Dayne Nobody IV wrote:ohhhh..but now we are getting into another problem concerning money gig..s pro setups, etc. an age old problem that left a bad taste in my mouth back in the 1980's in Florida when I did get paid gigs every weekend.. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EQUIPMENT COSTS AND UPKEEP/MAINTENANCE? ..is it up to me to flip the bill? am I the one that is responsible to purchase the needed gear? or should all the band members (2 ea.) divvy up the cost? 
Dayne - there's no set answer for that. It has to be discussed with the other band members. Typically, going into a new band situation, one person has THIS equipment and one person has THAT equipment. So if THIS breaks, does the owner of the gear foot the whole bill? If the band pays to fix it, then doesn't the band own part of it now? If the band buys some gear with earnings (or everyone kicking in), what happens when the band breaks up, or one person leaves? All these permutations need to be worked out up front.
On a different note - regarding battery-operated amps/PAs: there are a lot of choices now, what works for you depends on 1) how many instruments/mics need to be plugged in at one time; 2) how much volume is needed.
I picked up a Mugig amp form Amazon for $99. Rechargable Lithium battery, mic and instrument inputs, little 6" speaker. It's not loud, but it's louder than no amplification. Came with a shoulder strap and the battery (some portable amps make you pay for the battery pack separately). It'll be good for busking, better if I can find a headset mic to use instead of having to haul a mic stand around.