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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.

There’s different kind of venue for every live music fan. Music can happen any where at any time. Many local bars and clubs are regular spots that host music weekly, sometimes daily. No matter what your budget, if you’re in the mood for some live tunes, a concert could be as close as your local bar.

Stadium concerts are exciting and entertaining. They’re also ridiculously expensive. A $200 ticket can still land you in the nosebleed seats for all the ticket counter cares. You could end up wishing you watched it on TV at home, where the food is free. If you do head to the stadium, skip the $50 T-shirts and over-priced merchandise. A bottle of water alone will have your pockets parched when you return from the concession. Sneaking in your own snacks or contraband may bring security your way. So, unless you have deep enough pockets for front row seats, it might be best to forgo the stadium concert experience.

Open-mic nights give you a fantastic opportunity to check out local music talent. An added bonus is that these are usually free! The musicians want to get noticed, and bars will often have drink specials to attract customers. You don’t need binoculars to see the musicians performing, and there’s plenty of seating for you and your friends. So you can simply sit back, relax with a few drinks and enjoy your night.

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!”

Local music gigs enable you to get closer to the music performers. At big concerts there’s a huge distance between you and your favorite performers, and you run the risk of being tasered by security for simply trying to get an autograph. With smaller crowds you can ask for all the autographs you want.

One of the great things about live music is the chance to get to meet your music heroes. If you have a bulging bank account you may get the chance to pose for photos backstage, or ask a rock star to record your voicemail message. If you don’t, you most likely won’t. Instead security is there to make sure that concert-goers watch the performance at a distance. Instead of going to the big stadium, keep an eye on your favorite group’s website for announcements about smaller, less formal gigs.

It’s also a good idea to take a broader interest in music. Make sure you get to a local gig early so you can listen to all the bands performing. Not every future music star rolls off the American Idol production line; you never know – the next Rolling Stones may well be playing 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.

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