Ahhh wisdom! Well actually I used to PLAY one hell of a lot of towns, but that was pre-history to a young Buck like Timothy.

From 1968 to 1987 I criss-crossed this fair land (plus the US and occasionally G.B.) many times. Everything from strip bars in Elliot Lake, Kapuskasing, hearst, etc. to Country bars (with Saturday matinees) in hundreds of tiny burghs. Ran the gamut from steady gigs in classy places like The Royal York in Toronto to The El Tico in Newfoundland (where Rita the stripper insisted EVERY solo musician was HER'S for the week!!) Yrust me that was bizarre.

I only play the "polite" places now..folk concerts, festivals....oh, and conventions with my little band "Fiddlehead".

But.....

But.....

Timothy I DO have a suggestion. Now I use this method only for acoustic gigs, but it might work for hipper places. Check out the LOCAL radio station in every small town that has one...there are lots. Call the program director (don't e-mail) tell him that there are a lot of folks in Toronto that REALLY like your music (use my name or Heather's if you want) and is there a local venue that he/she can suggest...AND (this part's important) if you get a gig would he/she come out to see you? It establishes a bit of a personal relationship....which will get you airplay (if you've got the goods...and of course you DO)

Even if you only manage to score four or five gigs...you'll probably get a lot of local airplay, and that's how groundswells start. DJs (like me) are tired of endless promo-packages and even more endless Celtoid-Rock CDs. Believe me, the personal touch works...especially today.

Good luck