Just lost gig..........now what?

So, after five semi successful years with my band, the guys have decided to call it quits. I'm a little lost as to what to do next. It really was a good situation for me. We all had family and jobs, so none of us was interested in playing out more than a couple times a month. Practices were kept to a minimum. So now what? where do you guys go to find bands looking for drummers? I've tried cragslist, but it seems most of the people on there are in there early twenties and are like "hey man lets jam". Sorry, but I'm looking for something a little more profesional than that. Any suggestions? Especially from some of the older drummers on here (I'm 42) Where do you guys go to find gigs?

Call the agencies, call the unions, make friends at the local brick and mortar music stores, find forums in your area and put the word out...depends where you are as to how much is available. recording gigs are slightly on the rise for me...friends...word of mouth. That's what I've been doing...and practicing a load to play out...

You may want to make a point of hanging out at your local drum shop every now and again. Make friends with some of the other drummers in your area and ask them if they know of any band that may need a drummer. You may get some fill in work here and there, or catch a guy who is leaving a band and looking to replace himself (or herself).

Just as a coincidence, I happen to be looking for drummers for two of the bands I'm involved with. Happens more often than you might think!

Find a Bass player , go on from there.

After 5 years, I'd think you'd have some contacts. Are all the guys "over it"? Maybe through a new project together using someone you've met, one or two from the old band. Also, craigslist sucks really IMO. Try Bandmix.com. I've had more luck with it. Time to re-group on a lot of levels. Good luck man.

Now...

Now become a regular on this here forum.

*Sorry, no real advice here.

What the others have said or do what you were doing five years ago when you found the band that you were just in??

Drop in and play at some open mic jams in your area. They're usually a good way to meet other musicians who are looking for the same situation as yourself, and it gives you a chance to hear them up front.

The dreaded Plan B.

I've had much more luck using MySpace classifieds. CL is full of flakes.

After 5 years in your scene, you haven't networked any? surly you know other musicians willing to do a side project, or freshly out of a project.

Drummers are always in high demand, only second to Keyboard players. (Or more rare instruments like horns, violins, etc...) Then Bass Players (True bass players, not failed guitarist) . Guitarist/lead vox are a dime a dozen.

Here is what I do and trust me it works.

Craigslist is fine, place an ad yourself stating what you are all about and what you are looking for. This is similar to the ad I have successfully used in the past.

Drummer seeks band or musicians to form band. looking to play (musical style and or influences). I am 42 years old with a family and a career. I am serious and dedicated. I have pro level gear and attitude. I am looking for adults that understand family and career have to come first. My goal is to gig a few times a month and practice as needed to do so. Please check out my playing at .......com

If you have a website or a way to post some recordings of your playing it helps, if not no biggie)

Trust me there is an entire generation of us old farts that still love to play but realize that the band is not the most important thing in life.