concerts Archives - Have Sippy Will Travel

Santa Monica California has sun, surf, and music…

One of this L.A.’s treasures is McCabe’s Guitar Shop where you can expect to find more than just stringed musical instruments and lessons on how to use them. People come to hear from those that have mastered their craft. Concerts at McCabe’s are an intimate small stage affair that feels like what it is, getting up close and personal with an artist. Whether you are a fan of the performer(s) or just looking for a destination to hear live music, this is the place to keep an eye on with a history of greats going back five decades.
For my experience I was lucky enough to catch an all time personal favorite, Langhorne Slim, in a pared down solo performance in the back room. Telling stories and singing from a single chair, which at times could barely contain his energy and need to move, Langhorne entranced fans and first timers alike with a mix of folk, rock, and country twang. How do I know? I’m a fan from back before his first album Electric Love Letter came out in 2004. The couple next to me had been tracking him for a few years, since they first encountered him as an opening act. The group behind me were new to the experience of seeing Langhorne Slim on stage just like my date, and by the end they were total converts.

There are artists that exactly repeat their albums when they perform live, those that sound nothing like it without a sound engineer, and those that transcend recordings of their work when you experience their vitality in person. Langhorne Slim is definitely the third. Don’t get me wrong, he is in all of my playlists and his most recent cd, The Spirit Moves, has a permanent home in my car, but there is nothing like being there. I have caught three performances in LA over the last few years, the most recent which lead to my discovery of McCabe’s Guitar Shop as a venue, and each time I brought a newbie as my guest. All three are now on notice for the next concert and ready to buy their tickets.

The experience was enhanced by the atmosphere at McCabe’s. Wood paneled walls covered in every type of strummable guitar, ukulele, banjo, and more that I don’t have names for, come together to create a world transported back and steeped in history. With tickets running between $20-$30 and affordable afternoon shows for families as well as their night time events McCabe’s Guitar Shop offers a taste of the now while surrounded by the history of the music played there. Come during the day or slip in at night for a show, either way visitors can feel the notes that have sunk into the walls as greats play skillful chords, and newbies their first notes.

Check out the Concert Calendar at McCabe’s Guitar Shop and keep your eyes open for Langhorne Slim’s Tour Schedule for local appearances.

Tips for Planning the Ultimate Concert Roadtrip

If you need to take a break from the kids and rekindle your relationship with your partner, why not do something totally out-of-the-box and follow your favorite band on tour? Take a week out for some adventure and hit the road for some music, miles, and mayhem. A concert roadtrip is an exciting way to get closer together and enjoy some time together without distractions. Here are six tips to help you plan the ultimate concert roadtrip.

#1 Planing Your Tour

While the thought of randomly packing your bag and following a band may seem like a spontaneous move of inspired passion, the chances are it’s not a wise move. Take some time to sit down with your partner and review the schedules of your favorite bands that are performing in your state or neighboring states.

Plan your trip to include as many concerts as you can afford the money and time to attend. If you plan it right, you could be setting up the romantic road trip of a lifetime for you and your partner. Map out your itinerary and then give it to a close friend or family member, so they know where you plan on going.

#2 Snag Those Tickets Cheap

What does she like, what do you like? What are your favorite bands? At any given time of the year, there can be hundreds of bands touring the country and passing through your state. Do a search at FeeFreeTicket.com and check out the availability and ticket pricing. Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’ Roses, U2, and Katy Perry, are just a few of the examples of modern music icons that frequently put on shows all over America.

#3 Arrange Your Transport

Put the miles on your car, or make more of the moment and rent a classic van like all the rockers used to drive back in the day. Make sure that your ride is roadworthy, and all the taxes are paid up, the last thing you need is to come back from having the time of your life at the concert to find your tour van impounded.

#4 Set Your Budget

Once you know your costs, you can allocate your budget and see what you can afford. Life on the road can have some unforeseen expenses, so make sure that you keep an emergency cash fund available and hidden in the car inconspicuously. With all the merch on sale at the concert, chances are you will want more than one reminder of the evening. Make a list of all your expenses, including food, drinks, entertainment, concert tickets, gas, tolls, and accommodation. Make sure that you stick to your budget when you are on the road and always plan to spend a little more than you expect.

#5 Take Snacks

Traveling can take it out of you, so pack some extra snacks to eat if you need an energy bump before the concert starts. Protein bars, granola, and trail mix make for healthy options that won’t give you a sugar crash halfway through the bands set.

#6 Bring a Power Bank

Being caught out at a concert with a flat phone will leave you worrying about whether the kids are calling, instead of enjoying the event. Avoid this annoyance by keeping a fully charged power bank in your concert bag and keep your attention on the entertainment, not on your dead cell phone battery.

The Final Note

A concert roadtrip is a romantic getaway that will leave you with plenty of memories. It’s not often that you get time away from kids, so use it to keep the spark going in your relationship and bring you closer together.