10 great places to know it's more than rock 'n' roll

924 Gilman St. Berkeley, Calif.

"This Berkeley club has seen it all since it opened in the 1980s, from many punk-rock legends to current punk-pop megastars (and winners of two Grammy Awards) Green Day, who first honed their chops here in the late 1980s," Epting says. Also known as the Alternative Music Foundation, this inexpensive music venue is volunteer-run. 510-525-9926; 924gilman.org

Chess Records Chicago

"Some of the world's most influential blues and rock 'n' roll recording sessions, including Johnny B. Goode, Rescue Me and Red Rooster were done here," Epting says. "The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds also recorded here. In fact, the Stones used the address 2120 S. Michigan Ave. as the title of a blues instrumental." Tours are offered through the Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation, the current owners. 312-808-1286; bluesheaven.com

Sun StudioMemphis

"Many legendary moments were captured at this tiny studio, and many artifacts remain in this ongoing recording studio and attraction — including Elvis Presley's mike," Epting says. "Magic moments include July 5, 1954, when a young Elvis recorded an obscure blues tune, That's All Right. Or when Jerry Lee Lewis recorded Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On here. Tours are given every day." 800-441-6249; sunstudio.com

Woodstock site Bethel, N.Y.

"A concrete marker sits near where the stage stood for this legendary 'Music and Art Fair,' three days of peace and love held in mid-August 1969. This seminal event included performances by now legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills & Nash," Epting says. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opened here in 2006, featuring a performing arts center; and in 2008, a '60s museum will open that includes the culture, politics and music of that most controversial decade. 866-781-2922; bethelwoodslive.org

Buddy Holly Plane crash site Clear Lake, Iowa

"In February 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper boarded a single-engine plane after performing at the Surf Ballroom to fly ahead of a heatless tour bus in the dead of winter," Epting says. "The plane crashed, killing all aboard. Don McLean paid homage to the tragedy with American Pie (The Day the Music Died), and fans pay respects at the site by maintaining a makeshift memorial in the windswept field." 800-285-5338; clearlakeiowa.com