I must confess: This was not only my first show ever at Zuzu, drug clinic but also my first time ever seeing the beloved Boston-based Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion! live. Boy, viagra 40mg have I been missing out on both counts. The show was more than that, order though. It turned into a shining example of the necessity to push the boundaries of one’s comfort zone in order to seek out new art and music.

My night was a rollercoaster ride of new experiences and emotions. As I usually do, I called the venue ahead of time to find out what time the bands would go on. First set starts at 10 or 10:30, got it. My roommate, who is your average shameless Top 40 lover, unexpectedly decided to join me for the night.

It seemed to be an average Monday night for me: I hopped on the 1 bus with my roommate, missed our stop, and got to the venue around 10:10. We walked into the bar with little to no expectations – there were 10 to 15 typical Boston music junkies standing around the bar with some solid music in the background (the only song I actively noted was “Theme From Krill,” so I’ll take it). After awkwardly trying (and failing) to find a spot at the bar, we sat in some seats next to where opening act The Dazies were storing their gear.

My roommate was quick to point out how creepy I’d look at most shows by myself – sitting quietly in a dark corner of a bar messing with a camera and scribbling in a leather-bound notebook. Nonetheless, that wasn’t as strange as the homeless man that wandered into the venue, set down his garbage bags next to us, stood silently for about 5 minutes, and walked out leaving his bags behind. I suppose the best way to spend a Monday as a homeless man would be in a warm venue with some great music and infinite opportunities to bum cigarettes. Case in point – Central Square homeless man, I commend your efforts.

But alas, what struck me the most about the night were my roommate’s differing reactions to the evening. She explained feeling awkward, out of place, and “pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone.” Strange to me, as a small bar with a couple of great local rock bands and appreciative fans sounds right at home to me.

The more shows I go to in Boston, the more I’m reminded that the Boston local scene is tight-knit, wildly inclusive and generous. A few of the highlights: One concertgoer offered me his better-equipped camera lens to use, another left the bar so my roommate would have a spot to sit, a third man continually asked me if he was in my way. Simply put, Boston music lovers are all-around the best music lovers.

Even the opening act demonstrated the spirit of Boston DIY. The Dazies is the solo project of Mean Creek drummer Mikey Holland. The only catch is it’s not really a solo act at all. Holland plays with a rotating cast of Boston musicians, which on Monday night featured the members of These Wild Plains.

While The Dazies weren’t Bruno Mars or Taylor Swift, even my Top 40 roommate fell for the catchy summer melodies and fuzzy guitars. The Dazies warmed up the snowy Monday evening for the 30-or-so concertgoers that braved the blustery exterior to make it to Zuzu’s. The band demonstrated ‘60s and ‘70s style rock – think White Fence on an angst-y day. The Mean Creek drummer was pitchy at times, but held it together and showed the whole band’s got chops.

When the set ended, I looked to my roommate only to find a shocked half smile as she realized that wasn’t the headliner and there was still another act to go. The mood was that of silent, satisfied bewilderment for her.

Then BtDoaGS! took the stage, and by that, I mean they walked from next to the bar to in front of the bar. All dressed in black shirts with yellow scorpions and black bandanas covering the lower halves of their faces – one glance back at my roommate showed a look of where-did-you-take-me dread. Spoiler: By the end of the night she reasoned BtDoaGS! were a great live band with evident energy and personality-filled stage presence.

It’s difficult to put BtDoaGS!’s music into words, but they’re sort of like if you stuck entirely instrumental surf rock and rockabilly into a blender. The band utilized having an open bar at their disposal as opposed to a stage, jumping wildly around what crowd there was while simultaneously showing off their relentlessly fast-paced instrumental (and foot)work.

My only complaint for BtDoaGS! was the brevity of their 7-song set that left me craving more – but maybe that’s the appeal to it all. The band delivered everything you’d want from a set: driving bass, satisfying guitar riffs, powerful drums, all neatly packaged in energetic glory. With insanely smooth transitions (and lots of ‘em), BtDoaGS! are not a Boston act to dismiss.

There were a lot of similarities between my roommate’s night and my own. Neither of us had been to Zuzu’s, neither had seen BtDoaGS!, neither had seen The Dazies and neither had sat next to a homeless man at a concert. The difference is that night was typical for me, something I expect to find on a Monday night. Her experience made me realize all of the art I’m blinded to.

In summation: everyone needs to step outside of their culture box. Maybe you’ll end up sitting next to a harmless homeless man. Maybe you’ll end up seeing two incredible live acts you’ve never heard of before. Maybe both. No matter what, you’ll leave the experience knowing just that much more about the art and culture going on around you. Maybe my roommate will realize The Dazies are her favorite band and dive into the deep depths of the musical unknown. Maybe Top ’40 Pandora will keep on being her favorite place to find music. Either way, she discovered art she never knew existed just by going somewhere new.

What are you missing out on?

Don’t forget to check out BtDoaGS! via their Bandcamp.