I would recommend sand in your crotch for just about ANY gig...

Seriously, though, if an iPod is taking your gig, you have just let yourself become too 'background'. The personality and dynamism of your show should transcend the music you play, and if you play gigs that WANT you to remain background, you are always one budget cut away from being replaced by Muzak, iPods or Sirius.

Stay away from these gigs, and make sure the audience knows (and can see) you are PLAYING most of what they hear. That way, you'll NEVER sound like a DJ... (and a DJ will NEVER sound like you!)