Touring Bands Find a Home on the Road

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 21, 2009 -- Recent law school graduate Kate Battle wants to rock and roll all night, but not necessarily party every day, unless her guests are willing to clean up afterward.

Battle, 25, hosts touring bands free of charge at her Chicago home, and has been doing so for several years. Having grown up in Memphis and the Mississippi Delta, she said she has always been surrounded by music, and jumps at the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to low-budgeted rockers.

"I have always tried to do whatever I can to help musicians out, since I feel like they give me a service I wouldn't want to live without," Battle said.

Battle's musical hospitality began when she was still a kid and her mother would hold an annual fund-raiser that would help blues artists pay their medical bills. Then, as an undergraduate student in Oxford, Miss., Battle worked as a music reporter for many local publications.

"Since I was reporting on music all the time, I ended up meeting a lot of bands who didn't have anywhere to stay after their gig," Battle said. "What better way to get a story than to just have the band sleep on your floor?"

She said that, aside from the occasional stray beer can left on the coffee table, she wakes up to a clean house.

"Some rock-n-rollers may drink a little more or party a little harder, but most people just want a place to fall asleep after a night of hard work," Battle said. "Just like anyone else, musicians have parents and tend to know good manners when they are getting a total favor from a stranger."

So far, Battle has hosted more than 10 bands, and is ready to fluff up the couch pillows for a few more, thanks to the latest online community.

"Betterthanthevan.com" is an interactive site where touring bands and hosts can exchange information so they can set up free lodging. Started nearly a year ago by musician Todd Hansen, the site allows viewers to search for potential hosts or guests in their respective cities.

The site has since grown to more than 2,000 users, and averages about eight to 10 signups a week.