1. Always tip the bartender

2. Always start on time

3. Play a little over the allotted time but only by one song, especially if the crowd is engaged. If the crowd asks for more chances are the bar manager will offer to extend another hour $$

4. Play music people are familiar with

5. No drinking…well maybe 2 or even 3 to loosen up but that’s it

6. Never drugs

7. Tell a few stories but not too many unless it's a songwriters circle. Usually in a bar it's loud and the crowd just wants to hear music

8. Check your sound, too loud kills the gig, too low and you won't be heard

9. Climatize- It usually takes a few songs for the crowd to get used to you and for you to get used to the crowd

10. End first set with a great upbeat song (maybe your best)

11. End the night with your best two fast songs

12. Slow song every 5th song? Unless they are all slow songs

13. Promote, don't rely on the bar to bring the crowd

14. Plant friendlies in the crowd, it's going to be a way better night if you have fans already in the crowd

15. The crowd feeds off your energy, it's up to you to create it