Got to get over some notions: The vast majority of people couldn't care less about things that are very important to others, such as and particularly, artistic expression. Music has become, at least in the mainstream of American popular culture (and it's seeping into other countries that have televisions) just something else that you wear to attract others, whether dates or friends. You don't consider carefully what music is meaningful to your life, you hide quietly in a figurative corner until somebody tells you what to like, and then you like it and have more friends and enhanced reproductive potential. No sweat. So, then, neither care the bar owners for something that is not making them money. And surely nobody still thinks that record companies or any other media is any different. What you do, you got to do it for yourself, and if you're lucky enough to have a place to do it where people appreciate it as you do, you are indeed fortunate. I'll have to say that most of my experiences playing in bars have been positive. What's boring is private parties, which pay better but you're basically just an expensive decoration. The best times I ever have playing music are at home with my friends, or at the remaining unspoiled festivals, like Clifftop in West Virginia. That one's a secret now, so don't tell anybody.

For the little money you can make playing in local bars, pubs, clubs, and eateries, don't do it unless it's fun.

Hard learned, Chet