Whatever you do, don't lie. That only leads to bad feelings or worse.

I do not book for the celtic festival with which I am involved, my work is in another area, but I do get many requests each year to use my influence to get an act booked. Just because I am close to the festival machinery doesn't mean I want to put my hand in the gears. Almost universally, the requests come from groups wholely inappropriate to the festival, by style, music, ability, or some other factor.

What gets me is some local groups feel they deserve a stage spot just because they are local. I once responded to a persistant request that we weren't a variety show, but that only made it worse, as if we should BE a variety show.

"Your application will be held on file for one year, reapply thereafter if your presentation has changed." ?

"We have a limited number of available positions and an unlimited number of applicants. We are unable to present your act this season." ?

But don't lie...

Peace, Mooh.