Charley: Bryan Bowers thread here (and my apologies for misspelling his name previously)

"I have overseas musician friends I'd like to book and needed information regarding the requirements."

Maeve, if you are in the US and are applying for a P-3 visa (which is what I get), you will need to make sure your friends have: good track record of CDs and reviews; impressive letters of support from the music press, broadcasters or other expert opinion (preferably on both sides of the pond) detailing their status as performers and explaining why their repertoire is culturally unique; a gig itinerary - and from events in the last year it appears that the authorities sometimes demand that the performances are in venues where that cultural uniqueness will be essential (so specialist festivals or summer camps count better than coffeehouses). You need to fill in the I-129 form in triplicate, and make sure you have the AFM support letter ready when you send it in. In short, it's a really big job. Don't even think about it unless you are prepared to spend time on it, and are sure your friends will meet the stringent requirements.

On my last entry into the US (at Boston), the fellow on immigration was distinctly hostile despite the fact that I had the P-3 visa all ready in my passport. He started demanding the dates of my previous visits, which again were all legit, but difficult to recall details of on the spot. In general their manner is often intimidating, although just now and then I've had real ray of sunshine who smiles and wishes me a pleasant stay. In genera they don't try to make you welcome.