David,
I'm starting to work in the Austin area. I do solo sax and flute using back tracks. My wife sings and sometimes she'll do a gig with me.
The manager of a fine dining restaurant has expressed interest in having me play. I sent him my demo CD. Then he asked to have me come and audition. I told him I could come and do 2 or 3 songs if he felt that was necessary. His latest communication stated that he wants me to come and play an hour for free.
I don't feel that he is right in requesting an hour of free music. If a demo CD is not enough (and some people feel it isn't), and they want a live audition, I can see doing a few songs. Am I right about that? It seems in Austin, those hiring musicians think that some people will play for free.
Anyway, if you have any ideas on how to handle this sort of situation, I'd appreciate it.

