Hello All

Here is a perplexing problem that affects me directly in my wallet. Now granted I'd probably sing and play for free but I won't sing for a cut rate price. I also won't sing for a reduced rate because its good exposure. After thirty years in the business my band doesn't need exposure. But lately we in the Syracuse and central New York area have been losing jobs to Canadian bands who come here to perform and because of the tremendous exchange rate can work for less than the locals and take home a good chunk of change. I know that some things even out when you go back across the border. Bread that costs me a dollar cost a buck and a half. If I smoked, cigarettes are twice the price up north and beer is more expensive up there but Its' better beer. Here is where the problem lies. If I cross the border to play a job I have to charge twice as much to come back with what I'd earn if I played at The Allways Inn. I understand I'd have to show Canadian content in my performances and I'd have to hire Canadian musicians to play, or not play as the case would be. Reciprocally, this has not been the case to my knowledge when I've played bills with The Brigadoons, or The Glenngarry Boys, or Tartan Special. I certainly don't think ill of these bands for making a living and if Rick ever gets near here I'll go see him at the drop of a scotch. But what solution is there short of balancing a budget and closing the border to cultural exchange? Then everyone loses.

Don