Say I am going to visit your home town. What local artists should I try and see, and where should I try to see them (art, music, busking or otherwise).
For example, here in Vancouver I would suggest catching the Be Good Tanyas (folk music) at any of the Cafes of Commercial Drive.
Gringo Love Show would be a great rock band to catch when you’re in New York City. They remind me of a lovely mix of the Stones, the Black Crowes, ZZ Top and the James Gang.
If you ever head to the Cleveland/Akron area there was an awesome band called Harriet The Spy from Kent. Haven’t heard anything about them in a few years, though.
In Washington/Baltimore I’d mention Mary Prankster or Eddie from Ohio. And see them at say, a little club on Fells Point maybe. Or TT Reynolds in Virginia.
Heck, if you want some spicy food I’d go with Fat Tuesday’s near George Mason University.
Seattle/Olympia area
Check out the bands at K Records.
They produced Beat Happening way back in the day
Beck - Before he was main stream
Modest Mouse
COCO
Halo Benders
IQU
Dub Narcotic
etc.
And last but not least, my sister’s second album. 
Here is a list of tour dates, but not for all the bands I listed.
If you are in Vancouver it would definitely be worth your while to go to Bumbershoot in Seattle, the arts festival. There is going to be more good music there than you can shake a stick at.
Probably doesn’t count but a friend of my sister is in a band called The Alice Band. I believe they’re contracted and publishing and so forth; they’ve been on the telly a coupla times, the lottery etc. The girl’s called Amy Lindop, and right royal pretty she is too. Never heard her sing. If these guys get famous, though, I have plenty dirt to dish. Particularly the comedy couple “George and Malcolm” she used to do with my sister. That was messed up.
Website: http://www.thealiceband.co.uk/
Amy’s in the middle. I saw her first. I own her and all the subsidiary rights…