Now about the gear.
It really depends on the size venues you're going to be playing. Sometimes they might a PA system set-up already, but this is usually only at a nicer places from what i've seen. There are several factors that play in when getting gear, but the main one is:
Do you want to spend much money? If no, then i would stick with just the amp you have and everyone just plays out of their amp and etc. If your willing the toss the coin then you or one of your band members could invest in a PA system, they're very nice, especially if you wanna record just buy a couple extra toys. Although, from personal experience i dont suggest you and your band members try to buy a PA together. Here's my story :). My former band member got the boot (he wasn't coming to practices), so he went on to another bamd, he and his friend had quite alot of money, so my former band member gave his friend 300$ of his share to invest in a PA system. Well, his friend was also a serious drug addict, he decided to screw the PA system and buy himself a good couple parties. My former band member lost his money and then went through an anguishing 8 months to get his money back... He finally did.
Now about getting gigs.
First of all don't make the mistake of bringing a little jazz band to a rock club (ugh... no... i haven't ever done this *cough* *cough*). We got destroyed and it was my first gig LMAO, i'll never forget it. Anyways, i would always scope the place out before i went to see what i was getting into. Option B: There are management companies in lots of cities, you can send your demo tape into them and they might take you on and get you gigs etc. etc.
NOTE: Make sure you can smoothly run through all your songs before you think of gigging. And have fun!
-Peanucle
[Edited by Peanucle on 08-14-2001 at 09:40 PM]