Sofar Sounds is a worldwide movement of house concerts. They may be in your town! They hold monthly concerts in living rooms and other spaces (galleries, stores, studios) and feature a number of bands doing short sets mostly unplugged. Local talent predominates but bands passing through often show up. They pass a hat to benefit the artists. This is often a chance to see up and coming bands before they catch fire.
http://www.sofarsounds.com/
http://www.sofarsounds.com/