"So if you arrive at a small venue loaded with amps you've probably scared off most folks. "

Sort of reminds me of the Yogi Berra story about going to a restaurant.   Arriving to find there were no tables, Berra supposedly said "No wonder nobody comes here, the place is always packed!"

I'm wondering why a venue would hire a band with amps if it would scare off most folks. Is it possible the band is attracting a different audience?