Secrets of the Locals - Best Places to Catch Live Music in Orlando

Next Stop - Orlando

In addition to local homegrown talent, Orlando has taken its rightful place as a favorite tour stop for national and international recording artists. With venues ranging from the large Amway Arena and the fresh air Florida Citrus Bowl to the midsize House of Blues and Hard Rock Live, chances are your favorite artist has made a stop in Orlando or will be appearing soon. From rock legends like Elton John and Motley Crue, to up-and-coming pop artists like Ashlee Simpson, to country crooners like Travis Tritt, chances are, if your favorite artist is on tour, he'll be stopping in Orlando.

Discovering the Sounds of Orlando in the Heart of the Tourism Corridor

Just steps from Orlando's famed attractions, you'll find great spots to relax at the end of the day and listen to great local entertainers. BB King's Blues Club will open at Pointe Orlando in 2007, providing live blues and Southern specialties nightly. Howl at the Moon's dueling piano players take requests for all of your sing-along favorites. For a taste of the Islands, hit the deck at Bahama Breeze for Caribbean-themed music and great tropical drinks. If it's an English pub you seek, don't overlook The Cricketers Arms on International Drive. For those music-lovers with eclectic tastes, a visit to Universal CityWalk or Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island and Disney Boardwalk provides maximum musical variety with minimal travel. Sounds range from the laid-back reggae of Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom and the high-energy Latin sounds of The Latin Quarter at Universal CityWalk to the rollicking sounds of dueling pianos at Jellyrolls and the danceable tunes of Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk.

Where the Locals Go

Downtown Orlando is home to many hidden gems - venues popular with local residents loyal to the Orlando music scene. From opulent to edgy, these clubs are as diverse as the bands they book.

For a more upscale experience, locals sip martinis at the Bösendorfer Lounge in the Grand Bohemian Hotel - Orlando. As unique as its name, the Bösendorfer is not your average hotel bar. Named for the Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano (one of only two in the world), it features nightly entertainment including great Jazz on Fridays. For another hidden treat, head below street-level to Tanqueray's on South Orange Avenue. Located in a former bank vault, it now serves up cocktails and conversation along with excellent live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Swing to the sounds of The Rat Pack at Timpano Italian Chophouse every Tuesday through Saturday.

One of the best things about an Orlando vacation is the great weather. Take advantage of those balmy Florida breezes at the Wall Street Plaza, an open-air area perfect for street parties. Bordered by six nightclubs and restaurants, the Plaza hosts regular street parties as well as nightly entertainment right in the heart of downtown. Nearby, Latitudes offers music-lovers sounds under the stars complete with a rooftop view of downtown Orlando.

The next stops on our musical tour of Orlando have become institutions of the local music scene. The Social on North Orange Avenue has been Orlando's premiere entertainment hall for over 10 years. In fact, many local bands define their careers in terms of pre- and post-Social performance. The atmosphere is pure alternative in this cozy venue that offers up-close interaction with up-and-coming acts. Not to be outdone, Back Booth on West Pine Street attracts a great line-up of local talent with the occasional surprise headliner. Will's Pub on Mills Avenue, just north of downtown Orlando, is another popular stop on Orlando's indie music scene.

Does your knowledge of Orlando's music scene end with the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync? If so, take some time to soak in the other sounds of Orlando at one of our many great live music venues. As varied as the acts themselves, they offer a sound - and an experience - for everyone.