Discover The Best Places For Live Music Around The World

Our friends at VegasSlots.co.uk recently carried out an in-depth study into the 50 best cities on Earth for watching live music. The study looks at the number of venues and gigs as well as average capacities and ticket costs and then looking at how it compares against their area.

A city is defined by many things; its food, its skyline and, of course, its music scene. In a city, genres can originate and bands can be founded all as a direct result of performance venues both big and small.

VegasSlots.co.uk have used the overall areas of cities around the world to determine which ones are offering more to its inhabitants and visitors.

Among The Top Places For Live Music Are:

Paris - The ‘City of Lights’ tops our rankings, with a relatively small area for a city, big venues (1,560 average capacity) and fairly cheap average tickets (£38.62) putting the French capital in pole position. Beyond the famous Moulin Rouge, Paris also offers a unique experience for fans of Rock and House music.

Chicago - The ‘Windy City’ has existed as a pioneering force throughout the last century. Its strong musical tradition helped birth jazz, blues, house and soul and still provides the cultural heartbeat of the city with over 2,000 gigs on offer in the next year.

Seattle - In 6th place comes the Emerald City which gave the world Nirvana, but also a sound that defined a generation. It's abundant live music scene honors this artistic tradition!


London - Live music and England’s capital have been harmonious for decades which makes it an unsurprising addition to the list. With over 1,270 across its huge radius, London comes in at 10th on our list.

For many cities, it is its modest size or its cheap average ticket cost that can see them rank well. To discover how the likes of Detroit, Edinburgh and New York have fared, use this link to visit their website.

Photo Credits: VegasSlots.co.uk

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Seven Dials Is A Haven For Shoppers In London

If you're visiting London you have to stop by the Seven Dials that offers a unique shopping destinations. It so much more than just shops - there's an engaging collection of traditional pubs, cool cocktail bars, cafés, and restaurants to stop by. Plus, you'll find several hotels along with theatres with new and popular performances to enjoy.

For many  it's the draw of independent boutiques, international fashion labels, heritage brands, that bring them back to the Seven Dials. This is easily the place to spend all day with girlfriends shopping and browsing the selection of international premium women's fashion brands. Among the top names are Club Monaco, LOFT Design By…, Coco de Mer, as well as independent stand-alone stores such as Laura Lee Jewellery, B1866 and Larsson & Jennings. Of course, we cannot forget the  menswear, which feature brands exclusive to the area like premium French lifestyle brand RON DORFF, Cambridge Satchel Men’s, Natural Selection, surf wear brand Finnisterre and contemporary cool Farah.

Seven Dials has the best in premium beauty and grooming. Luxury beauty brand, Fresh from the US and Caudalie from France opened boutiques on Monmouth Street joining New York designer fragrance brand Le Labo and Kiehl’s. Iconic London lifestyle brands on Monmouth Street can also be found including Miller Harris for unique fragrances and Murdock London for traditional barbershop experiences and grooming. Brand new men’s beauty multi brand, Beast, have opened their first doors on Earlham Street.

Foodies make the pilgrimage to Neal’s Yard Dairy for the best of British cheese, Timberyard for award-winning fresh coffee, and Hotel Chocolat School of Chocolate for a taste of the bespoke ‘cacao cuisine’ menu. All day dining can be enjoyed in newly opened Balan’s Soho Society and just next door charcuterie specialists Cure & Cut for quality Italian meats and cheeses.

Seven Dials’ offers over 50 options of where to eat with exciting new dining concepts from the likes of The Barbary, taking inspiration from the Barbary Coast of North Africa, along the Mediterranean coast. Tredwell’s, Native, a new addition to the area celebrating the country’s best game and rare breed meat, Polpo at Ape & Bird, the first pub concept from Russell Norman and Richard Beatty; and artisan pizzeria Homeslice, specialising in 20-inch wood-fired pizzas with prosecco on tap.

The area is also a must-visit for culture and entertainment, with internationally acclaimed theatre Donmar Warehouse, Grade II listed Cambridge Theatre now showing Matilda and St Martins Theatre playing an important part in London’s theatre legacy.

Stay the night in one of the premium 5* hotels in Seven Dials such as Covent Garden Hotel and Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel for a chic weekend away and explore the streets of Seven Dials at your leisure. Whenever you visit you're certain to find Seven Dials offers a unique and memorable experience!

Plan Your Visit To The Seven Dials

Seven Dials is easily accessible from nearby tube stations such as; Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square and Piccadilly circus.  To explore current events, shops, dining, and entertainment at the Seven Dials in London visit their website.


Photo Credits: Seven Dials

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Celebrating The Day Of The Dead With Festive Events

Halloween stirs up imagines of ghosts and monsters, and children trick or treating. While in the Hispanic culture October 31st through November 2nd is a time to celebrate the lives of the departed loved ones through festivities, drink, food, and music. The festivities include Dia de los Angelinos or Day of the Little Angels, All Saints’ Day or Día de odos los Santos, and All Souls’ Day or Día de todas las almas, which is also referred to as Day of the Dead.

Yes, some folks will be out trick or treating on Halloween, and  others will be loving decorating the graves of departed children for Dia de los Angelinos; the Day of the Little Angels. The family member’s, and sister’s and brother’s of these departed Little Angels often dress up, and bring their favorites treats, sugar skulls, and toys to place on altars.

Don’t be frightened when passing a cemetery and you spot candle lights a glow during these three days. It is just families who’ve gathered to honor and remember their loved ones. They’ll bring photos, as well as items cherished by the deceased like snacks or mementoes, and sometimes a blanket and pillow so the spirit of their loved one can rest. Then, the family will share treasured memories, play music while enjoying the fest that often includes Pan de Muerto or bread of dead, as well as special prepared treats and drinks.

Great care goes into preparing Día de los Muertos altars. These beautifully crafted tributes are often decorated with yellow and orange marigolds, known as flowers of the dead. We can honor our loved ones through our own alters by just placing a collection of mementos and photos on a book shelf or as a centerpiece on a table. Then, light a candle, and remember the joyous moments you shared.

You do not need to be Hispanic to join a Day of the Dead festival. It’s a celebration for all, so, don’t be afraid to paint your face or dress up. And, here are a few suggestions you might want to check out on your travels: 

Staten Island – New York City Day of the Dead Festival

Held in Staten Island, annual New York City Day of the Dead Festival  is free festival for all to enjoy on at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St.Benedicta School. As the festival kicks off you may join in the creation of communal ofrenda or altar buy placing flowers and dedication’s to your loved ones. Learn about the traditions of Mexico, join traditional crafts workshops, kick off your shoes and dance, enjoy the festive music, and sample plenty of food and drinks throughout the day.

London, UK – Day of the Dead Festival

In London, the Day of the Dead Festival will include a intoxicating line-up of entertainment, music, Skull facepainters and a dance depicting the fabled Catrin - Lord Skeleton, and Catrina - Lady Skeleton. In partnership with the Mexican Embassy, the festival will put on four fun days of sugar skulls, masks, flowers and papel picado decorating for the kids at the Oxo Tower. Adults can also treat themselves to a tequila masterclass by Jose Cuervo. Activities are free of charge, you just need to register your attendance here: www.dayofthedeadfestival.eventbrite.com.

Hollywood, CA – Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which dates back to 1988, is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles. This festive and spiritual event has become a tradition for many in the City of Angels. This year for their annual Dia de los Muertos they honor, Mexican artist, Jose Guadalupe Posada, who's creations of Dia de los Muertos are treasured images of Mexican culture and identity.

Explore Local Dia de los Muertos Festivals

To find Day of the Dead and other festivities to join in your region check the websites of your local town or state travel and tourism office. 

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