They say that a musican without a girlfriend/boyfriend is called homeless.There was a place in Memphis Town called "The Shanti Inn." It was ran by the late great "Big Sam" whose heart was twice the size of his wallet. But if you played at his bar, you would at least get a plate of ribs, and a pitcher of cheep beer. My fondest memories are from that time in my life.
But the worst thing I'd ever done to get food money, (that I'd tell you anyway) was to go to someone that really believed in my music, and ask them how much I could get for my guitar, as I was broke and hungry. They would break an arm going for their money, just for the chance to save a artist. God bless them.