WLD, yes.

You've nailed it (again). In our particular genre, and with the types of offers with which we are beset, what you are talking about is a large consideration. We HAVE learned what people want. When an organizer who knows zip wants to tell us what we are wanted for, it's really hard to wrap my head around the fact that they don't really understand that we are not what they are looking for, and that their event wouldn't do well even if we were willing to do what they ask.

We generate something quite special.... most organizers in this tiny, sparse market haven't the vision to recognize that unique thing as a reality to be hoped for.

We're very good at what we do-- and so one of my criteria, I am coming to see, is whether the offer is a chance to do what we do or merly an effort to fill a slot with something they hope will have some buzz. And I'm not here to spread buzz for them.

Another is, will the logistics work for us with the limited strength at our disposal between us? Will it be physically possible for us to manage the location, the gear, and the tech end?

And about supporting causes-- I do NOT support the very skewed cause this recent offer entailed. Our band DOES support the next two items on the table. I'll finish planning for them, and we'll do them over the summer.

About "exposure," I think I feel like Max describes above. We ground out some really crap gigs to become known in our area. It must have worked because we get more offers than we can accept-- we suddenly woke up one morning to find we were now considered a fixture in the community, not "who are they and what do they do?" But even back in the days we played just out of gratitude for the call, often beyond or strength, we didn't say yes to ALL the offers. We all either have day jobs or caregiving responsibilities to juggle.

I'm just sad the world is so hungry for music that we (all of us) can't fill every request. People ought to learn to do some music for themselves, is what I think. I like the idea of steering gigs to friends-- but I'd do it by making new friends who might be musicians under their terror, too.

~Susan