This is a definite place to try to get into in that area Tony, http://www.redroom.org/. I'm based in NY and have them on my pitch list when I think I can get another gig down there or get in there myself. THey are also involved in an experimental festival that would be a worthy quest.
My brother and I are starting to consider trying to play out. We'd like to do avant/looping/soundscape/spoken word/weirdness gigs in the Philly/Baltimore/DC area. Does anybody know places that we should approach?