While I tend to agree about not playing for free.... I consider that to be a full gig... you don't want to provide an entire evening's entertainment for free. I have played (with a band) at a few places that only offered the take from the door.... and that was actually worth doing. It was a college town and there was nothing else available so the venue tended to be fairly packed at $3/head. I've played my share of joints where I got handed $5 for the night..... didn't even cover gas when gas was under a buck a gallon.

I also know of a place called the bluebird in Nashville which I believe is a "play for free" place.... but I believe it's also a place where songwriters congregate, and music professionals and publishers also tend to hang out looking for the up and coming writers and talent in town. I'd play there (for free) to get my better songs in front of an audience and the music professionals who can put it together and make it happen. Absolutely.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.