I have to call Austin out.. This "Live Music Capital Of The World" bullshit is BULLSHIT. We (myself included) act as if we're "entitled" to all of these live performances that are forever swirling and churning in most every bar in this town. Bands dont get paid SHIT here ! This is true for many cities, I know.. But lets focus on Austin for now. The thing that burns me up most is people like me that ARE IN BANDS expect to be let in free to a club they / we have played once or twice. SHIT ! ! Even having played a place twenty times should not equal "assumed" free admission. Of course certain clubs value drawing bands and their members and to let these folks in is very much a "Thank You" for basically bringing steady money into that venue. I can get down with that. Certainly..
  I also understand being broke. -Please know I'm hating on myself right now as well.. I really think its time well all showed some gratitude for quality bands / acts by treating them like professionals and not just slipping into clubs for free just because, lets face it, many of us CAN !
  This brings me to my last point (having to do with that "quality" thing). Maybe clubs are so lax on door fees because they know that, a little too often, the bands they house SUCK ! I think Austin is finally cranking out some high quality music for the first time, of this abundance, IN YEARS ! It would be very nice if bookers got more into researching who they book so that a better / more acurate expectation for  any given show could be predicted.
  Lastly I must write that this rant comes from me being in a band, working the door at a club, booking all my bands shows and from weaseling my way into clubs for years now.
 Oh yeah...: In no way am I whining because I expect to make my living off of being a musician -but maybe thats fucked up as well. -David