At All Roads North, we believe that a place is nothing without its people. So often, when we ask our clients the most memorable parts of their journey, it’s not the Instagram-worthy landscape or acclaimed hotel that they mention, it’s the encounters they had along the way.  That’s why our trips are carefully designed to make those connections, providing you with an authentic and immersive experience. These experiences– whether it be with a local craftsman, musician, chef or marine biologist– are the inspiration for our Connections series, where we talk to friends of All Roads North to get an insider’s look at some of our favorite places across the U.S.

Tell us about your New Orleans story?

The first time I visited New Orleans was during Carnival, 1984. My mom came for a work conference so I tagged along. I was 20 years old, in college and had just started working on clarinet. I remember hearing a band in Jackson Square and the music really got under my skin because there was nothing electric, it was all coming straight out of the instruments and hitting my body. 

I came back for JazzFest in 1987 and ’88 and the second time I lucked into a house-sitting situation. Went home, got my clarinet, my bike, some clothes and about $100. Came back, got a restaurant job and started house sitting everywhere I could. Started Panorama Jazz Band with a couple friends to play a wedding in 1995.  It has gradually evolved into 2 bands (the other is a marching band, Panorama BRASS Band) plus a bunch of recordings under the name PanoramaLand (Check out our song-of-the-month club Good Music For You on BandCamp.com). We play every 1st, 3rd (and occasional 5th) Saturday of the month at The Spotted Cat Music Club, 623 Frenchmen St.

Ben Schenck on the clarinet

What’s something that New Orleans does better than anywhere else?  

Celebrate.

What major New Orleans attraction lives up to the hype?  

A real neighborhood second-line. There’s nothing else like it anywhere.

A New Orleans Second Line

What’s your favorite neighborhood to wander? 

I do wander around uptown with my dog a fair amount but I still love the Bywater. It has gentrified quite a bit since I lived down there in the 90s. It’s less authentic, less working-class, but spiffier and still very charming.

Underrated in New Orleans, overrated in New Orleans, personal favorite, and recent discovery?  

Underrated – the parks, the live oaks; Overrated – most of the tourist traps in the French Quarter; Personal favorite just riding my bike around a pretty day. Dropping in on friends. Recent discovery – A tiny Indian restaurant in Algiers called Plume. Unreal tastes.

What’s your Sunday morning in New Orleans?  

Lately, the New York Times with breakfast and green tea followed by meeting for worship at the Friends Meeting of New Orleans (I’m a Quaker).

What restaurant do you take friends from out of town for dinner, a casual local’s favorite, and a weekend brunch? 

Dinner: High Hat Cafe on Freret St. Casual local’s favorite: Sarita’s Latin Fusion: they’re like family over there. Weekend brunch: my house!

Where do you go to get into nature? 

New Orleans City Park

In City Park, some of the golf courses went to seed after Hurricane Katrina. So there are these wild, overgrown spaces with little sidewalks running through them. There’s also a disc golf course nearby and I like that.

What are the best places to hear live music in New Orleans? 

I can vouch for Frenchmen St. It can be hit-or-miss but you can sometimes catch a great band having a good night with an attentive, appreciative audience and you’ll never forget that.

The post Connections: New Orleans with Jazz Musician Ben Schenck appeared first on All Roads North.

No matter your interests, we know the perfect occasion to pique your interest: Indulge in culinary delights at the prestigious Aspen Food and Wine Festival or savor Southern traditions at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the iconic Telluride Film Festival or embrace the vibrant music scene at the NOLA Jazz and Heritage Festival. Witness the thrill of motorsport at the United States Grand Prix or feel the thunder of hooves at the Kentucky Derby. From captivating art exhibitions to exhilarating rodeos, we’ve rounded up a year filled with both well-known, iconic events, as well as a smaller, unique festival as its counterpart in the same genre.

Food Festivals in the U.S.

Iconic: Aspen Food and Wine Classic

When: June 14-16, 2024

The Aspen Food and Wine Festival is a premier culinary event that takes place annually in the picturesque mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. Renowned as one of the most prestigious food and wine gatherings in the United States, this festival brings together top chefs, winemakers, industry experts, and passionate food enthusiasts from around the world.

Off the Beaten Path: Lowcountry Oyster Festival

When: Feb 4, 2024

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival annually celebrates the cherished tradition of oyster consumption in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston, the star of the show is, of course, the oyster, but the festival also features a diverse array of Southern dishes such as gumbo and fish tacos. 

Film Festivals in the U.S.

Iconic: Telluride Film Festival

Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

When: Every September on Labor Day weekend

The Telluride Film Festival is both world-renowned and intimate. Held in the beautiful mountain town of Telluride, Colorado, the festival is unique in that it keeps the program secret until the opening day, creating an air of anticipation and excitement. Attendees are treated to a carefully curated selection of films, often including highly anticipated premieres, independent gems, and international cinematic treasures.

Off the Beaten Path: Santa Barbara International Film Festival

When: Feb 7-17, 2024

Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a prestigious annual event that celebrates the art of filmmaking in the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara, California. The festival takes advantage of Santa Barbara’s stunning coastal setting, offering a unique cinematic experience. Attendees can enjoy film screenings in beautiful historic theaters, as well as in unique outdoor venues, taking in the ocean breeze while enjoying the magic of cinema.

Motor Sports in the U.S.

Iconic: United States Grand Prix

When: Dates TBC

Truly one of the most iconic in the US, the Grand Prix epitomizes the speed, precision, and glamor of the motorsport world. Held annually in the United States, the Formula One racing event’s location has varied over time, but has been primarily located in Austin, Texas since 2012. Crescendoing in roaring motors and cheering crowds, each event is a thrilling showcase of human innovation and determination as the driving teams use cutting-edge technology, adrenaline-fueled overtakes, and strategic pit stops to overcome their opponents.

Off the Beaten Path: Sun Valley Tour de Force

When: July 

This three-day event showcases an impressive lineup of exotic cars, vintage classics, and high-performance vehicles that take to the roads of Sun Valley, Idaho. The signature event of the weekend is the ‘NO SPEED LIMIT’ high speed runs at Phantom Hill. Located in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, 3.2 miles of state highway becomes a no-speed limit zone. For one day only, drivers are allowed to put their machines to the ultimate test. To date, the fastest speed on record is a Bugatti Chiron achieving 253 miles per hour.

Horse Racing Events in the U.S.

Iconic: Kentucky Derby

When: First Saturday of May

Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” The Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned horse racing event and the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.The event is as much a social gathering as it is a horse race, with attendees dressed in their finest attire, including extravagant hats and outfits. 

Off the Beaten Path: Carolina Cup

When: March 30, 2024

Held in the heart of Camden, South Carolina, this steeplechase race has become a beloved tradition for both racing enthusiasts and the local community. Taking place in the picturesque Springdale Race Course, the Carolina Cup offers a thrilling day of horse racing amidst rolling hills, green pastures, and a festive atmosphere. Although there is a full day’s worth of events, the featured race is the steeplechase competition that spans several miles and includes obstacles such as jumps and water crossings. 

Music Festivals in the U.S.

Iconic: NOLA Jazz and Heritage Festival

When: April 26-May 5

The NOLA Jazz and Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, is an iconic celebration of music, culture, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Held annually in the beautiful city of New Orleans, Louisiana, this legendary festival has become a cornerstone of the city’s rich musical heritage. Jazz Fest brings together a diverse array of musical genres, including jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, rock, funk, and more. 

Off the Beaten Path: Tanglewood

When: June to Labor Day yearly

Tanglewood’s idyllic wooded surroundings in the Massachusetts Berkshires set the stage for a captivating lineup of classical music, jazz and folk performances. Renowned as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the festival has a long legacy of uniting nature’s serenity with the harmonies of human creativity. With its open-air Shed and the striking architecture of Seiji Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood provides the opportunity across its various venues to hear symphonies, chamber music, and star-studded concerts.

Art Festivals in the U.S.

Iconic: Art Basel

When: June 13-16, 2024

Showcasing an eclectic array of contemporary artworks – from paintings to digital pieces – Art Basel draws top galleries, artists, and all manner of art aficionados. Each year, the gathering sparks cultural conversations, featuring talks and discussions that delve into current artistic trends. The event’s fusion of creative expression with Miami’s dynamic ambiance creates an immersive experience, attracting international attention.

Off the Beaten Path: Desert X

When: Every two years

Desert X is a captivating art exhibition that transforms the desert landscapes of the Coachella Valley in Southern California into a dynamic open-air museum. This biennial event showcases a diverse range of contemporary art installations, blurring the boundaries between nature, art, and the human experience. The artworks range from large-scale installations to immersive experiences.

Rodeos in the U.S.

Iconic: Cheyenne Frontier Days

When: Yearly in July

For over a century, Cheyenne Frontier Days has been a cherished tradition, immersing attendees in the spirit of the American West. It is the largest outdoor rodeo and western event in the United States, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far. The event showcases thrilling rodeo competitions featuring top-notch cowboys and cowgirls competing in various disciplines, such as bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more.

Off the Beaten Path: Prescott Frontier Days

When: June/July

Prescott Frontier Days, also known as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” is a legendary annual event that celebrates the spirit of the American West in the historic town of Prescott, Arizona. Spectators can witness the adrenaline-pumping action of bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and roping, as cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills and bravery.

Sporting Events in the U.S.

Iconic: The Masters

When: First week of April yearly

The perfectly manicured course. The reverent silence that would rival that of a cathedral. The blooming azaleas and fresh spring air. Attending the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia is certainly at the top of the wish list for any golf aficionado. Only the most elite golf players gather at the beginning of April to vie for the coveted green jacket.

Off the Beaten Path: Iditarod

When: Beginning of March, yearly

Stretching over a thousand miles of treacherous terrain, Alaska’s Iditarod is a battle against nature’s extremes. Mushers and their sled dog teams navigate the 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, facing blizzards, icy rivers, and rugged landscapes. Rooted in the state’s history, the race honors the life-saving dogsled deliveries of diphtheria antitoxin in 1925, showcasing the vital role of sled dogs in Alaska’s past. Today, spectators can witness the historic race by converging with the crowds at the starting line in Anchorage, or staying at one of our favorite wilderness lodges located along the trail at the Finger Lake Checkpoint.

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Just as with food or architecture, a region’s music tells a story: the story of the people and events who have shaped this place. Across the U.S., there are innumerable pockets of musical expression developed by a rich history of mingling cultures. Just as music can be a meaningful part of our modern travels, each American musical style was born out of a history of travels: namely, immigration and moving people groups. 

Country Music in Texas

Willie Nelson performs at the Texas Prison Rodeo in the mid-1970s.

The history of country and folk music in Texas dates back to the early 20th century, with the rise of cowboy music, which was a blend of traditional folk songs, ballads, and cowboy poetry. As a mostly rural, agrarian society, the South remained somewhat culturally isolated from the industrialized North. As a result, Texans tended to preserve the traditional folk music of their ancestral homelands– namely folk traditions from the British Isles. However, over time the unique landscape of social and cultural influences in Texas made profound influences on what would come to be country music. 

By the time Texas joined the United States in 1845, the original Native American and Hispanic inhabitants had been joined by an astounding array of other immigrant and ethnic groups, including Anglo, Irish, German, and African to name a few. The rugged environment of the western frontier encouraged cooperation between this polyphony of different groups in order to survive, and musical influences were exchanged in the process. Cowboys and cattle drives from Texas to the Midwest played a huge role in shaping the subject of many country tunes: stories sung by the campfire about life on the open range. 

Pairs well with: A Private Ranch Road Trip in West Texas

Jazz in New Orleans

New Orleans is widely considered the birthplace of jazz music, and the city’s musical heritage is steeped in this dynamic musical style. In the late 19th century, a unique fusion of African rhythms, European instruments, and African-American and Creole musical traditions coalesced in the lively cultural melting pot of New Orleans. From the improvisational stylings of brass bands and the syncopated rhythms of ragtime to the soulful sounds of blues and gospel, jazz emerged as an innovative and influential art form. Legendary figures like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet honed their craft in the city, shaping the distinct sounds of New Orleans jazz and forever leaving their mark on the history of music.

Pairs well with: The Best of New Orleans and Cajun Country

For more music from Louisiana, check out our ‘Sounds of the South’ playlist here.

Blues in Chicago 

The history of blues music in Chicago is deeply intertwined with the Great Migration, a significant demographic shift of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North. As thousands of African Americans settled in Chicago during the early 20th century, they brought with them their musical traditions, including the blues. Blues music in Chicago gave voice to African-American experiences and struggles. It served as an outlet for expressing emotions and addressing social issues. Blues artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Willie Dixon became prominent figures in the Chicago blues scene. Sometimes mistaken for jazz, the blues genre is distinguished by a smaller ensemble, often featuring guitar, harmonica, piano, bass, and drums. The emphasis is on individual expression through vocals and instrumental solos, but improvisation is relatively limited compared to jazz.

Folk Music in the Appalachians

Folk music has a long and rich history in the Appalachian region of the United States, stretching back to the early 18th century. The early folk music of Appalachia was largely based on the ballad tradition, with songs that told stories of love, loss, and adventure. During the 19th century, the coal mining industry brought many people from different parts of the United States and Europe to Appalachia, and with them came new musical influences. African American blues and gospel music, as well as Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes, began to blend with the traditional ballads of Appalachia, creating a new, distinct style of folk music.

Rock and Roll in Memphis

Memphis is often referred to as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” due to the groundbreaking recordings and artists associated with the city. The pioneering work of musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others at Sun Studio in the 1950s helped shape the early sound of rock ‘n’ roll. These artists fused elements of blues, country, gospel, and R&B to create a new and dynamic musical style. The emergence of rock ‘n’ roll coincided with cultural shifts and the rise of a distinctive youth culture in post-World War II America, providing the space for rock and roll’s rebellious and energetic edge to thrive.

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