On Wednesday I’m visiting the US for two weeks, taking in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Do we have any ‘naughts from any of these places? I’m looking for recommendations of any bars/venues that host instrumental hip-hop stuff (think people performing on SP’s/MPCs etc.). Or any cool little bars regardless of musical taste.
Also wouldn’t mind visiting a couple of comedy clubs.
Have fun and be safe! The US is stupid with the virus right now.
Make sure you bring a Covid-19 test kit with you for the return home. Can’t find a test a n y w h e r e.
If you can delay your trip, I would. Omicron is everywhere.
LA has famous comedy clubs. i forget the names but googling… you’ll find them and you can plan accordingly if/when buying tickets or whatever. there’s always someone at these clubs so it’s possible to just roll by and take in a set… COVID restrictions might effect that though. there’s a ton to do in LA. i think the synth museum moved there but not sure if it’s open yet. they have EVERYTHING in that museum. there’s good museums and art galleries. obviously, perfect circuit is in that part of the world… santa monica pier can be fun for a minute. i’m not an expert on LA. only gone there for shoes and random things back when i lived in san diego.
Las Vegas… is a matter of taste. i can only stand it for about 24 hours before the fear and loathing kicks in. but i guess there’s lot’s of shows there too. the old part of the strip is interesting. feels different. i’ve not been to vegas since the 90s though so… it’s a festival for the senses. getting fed then drunk and following your muse isn’t a bad idea. there’s all kinds of shit you can do there… you can go to a shooting range, ride rollercoasters, and whatever…
i haven’t been to the bay area in years either but it’s always charming though more sordid and seedy in some parts. also some good museums and tons of galleries… not to mention all the touristy stuff which is great if you haven’t been there. there used to be a great jazz bar in north beach right across the street from city lights books (great book shop since the beat generation) the jazz bar is called “Jazz at Pearl’s” and everytime i’ve been to SF i’ve gone there and always been amazed by whatever players were sitting in. space is limited and it fills up. hopefully it’s still going… it was kind of an institution.
In Los Angeles, check out the Gold Line in Highland Park. I think it’s owned by the people who run Stones Throw Records, and they spin great vinyl all the time. Excellent cocktails too.
Just make sure you have proof of your vaccination so you can get inside places in California!
If you’re in San Francisco, RobotSpeak synth shop is worth dropping in.
They used to have lots of events (join the mailing list), and I met Dave Smith and Roger Linn there, but maybe not since Covid.
…bad timing…
I was actually looking at flights to new York for later in the year just few minutes ago. Doubt I’ll afford it so am very jealous of your trip but also wish you the best of time 
even with covid I’m sure it will be an awesome trip
Perfect Circuit Audio is in Burbank (Los Angeles area) Might want to check that out
Sitting in a sealed metal tube in the sky breathing recycled air for hours with hundreds of other people. Bad idea at the moment.
Many airliners refresh their air completely every couple of minutes or so. And around half comes from outside. This is a great article about how it all works:
I’m with you though. No interest in air travel unless necessary, and even less interest in bars, restaurants clubs, etc.
I just canceled some flights due to covid. Its too much right now. That said, if you are going to the US and dig jazz clubs check these out ( if they are open )
55 Bar - Manhattan. Legendary spot
Baked potato - LA
Black Cat - SF
All these spots will give you the non touristy vibe of each city
If you do plan to go through with this trip, make sure that you have health insurance coverage that extends to the US. And read up on the state of health care costs in the US and billing disputes.
You might be lucky and miss peak new cases. It’s been going down for two days now at 300k cases per day (was 1 mil!!!)
Like said earlier do check your insurance and how it applies to US and California.
Omicron is super contagious. My wife works as a nurse and two of her co-workers got Covid (without symptoms) and they are triple jabbed.
I used to work across the street from LAX if you’re coming in there. Haven’t been out and about in two years now, and didn’t get out much before then. I like the beach. I’m sure you’ll run into one. If you can’t find it, just keep going west. Or south. Don’t go on the weekend it will be way too crowded.
I would definitely not travel to the US right now, specifically because of their draconic health care system. We’ve been asked to tour, but there’s no way I’ll leave europe as long as covid is a threat.
That said, St. Vitus is the go-to metal venue in NYC. Great place, played there once.
700,000 new cases a day average. We are getting run over here. Bring a Haz-Mat suit.
I tried to delay the trip, but no dice.
I’ve got some test kits, so all good in that respect…and I am triple jabbed.
But reading these replies…oh man, I wish I could have cancelled or delayed.
Bring back hot air balloons i say 