Since 1974, Taylor have been manufacturing guitars from El Cajon in California, and since 2012, also in Tecate in Mexico. They are the second most successful manufacturers of acoustic guitars in the United States and now have over 700 employees.

Every weekday, at 1pm, it is possible to take a free tour of the factory in El Cajon, where a guide will take you through the process of guitar construction, right from selecting the correct woods for the manufacturing process to the completed finished product. The knowledgeable staff will be able to help you understand the differences in types of wood and the sound produced by each, the technical process of converting the raw material into the shape of the body, and also tell you all about the history of the company. Premier Guitars also published in 2008 a four part tour of the factory which has been narrated by Bob Taylor himself.

Taylor Guitars was founded by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, originally calling their company the “Westland Music Company”, but later changing the name to “Taylor” so that it could more easily fit onto the head of the guitars, and because “Taylor” sounded more American than “Listug”. They have become innovators in the world of acoustic guitars, often sought after for their top quality products and ethical manufacturing. They are used by artists such as Jason Mraz and Taylor Swift (although the latter could arguably be because of a naming coincidence instead of solely because of quality).

Bob has also dedicated part of his successful career to the development of a sustainable forestry trade, in particular with ebony. He recognises the changes in our planet and in climate conditions and wants to ensure that the materials he selects for his products are encouraging a better future for the environment, the consumers of his products, and also for the families and communities involved with gathering the raw materials he requires for production. Bob even runs a world forestry tour blog which highlights his efforts to raise awareness of this.

As well as offering tours of the factory, Taylor provide live musical streams of their featured artists on their Facebook page. Daria Musk is a popular artist who has gained more exposure through these live streams. They also release videos every Tuesday of artists showcasing their talent on Taylor guitars, sometimes relatively unknown to help boost popularity among those talented musicians who are struggling to gain recognition for their efforts.

As well as this, Taylor Guitars often goes on tour to showcase their new products with talented performers demonstrating the amazing sound qualities and features of their guitar range. They are often represented at musical events, or they take over music shops and other venues to host these evenings. A full list of upcoming events, of everything from the live streams to physical gatherings, can be found on both the Taylor website and on their Facebook page.

After playing a Taylor guitar, it's hard not to argue that they are some of the best in the world, and with roadshows, live streams, and product releases happening all the time, they are a fantastic brand to follow.

Photo Credit: Douglas Mason

Every year, in the birthplace of blues music as we know it today, the city of New Orleans hosts a 10 day festival which accommodates thousands of musicians, cooks and artists who come together to create a cultural event. Also known as “The Louisiana Heritage Fair”, the event is hosted over two weekends and showcases the world famous New Orleans music scene, local cuisine and arts and crafts that celebrate everything that New Orleans and Louisiana represent.

Dates can fluctuate from year to year, however the festival tends to occur around the end of April and the start of May. The event takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course on Gentilly Boulevard, just an easy ten minutes from the French Quarter.

Although primarily Jazz and Blues music, the festival also hosts a diverse range of talented acts, with past performances from the likes of Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, Snoop Dog, Lorde, and even performances from world famous Jazz musicians like Stevie Wonder. Now Orleans music has influenced artists of every genre and all over the world, and the festival likes to represent this as well as the roots of the city. the schedule is usually announced around the end of December for the following year, and tickets go on sale in January.

For those wanting to get involved in the festival in a more intimate and unique way, you can volunteer to work by contacting the human resourced department. This will allow you free access into the festival grounds, but make sure not to get too distracted by the party and to adhere to your responsibilities.

As well as a plethora of diverse performances, the food served at the festival is a major part of the entire celebration. There is a high amount of attention paid on the quality of the food as well as it's local authenticity. There are traditional Cajun and Creole recipes as well as more contemporary ideas based on these, as well as crawfish and alligator that Louisiana is famous for serving, all made, for the most part, with fresh and local ingredients. There are over 200 offerings available, and enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for.

In the run up to the festival, during the festival, and also in the cooling own period, there are a number of events happening all over the city in bars and nightclubs, that are not directly associated with the festival itself, but are all in the spirit of celebrating the culture of New Orleans. This gives travellers a chance to not only witness the culture at the festival, but to explore the many small and quirky establishments in the city that really enrapture the soul of the music, featuring performances from many local and lesser known artists to some household names.

For any blues or jazz fan, New Orleans is an absolute must visit location, and there is no better way to witness it than by attending the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. More information can be found on the website (www.nola.com).

Set to coincide with the annual Encierro (Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona, Spain, New Orleans hosts a very unusual and unique event very rich in Spanish culture but with an American twist. This takes part in early July in multiple locations all over the city, with free admission.

The traditional event that the New Orleans event is based on is a long running part of Spanish history, derived from the need to transport bulls from the fields outside of the city to the bullring. During the transit, people would jump an play among the animals to show off their bravery, and after some time some of the men realised that they could speed up the process by using fear and excitement to hurry the cattle. Today, towns and villages all over the latin world host events which see people chased through the streets by cattle.

While very exciting, some people don't want to be attacked by an enraged bull, and this is where the creators of the New Orleans festival have come up with a unique idea. The “bulls” are actually not cattle, but are New Orleans based all female flat truck derby team known as the Big Easy Rollergirls. They skate behind the runners and attack them with soft foam bats, which is much less painful and much less dangerous than actual bulls. Some of them dress up with horns on their head to add a little more authenticity to the event.

The event is growing in popularity every single year, so those who want optimal viewing positions are encouraged to get to the event early to secure the best spots. The procession begins at 7.15am and the running begins around 8.00am, beginning and ending at the Sugar Mull on Convention Centre Boulevard. Those who want to participate have to pay a $15 fee and have to wear white clothing and a red scarf around their waists and necks. Some people chose to dress up as matadors, bulls, and other creative outfits.

As well as the procession and the running of the bulls, the city comes alive with parties all over the city, celebrating Spanish culture, and it is safe to say that you will never be far from an authentic Sangria. The festival begins the night before the procession and run with a party at the Little Gem Saloon, and throughout the entire duration of the festival there is music, live entertainment, public readings, and of course cocktails, tapas, and speciality food.

Some of the proceeds go towards Animal Rescue Now Orleans. They aim to increase awareness of animal cruelty, which historically with the Running of the Bulls has been a socially conflicting issue. The New Orleans event, featuring no real bulls, is animal friendly, although you may endure a serious blow to your pride as you are chased down by rollerbulls in front of the crowds of spectators. More information can be found on the New Orleans tourism website (http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/festivals/multiculturalfestivals/runningofthebulls.html) including exact dates and running schedules of the next planned event.

St Patrick's Day, also traditionally known as the feast of Saint Patrick, is the celebration held on the 17th March which is the traditional death date of Saint Patrick himself. Saint Patrick himself was the Christian missionary and bishop who became to be known as the Patron Saint of Ireland.

When you look at the celebrations of St Patrick's Day in Ireland, and then compare them to the celebrations for the same cause that are happening in America, you will find it hard to believe that it is, in fact, an Irish celebration. While it is a tradition to wear green, to drink Guinness, and to represent everything that is Irish, the Americans have adapted this as their own and have made the party so much bigger and so much better than it is in the country that it originates from. There is perhaps no better place to celebrate this day than in New York City, so put on your greenest outfit and make your way to The Big Apple.

First and foremost is the St Patrick's Day parade that marches along Fifth Avenue and passes St. Patrick's Cathedral and Central Park. The parade happens between 44th Street and 79th Street between 11.00am and 5.00pm on March 17th and features Irish music, dancing, costumes and floats.

Aside from the parade, New York has a large number of Irish Bars that will inevitably be celebrating on St Patrick's Day. After the end of the parade, make your way to your local for an Irish Ale and to celebrate in true New York Spirit. Close to the parade Route are Finnegan's Wake, Doc Watson's, The Perfect Pint and Paddy Maguire's Ale House, amongst a plethora of other locations.

There are other ways to celebrate other than drinking beer and watching the parade. Every year, chef Peter Berley runs a cooking class on how to put together seven traditional Irish dishes through the Institute of Culinary Education's pub-themed cooking class. There are also whiskey and beer cheese pairing classes taking part in Greenwich Village for those who wish to develop their rating palettes.

You can also take a tour of the Whiskey Distillers in Vinegar Hill that were once illegal in the time of President Ulysses S. Grant. The Whiskey distilleries are still in action, and, although very much now legalised, provide an interesting afternoon of information and culture relating to the history of the region as a whiskey producer.

The Irish Arts Centre puts on a show of traditional Irish dancing, craft, workshops and tea. They offer a multitude of different activities to include the entire audience, although it is also possible just to watch with a warm cup of tea for those less eager and wanting a more relaxing celebration.

Lastly, you can take a cruise on the Hudson River on a special St Patrick's Day tour which includes traditional Irish beer and cuisine with live music, all while you watch the iconic New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty drift past in style and finesse.