Thank you all for your comments, suggestions, advice, stories, and feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspectives. I may have portrayed myself as being a little more naive than I am. I did perform with an Irish band for four years before setting out on my own project (including my debut CD, setting up a label, and representing other artists,) however we never travelled very far and we didn't have the same set of goals that I now have. I guess I'm looking for ways to be "outside the box."

I met the publicist last year, visited him in October (also performed,) and have been having on-going communications with him. After being skeptical myself at first, I now trust his intentions. As for the booking agent (who is very well known and has a sterling reputation,) he is a friend of the publicist, who wants to introduce me, but I haven't talked with him yet...just trying to get myself into a position where I'm ready for that. The musician I want to approach for the band was a friend before we ever played music together, and we both have mutual respect...so I feel that we are very compatible. My music does not suit the pub/club scene, so I am concentrating on conferences, churches, community theatres, book and gift stores, performing art centers, and my own arranged venues.

It's true that I may be wanting to move forward more quickly than is realistic...however, I also know that it is easy to get caught in what is familiar instead of evolving myself as an artist. Sometimes it is hard to see when I'm caught, so I want to make "a plan" to keep myself spiraling outwardly to reach more people.

Thank you all once again. I will study your responses and work them into my plan. Good luck with all your creative endeavors!

Kristine