I learned how to be a good sideman,the show was paced and I had to learn the arrangements and do them until I got let out of my box.I learned all of what we use to call "The Standards."I had fun doing that too...I would calm down and fit in,not take the focus away from the headliner.Back them up real solid.For a band to go on the road is an adventure,everyone must participate in an adventure.So you want only to go out with good people that you can trust.And be repped by a good agent.Place yourself in a town you have never been to before and do not know anyone on the other side of the country,you have been riding in a van for 38 hours and the clubowner does not know who you are,another band is set up onstage.I have been fortunate,that did not ever happen to me.Or your hotel room or band trailer/house is ratty beyond belief and you need to switch Hotels.The acts I did my long roadwork with were out of Nashville."Direct from Nashville" the poster would say and that gave us good clout.Even though we were just a working band we were treated like stars because we were out of Nashville.And we were very good as well..tight.It attracted people that we were from there.It did not take long for us to have a tight circle of local friends.And we were cool,stayed away from trouble and did the show,hung out pretty close to headquarters.Saturday night was teardown and sunday morning we would check out by eleven am and be moving on.