ABOUT GUARANTEES: As gas prices are on the rise, it's becoming increasingly common for bands to have guarantees when on the road, which makes complete sense. However, bands need to realize that if they've never played a city before, the number of people that are going to know about them may be few and far between based on how long the group has been established. I generally have tried to work around guarantees by telling bands that I will TRY to get them as much money as I possibly can. Bands have no right to criticize a promoter if there is no contract in place. In the past, I've had bands that weren't very well-established (had never played the area before and were fairly new) complain about not receiving the money that I told them that I would do my best to get them. If people don't show up to see your band, that's not the promoter's fault unless the show hasn't been promoted properly. I've always promoted shows to the extent that time has allowed me. I've made fliers and/or promoted the event over the Internet. I've lost far more money than I've gained in putting on shows, and that is commendable because I book independent bands because of the music. I book bands that play because of the music, not for the money. So, I'm not saying I won't agree to guarantees for bands that are established, who will definitely have a draw. I will even do smaller guarantees for bands that aren't as well established. However, be fair and reasonable about a guarantee. Booking agencies, don't try to screw over a promoter to fill your own pockets. Let's work in harmony to promote successful events for all involved.