Where is here? How about go see a concert? Universities often have performances of various kinds. Or make a road trip to see an old school show…. “Years”? Wow!
The past year I went to a couple shows with my wife and daughter. It was awesome and well worth it. Pretty trippy to be in those environs again. I guess putting our money where our mouths are could be a thing: support real music by real humans.
You're not wrong! But I hate going to the city, to bars full of drunk people. There are probably nice venues too where people play nice music. And the nicer it is, the more expensive it is :) I am happy enough out here playing my own music for myself (I'm in a rural place in southern Australia). I do agree though.. I always give buskers money if I can, especially if they rock or are playing originals.. and not just spare change. They say thanks, and I say thank YOU. I love buskers..especially on a rainy evening... beautiful. (also why bandcamp is cool, you buy music directly from the artist)..
edit: oh yeah, and I can't often go off somewhere for hours anyway cos I'm a full time carer.. haven't been anywhere really in years. I'm fine with it...