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There are few things that bring people together like music. Some of my best memories in high school are of going to shows and creating memories with new friends.  The shared love of a band is a great icebreaker.

When I finally entered my twenties, a whole new world opened up to me as I became eligible to see live music at local bars and clubs.  Going to see a band is one of my favorite activities and it breaks up the routine of just ‘bar hopping' every weekend.  You never know what the night will bring, but no matter what, it’s always fun and entertaining!  It’s great to follow bands around the area, because you start seeing familiar faces and building connections just by going to shows.  I’ve created some great relationships over the years by meeting other fans at live events.

A while back I started following a local band called The Lawsuits.  I love their music, and have used their shows as an opportunity to visit the many corners of Bucks County.  Alas, they are now packing the house in Philadelphia and my best kept secret won’t be a secret for much longer – but in the process, I have seen many new Bucks County venues.  Each one has a unique feel, and for your reading pleasure, I have listed my top four below:

John & Peters, New Hope: A music lover’s dream, this bar hosts live music 365 nights a year.  Bands enjoy playing here for the loyal crowds and opportunity to showcase their work on a stage that other successful bands have played before them, most notably local legends Ween, who got their start here. One of the only bars to allow smoking inside, if you can tough it out, you will be rewarded with an unpretentious atmosphere that is genuinely devoted to supporting local talent.

Puck, Doylestown: Known for their outside bar with a big screen to catch the big game, downstairs lies a full bar and stage.  Known for their open mic night each Wednesday, often the talent comes back to headline their own night at the club.

MOMs, Doylestown: Upstairs at MOMs feels more like you’re in your friend’s living room than a bar. It’s that intimate setting that gives audiences an opportunity to connect with the music and get close to the artists.  MOMs is host to Craft Culture, live music each Thursday and Saturday night where audiences can enjoy an eclectic mix of local music while sampling the craft beer selection.

Triumph Brewing Company, New Hope: One of the larger stages in the area, Triumph draws big crowds when they feature anything from Led Zepplin cover bands to singer/songwriters.  You can listen to music while enjoying some friendly competition over at the pool tables or dart boards (all while sipping on their house brewed beer).  This location has become a favorite, because it makes it so easy to meet new people and interact with others.

My favorite part about catching a band at one of these smaller locations is the opportunity to meet the musicians.  It’s always fun to go up to the cute singer at the end of the show, compliment him on a job well done, and strike up conversation.  (Free advice time: It’s a relatively well known fact that putting a guy on stage with an instrument makes him instantly more attractive, and every girl swoons over a rock star).  It's also a great way to meet guys that I would not have otherwise met at happy hour – making plans to see live music with a friend is a great excuse to see a new crush.  As fellow music fans know, if you bond over the music, it often leads to deeper connections!  If you want to meet new people, start by checking out your town's live shows – they often bring people from surrounding areas together.  It’s also an easy way to grow your little black book (read: iPhone contacts) while still enjoying your favorite local hot spots.  In the end, my love for music has exposed me to some excellent local acts, helped to expand my social circle, and even given me a few new dating prospects.  Three birds, one fantastic stone!

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