Where to find gigs?
You will have to do some research. Keep a record of all the info you gather in a notebook. Check out every restaurant/club/bar that has live music in your area (check the newspaper/City Paper/websites). Go to the places that have single acts, note what they are using for a PA, playback, etc. Note what kind of material they are playing. Drop a fiver in their tip jar. Talk to them on their breaks. Find out how they booked that gig. Give them a business card and ask them to call you if they have a cancellation. Get their contact info and tell them you will call them for your cancellations.
Don't ignore places that don't currently have live music. They might not be able to pay for a full band, but they might be able to pay a single. You have to sell yourself.
You are in the Houston area, I believe. In a city that large, you might find a booking agent who works with single acts. They will take 15-20%, but they usually will keep you busy, and in better venues.

Hope this helps.


Regards,


Bob