Austin ranks third for live music

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A list of the top 10 cities for live music in North American does not rank Austin as number one, despite the city's "Live Music Capital of the World" moniker.

The Society of American Travel Writers ranks Austin third in the country for best cities for live music. The Big Apple and the Big Easy top the Capital City. New York City, with it's Broadway shows came in second. New Orleans is number one on the list and one travel writer said that city "bleeds music."

"I guess you have to consider the source that it's looking at Austin as it is a travel destination for music," said Brad Stein, chairman of the Austin Music Commission.

The travel writers note the South By Southwest and Austin City Limits Music Festival draw people into the city every year.

"You have to look at more than those two events- you have to look at what we do year round and what that means to the people who are living here and working here in the music community," said Stein.

Emo's owner Frank Hendrix has watched the rise of live music in Austin.

"We've always been told we were number one but I guess third is not bad," said Hendrix. "I know all the bands always look forward to coming to Austin because they always get a good show."

Nashville ranked just behind Austin at number four on this list. Chicago, Memphis, Las Vegas, and Branson, Missouri are also in the top ten.