range of twin and multi-centre itineraries,” says Clare Harvey, sales manager for USAirtours.


“Our team is well travelled and knowledgeable in putting together great holidays to Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana.” Here’s a glimpse of the exciting happenings in three of the region’s key destinations.


NEW ORLEANS It doesn’t take long to feel the


music in the Big Easy. It rises from the cobbled streets of the French Quarter, floats from the saxophones of street musicians on every corner and pours through the windows of lively bars on Frenchmen Street. Within the dimly-lit stone


walls of Preservation Hall, jazz lovers gather for twice-nightly performances by the famed in- house band. At Palm Court Jazz Cafe, guests can enjoy live jazz with their dinner. Against this soulful soundtrack is a city always at play, with about 130 annual festivals including the epic Mardi Gras, the culmination of two weeks of parades that takes place next year on February 13, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place from April 27 to May 6. Food is just as important,


from Creole dishes at Antoine’s, Commander’s Palace and


Galatoire’s to 24-hour beignets at Cafe du Monde in the French Market, located steps from the broad Mississippi River. Between meals and music,


visitors can learn about the bayous that wind through Louisiana on a fun swamp tour, cycle along the riverbank to burn off the soul food, or take advantage of the tax-free shopping across the city and State. New Orleans celebrates its 300th year in 2018. Tricentennial celebrations begin with fireworks and a Mardi Gras preview for King’s Day on January 6, followed throughout the year by special exhibits and events – making


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