Dave - yeah, I believe I do understand the other side of the equation - even though I was bitchin' - I know that the 'gatekeepers' are sometimes pros, sometime volunteers, some are good at what they do, some are not - and ALL are probably swamped. I know they care more about what I would do with their audience, not what a studio might do for me ... the best way I think to get that point across is to talk about track record/resume, and provide a CD sample. Track record demonstrates what venues have found you valuable in the past (and presumably what you did with their audience) and CD gives a good idea of what you sound like.

I haven't invested in a live demo yet (although one of the released CDs is from a live show). I am hoping to capture a video sometime in the near future - but cost is an issue; I've got lotsa CDs so they are my demo, for now.

Art - I'd like to try working schools. I'm not sure how to go about it, though. I'm still trying to figure out how to get enough festivals to make it work - and then work pubs or house concerts in between.

Mudcatters have actually been very helpful, in one case providing me a house concert opportunity and a cafe gig - and in others pointing me in the right direction for venues or people who can help.

I love this place!