Firecat, does anything special happen in England when you turn 18. I remember the big deal everybody made about it as I was turning 18. As it turned out, being 18 wasn't a whole lot different. I did like it better than 17 though if that means anything.

As for places in the US, I imagine I could try finding open mic's in Seattle here if you were going to come this way. Other than that, there really isn't much I know of or could help you with. The best places to hear music are almost all 21 and over. But I'm sure there's something that can be done!