I work for a concert venue that has the exact opposite philosophy of music as I do. I don’t know what that says about me as a person. But, honestly, it fascinates me. I generally think concert venues are a sanctuary for music fans. Sweaty, stinky sanctuaries where fans can let loose and rock out to their favorite bands without rules or monitors.
     For the past few months I’ve been cocktailing at a sit-down venue with clean floors, a fancy bar, and tickets that cost more than a tank of gas. There may come a day when I’d like to sit in a plush chair, sip Belvedere vodka, and watch a mild-tempo band play their soulless tunes within a time limit.
     Wait—there will never be a day like that.
     I wear a uniform and clean up after drunks. I miss epic shows because I’m serving at lackluster ones. By the time I get off work, I don’t even have the desire to drink, seeing what it does to the thirty-something crowd who has enough money to afford 12-dollar martinis. It’s so un-rock ’n’ roll that it hurts to walk through the door. Sometimes I wonder if associating with that corporatized and vacuous place makes me less rock ’n’ roll.
     Pays the rent though. When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a writer, although being a drink-slinging subordinate is how I technically keep a roof over my head. We all have a price to pay.
     I’d never work at another venue, though. I wouldn’t want to ruin those sanctuaries. I don’t want to know the ins and outs of places I truly adore. Strange as it is, I’ve learned a lot about high-end music business through this job. I probably make more money slinging drinks at this disaster of a place than I ever would at the Hi-Dive or the Bluebird or The Fillmore.

11

     Sure, there’s never been a band to play there that I’ve ever heard of or remotely enjoyed to listen to. Sure, I sigh a breath of self-inflicted disdain when I see myself in the mirror—tattoos covered, apron tied tight. But despite our different philosophies, I’d say the benefits of the job outweigh the downfalls. Like I said, we all have a price to pay.