General Music Chat

It's really no different anywhere. Bars/clubs want bands with a following to bring customers in/bands want gigs so they can attract fans.
Offering to play cheaply on an off night (weeknights) might work so that the manager/booking agent can hear what you sound like (and then get all your friends to come!) Look for charity gigs where you'll play for free but get to meet others. Network - go to other bands' gigs and talk to them during breaks. Go to jams. Look for Facebook music groups in your area.

1. Put together a solid set list for your target audience.
2. Generate some high quality recordings and video of your performances, even in your backyard if needed.
3. Join Gig Salad or Gigmasters and put your best foot forward.

This is our formula and we turn down far more gigs than we take. Once you get the gig, show up on time, give em a great show, and leave them wanting more. Oh and don't get shitfaced.

If your target audience is bars, make sure to bring in at least 30 people who drink a lot and will stay til closing. Bars don't care whether you play Polka or Death Metal as long as you bring a lot of thirsty fans with you to fill their empty place and fill their empty cash register.

damn that is A LOT of contact info!