BS: Reliable tour organizer needed

Subject: NEEDED: tour organizer
From: Nogs
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:18 PM

There may be a million suggestions for this one, but an acquaintence living in England has asked if I can recommend someone reliable to organize a US tour for him. He sings traditional and comteporary songs in the traditional idiom, and has performed in folk clubs in the UK for several decades. He has toured in Australia recently, but apparently the contact for that tour cannot organize a US tour. I have little idea as to his other criteria, so if you have some information in addition to a name (i.e. fees, experience, address/phone number --not email as he may not have access to this--) I would greatly appreciate it. Its tough enough throwing a dart to pick out someone, so I am trusting in the benevolent membership of the Mudcat to provide me with information. Many thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Reliable tour organizer needed
From: JenEllen
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 06:53 PM

Can't say much for an entire US tour, but if you make it out to the Northwest, be sure to put a call in to the Pullman/Moscow area. They have good local support for music and the arts. I can get you numbers when you need them. Elle

Subject: RE: BS: Reliable tour organizer needed
From: Terry Allan Hall
Date: 31 Dec 99 - 07:03 PM

Hmmm...the problem w/ your request is the word "reliable"...

I do about 80% of my own booking, and what I do is contact the venues several months to a year in advance of when I wish to tour, and just do all the "hustlin'-work" (send out promo stuff, and the ever-delightful "follow-ups") myself (well, actually, my wife has taken over some of that for me).

The other 20% is broken down to about 5% booking agents contacting me, and 15% where the venues I've played over the last 25 years contact me w/o going thru an agent. (Saves them $$$/makes me more $$$)

The most important piece of touring equiptment, besides a nice guitar, is a good lap-top computer to keep all the relevent details together in an organized form. (What a concept...an organized musician!)

There's a really handy book out there called "How to Be Your Own Booking Agent and Save Thousands Of Dollars", by Jeri Goldstein (New Music Times), about $25...a "must read for any "alternative" artist (anyone other than Garth Brookes/Mettalicca wannabes) & an excellent investment.

Hope this little bit of info is of some help to your buddy.