Emma Sleva (CWR '11), host of The Occasional Detour on Cleveland's WRUW-FM 91.1, is the one you call when you need to know anything about the local music scene, or music in general, really. Here are her suggestions for finding new bands and places to see them.

Tune in to college and public radio stations. Most college radio shows announce upcoming concerts. "Plus lots of DJs have great blogs," Sleva says.

Read the alternative press. You're far more likely to find independent music news in non-mainstream publications.

Get to know a local record store. Did you know the third Saturday in April is national Record Store day? Find your store at recordstoreday.com.

You can find music in unlikely places. Farmer's markets, libraries and the like are great places to hear local bands, and check out the community bulletin boards for concert posters.

Check out music networking sites like last.fm to test drive new genres, all for free. (Plus, this handy site recommends music based on your tastes.)

Don't be intimidated by new venues. "Remember, it's all about the music, Sleva says.

Who: Lisa Chiu (CWR '93)
What: Rants, Ravings and Ruminations
Why: Lisa lost her iPhone.
She can't decide if her 8-year-old son's re-styling of his hair on school picture day is cool or not. She sends her belated holiday cards as Lunar New Year cards. Why? Because we've all been there.
Where: lisa-chiu.blogspot.com