I learned my lesson 30 years ago about leaving gear on the job. It was the American Legion in Havre de Grace, Maryland, where I played every Friday night and was scheduled for a crab feat party the following day. I came in to see a pitcher of beer sitting atop the keyboard on the cloth cover. I picked up the pitcher and threw it in the trash can next to the bar and gave a look to the barmaid that would have dropped most folks in their tracks. I never again left gear on the job.

Russ, you need an inexpensive cattle fence zapper surrounding your gear - 50,000-volts really gets someone's attention. Seriously, I would not perform at a place where folks with that mentality congregate. Sounds as if the only thing they care about is themselves, and the world is filled with individuals of that caliber. There are lots and lots of nicer places to perform.

Good luck,

Gary