Interesting question and discussion. I couldn't agree more strongly with those comments above saying; "Go For It!" and "no worries about stealing gigs."

I know that many of the folks that play the same events and stages that I play have day jobs - and many can afford to work for less then me. But I never see that as competitors "stealing" work from me. If they are playing at that level they typically deserve it because they have some real quality to offer.

I have made a living at music since Jan 2000. I started out at the "part-time pro" level (if I can coin the phrase) and I still play some events at that level. I play at the next levels up too, often with a band ... but even there I come across folks with day-jobs.

Over the long run, every player or band earns his/her keep. If you are pleasing the crowd at a given event and that event is making ends meet, you'll be asked back; you've earned your keep.

I have not played places where the venue takes unfair advantage of the performers. Those places will not last. I know most of the performers making a living in the same venues I work. We talk to each other about venues and our experiences there. A crooked venue owner won't last long.

I take that back - I did play oe venue where I worked for the door and let the owner take tickets. He swore there only 95 - I had counted 140 (full house). I also found him and his staff unusually disinterested in being hospitable toward my band. I had no proof, and could only blame myself for not verifying the house count. SO - I never went back to that venue - and I passed the word on to my music friends.