subject: Live Music In Your Neighborhood [print this page] Everyone's first concert was like a rite of passage. Music is a completely different experience when you're hearing it played live in front of you. It's physical, it's emotional, and it can be spiritual. You can feel every drum beat resonate through your body. Other than the hangover the next day, however, most people's wallets are as vast as the Grand Canyon after big-name band's concert.
No matter your budget, you can experience live music anywhere at any time. Many local bars and clubs will hold live music nights weekly, or sometimes even daily. So next time you feel like listening to some live music, why don't you check out your local?
While stadium concerts are big on entertainment and excitement, they're also hard on the wallet. Even spending $200 on a ticket doesn't guarantee that you'll get a good seat, and you could end up wishing you'd instead watched the concert on TV from the comfort of your own home. If you do go to the concert, don't bother with the expensive merchandise and $50 T-shirts. The bottle of water you buy is going to set you back enough! And smuggling in your own snacks may attract the attention of security. Unless you're willing to pay the price for the front row, it may be a good idea to avoid the stadium altogether.
A fantastic way of checking out the music talent locally is to go to open-mic nights. There won't be a cover charge as the musicians are trying to get noticed. You can usually find a good seating space and many bars will have drink specials to entice people in to see the bands in action. No need for the binoculars - you can relax, have a few drinks, and kick back with your friends.
A lot of bars also hold events that feature a range of local and traveling musical talent, including many new bands who are more interested in generating fans rather than cash. Although there's usually a cover charge to get in, the cost for you and a bunch of your friends could be the same as for a single T-shirt at a Britney Spears concert. And you're sure to get your money's worth by crying "encore!"
A major drawback with concerts at the big venues is the distance you are from the performers. With local gigs, you can experience the music close up, and, with smaller crowds, can request autographs without the risk of being tasered by security.
One of the best things about live music is the opportunity to meet your favorite musicians. At big stadiums this isn't going to happen. Unless you have pockets bulging with cash, you won't be getting to pose with rock stars backstage, or asking them to record your mobile voicemail message; stadium security is paid to keep the fans watching at a distance. Instead, look out for announcements on your favorite band's website about smaller, more intimate gigs.
Local gigs are a great way to broaden your music tastes. Arrive early enough so that you can see all the bands on the set. Not every musical talent will emerge from American Idol. The next Rolling Stones may start out at your local bar.
Local shows support local businesses, bands, and the arts. Everyone started somewhere with the support of music lovers at small venues. Save the anonymous, obstructed-view stadium seats for the lottery winners. Your local bands will be happy to see you at the bar.
