The essence of a live music scene is (ta-da) LIVE MUSIC. While that may seem a tad obvious to you & I, rest assured, there are some folk out there who don't seem to make this connection. By this same logic, live music indicates a band (preferably containing live members) getting up on stage and rockin' out for all it's worth. And once a band (again live members a big plus) can hit that point where they've peddled their wares at most of a town's venues, it's time to make that big step and play out. Out of town, that is. The out of town gig can arguably be considered one of the most emotionally (and financially) daunting tasks a band can face. The first time in a new place is never pretty, and more often than not one will find that Dueling Banjos is not the most welcoming sound a traveler can hear. However, for a band to really mature and consider itself seasoned, the out of town gigs are absolutely essential. With that in mind, let's take a second and go over the pro's and con's of the well planned musical excursion.

PRO: New venue means potential new fans & yet another star on the resume
CON: New Venue means barely enough money to cover gas and/or your bassist's predilection for Mini-Thins.
PRO: A good performance means a return invitation and the time for a good word of mouth to form.
CON: You may potentially play to the same two bartenders and make the same (or less) money as the first time
PRO: A good show with receptive fans in a strange place can go a long way in recharging the psychic batteries
CON: A bad show with evil fans can turn even the most devout musician into a potential french-fry monkey.
PRO: New places means new people who don't know your reputation and may think that you're "a really nice person".
CON: Interstate police cooperation is at an all time high.

    So we can see that while those first few out of town gigs aren't exactly stuffing your wallet, they certainly go a long way towards watering your blossoming career as rock gods. And as pointed out above, the number one thing to remember is that YOU'RE NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY MONEY THE FIRST TIME IN A NEW TOWN. In fact, you will probably lose money. This will be much like your first paying gig at home, but without your mom. And while that's not exactly a glowing endorsement, if the big money is the only reason you're playing in a band, you'd best think about making the basement your permanent gig.

    With that happy testimonial in mind, let's talk about the things you can do to make sure your ventures into the great unknown turn out more like Light of Day rather than Children of the Corn. First off, once a date has been set and the ball is rolling be sure to FOLLOW UP! Take a moment and imagine that feeling inside when you hear the bar folk say "Who? Oh, we cancelled that show weeks ago..." A phone call is a cheap and quick alternative to a wasted tank of gas and a whole lot of bad feelings. Now that you know the gig is good and the dates approaching, all that needs to be done is a little thing called promotion. While we'd all like to believe that your debut appearance in Shelbyville is the bar's biggest concern, we'd also like a President that doesn't remind us of an aging Jack Tripper. So the best bet is to promote yourself. If you've a contact in that particular burg, a little flattery and a spot on the guest list goes a long way toward getting a helping hand. If you've got posters, send 'em to the bar. Make sure the local alternapapers know you're coming. Have aforementioned contact do a little flyer work for you. Strangely enough, most locals get a bit more excited about out of town bands than their own hometown heroes. Familiarity and all that, I suppose. 

    That said, your third concern is of course, getting there. It need not be said that 30 minutes into the journey is not the best time to find out that your drummer gets violently carsick. Make sure everyone's washed their hands and done their dirty, sinful business before the van door closes. There are some simple rules that make long distance gigging fairly easy. But that's a column in itself. So for now, go to Kill Creek's website to hear what they have to say about the road. Well, not now, but later. When you've finished your veggies. Anywho, let's imagine that Smokey was sleeping off a chilidog and nobody let Animal drive. You've arrived at your destination. Woo-Hoo! Take a minute before you go inside and stretch out. Deep breath. Ahh...

    Once inside, you're first priority is introducing yourself to the barstaff, et all. Find out who's in charge of the setup/money, etc. Be sure to thank the kind folks responsible for inviting you to their sandbox. If the other bands are there, hunt 'em down and say howdy. And of course, identify the soundman and make him your new best friend. Pissing off the soundguy/gal should never be considered good tactics, but when you're away from home, that magical suck button somehow looks a lot more tempting. (Yes, there is a "suck" button. No, don't ask where it is.) Generally be a good guest and try to be accommodating, regardless of how ineffably dull or nightmarish the trip.  Once the logistics of the situation are settled, be sure to get exact times your presence is needed before lighting out to explore or feed. Missing a sound check is never a good idea. (remember: Suck button) Going onstage late may also be considered tres rude. Let me back up and make certain that you were on time, correct? You didn't actually show up late did you? Okay...just checking. Carry on, then.

    Onstage you know what you're doing so there's no need to comment on that. Just remember to mention the band's name and make sure everybody knows where your merchandise is. Thank the other bands, thank the bar, thank the nice people who came to watch you play. Just do all the stuff your mom made you do after Christmas. Nobody's implying you don't know this. It's just good manners. Once you've rocked their world, remember to tear down quickly and efficiently. That way the flow of the evening goes unhindered, and it leaves you more time for the next part: hanging around. People like to talk to the band, and it's part of your job to make yourself accessible to the audience. One, it's nice to hear people's reaction directly and you might never know who you'll meet. Even though it's 2:45a.m and you've got a 3 hour drive ahead of you, at least make an effort to press the flesh. Yes, this town has their own version of Otis and Floyd, and while you might not want to know all about the best potato they ever had, it's still polite to nod and say "uh-huh" once in awhile. Remember, they're the one's who are going to tell all their friends about you. And maybe bug the bar until they invite you back.

    As long as the number's are the same as your original agreement, try not to act too disappointed by the 45 dollars placed in your palms at the end of the night. Let the owner/manager/promoter know you had a good time, and that you're ready for more. If you did what you came to do and did it well, 99% of the time, you can expect a return engagement. So stagger back to the van and put on your driving music, 'cause it's time to head home. Hopefully you had a good time and met some new folks, at worst it'll make an amusing anecdote to chuckle over when your sleeping on your mattress o' money. So if you've any more questions, just remember: WWJTBVD (What would Jesse "the Body" Ventura Do?) Righto, then. Carry on.

* Name that reference, kids!
** Yes, I know ALL about it. Accept it.
***Ditto.
****Well, without the shoplifting...