"The Water Incident" at club l'Alizé

You can't assume anything (even water?) in this biz. It is a good idea to communicate to the bar manager about water for the band so that the message is sent to the bar tenders and servers. It just makes things easier for everyone if a pitcher of water is on the stage.

I have to admit , the water thing is REALLY lame. I have played with my share of cheapie people but water? I would be really shocked too , insulted, and who would feel "wanted" after being refused a VERY NORMAL request?

I can see how the frustration would escalate after waiting for a sound check and all of the other details that were not on schedule. As a musician you have to be really patient. It is tough. Usually , I will buy one overpriced drink at a venue that did not agree to supply as a "good will gesture" and because I like a beer or two.

Some bar owners may not understand that musicians need water to play as much as the electricity outlet on the wall. But I have NEVER had a problem with water. If I did, I would go get my own somewhere. (I find it difficult to play after arguing with people about stupid things .) It is a huge insult, bottom line. But it is a worse thing when at the gig you are that band that was hired at the WRONG venue and the crowd wants to hear "disco, disco," and you have a drunk lady who climbs on the stage getting too close to the gutiars, and there is no security...TRUE STORY) Some gigs can be bad gigs but try to play for the people, that is why you are there.

Keep your head up my friend and move on. Don't let them see you angry. People are always going to be ignorant but there are always those great places you will play at where a crate of Aquafina is on the stage and a big thank you at the end of the show.

Maybe at this stage you can try for music festivals instead of bars and get paid with contracts and organized parking for the band.