Waterville voted Maine’s best ‘hidden’ live music scene, according to poll

The U.S. is celebrated for its iconic music cities like Nashville, the heartland of country music, New Orleans, the cradle of Jazz, and Austin, Texas, fittingly known as ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’. Yet, there’s a trove of less-known, hidden gems across the country that pulse with riveting live music experiences that many have yet to discover.

To shine a light on these hidden musical retreats, CheapoTicketing.com surveyed 3,000 live music lovers to create a ranking of the best under-the-radar live music destinations across the nation. The results were as follows:

#1 Modesto (California); #2 Fernandina Beach (Florida); #3 St. Pete Beach (Florida); #4 Franklin (Tennessee); #5 Branson (Missouri); #6 St. Augustine (Florida) #7 Athens (Georgia); #8 Carrboro (North Carolina); #9 Bakersfield (California); #10 Marfa (Texas)

Moving down the list: #97 Waterville, the only Maine community in the top 100, has a lively and growing live music scene that offers a mix of local talent and occasional touring artists. The city’s music venues, such as the Waterville Opera House, the Colby College Museum of Art, and Mainely Brews, provide spaces for various genres, including folk, indie, and rock, creating an enjoyable and engaging experience for music lovers in the community.