Near Chicago. Probably not the best place to be in regards to music business.
Not the worst, though! Go to clubs. Volunteer. Meet bands. Ask to hang out at recording sessions. Offer to do remixes. Get up in everyone's grille. Spend lots of time at it. Remember names and faces and always be nice, always be on time. You will do this enough that eventually you will be paid. If you continue down this path you will specialize. Keep at it long enough and you may become Butch Vig. But it all starts by being there and helping. People hire their friends. A semi-talented friend will get the job that the extraordinarily-talented stranger wants. Make lots of friends.
I'm good at making friends, and feel comfortable talking to anyone. So that's good. Thanks for the advice!