chris1125
The idea put forth that venues to play are somehow homogenous is not the case. If you don't have a well established group with credentials you are most likely not "taking away gigs" from the more established groups.
For someone who has spent numerous hours studying the material and creating an incredible ensemble to present in the club, you pose no serious threat because the listener is going to notice the difference, and quality gigs know who they hiring. If, however, they don't seem to care, and you somehow are taking away gigs from the virtuosic players, then, welcome to America, you aren't the only one devaluing the music, rather you play a smaller role in that function, it is the venue booking agent who is reducing the standard and putting a new value on the music.
This doesn't mean you try and snake everyone out of their gig, (which you won't be able to do anyway unless your group is stellar), and the advice to visit local jam sessions is sound advice.
The fact is, most suburban areas have numerous venues to play for a jazz quartet. Don't expect $1000 a gig. Don't expect everyone to be on the edge of their seat waiting for each note you play. Do expect to have fun and gain valuable experience.
I live in an area where there is more than enough to go around for everyone, and the coveted gigs are closed off to newbies anyway. YMMV, so be prepared to have to deal with some resistance if your area is something more akin to what we might assume previous posters reside.
