Zuki, it SOUNDS great and inspiring and all, to give some of these low-budget venues a break, but......... Donny is absolutely correct in that it seriously injures the entire industry (and certainly the local industry) to play at these ridiculously low prices. I won't repeat the 'cons' as Donny has covered them very well, but trust me, the damage to the industry (as represented by your fellow gigging musicians) far outweighs any personal satisfaction you might get by 'helping out' these 'poor people'. It's not the poor residents you're helping, it's the rich management/owners.

Want to REALLY help them? Try Russ's approach. Volunteer to work for NH reform which might include a mandated entertainment budget. That type of thing helps EVERYBODY involved. JMO.

chas