BS: Venues in Canada?

Subject: Venues in Canada?
From: GUEST,Timothy Cameron
Date: 31 Mar 01 - 07:01 PM

Hi Y'all! Could anybody suggest any bars/pubs/coffeehouses which would feature a solo singer-songwriter whose style is a bit outside what's normally classified as folk music ? Think of early Billy Bragg or maybe Elvis Costello without the band. I've got a list of places I've found on the internet, but there are many more suitable venues without websites I'm sure. Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you 'Catters!

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: Willie-O
Date: 31 Mar 01 - 07:22 PM

There are lots of places to play Tim.

They stretch out along about 4,000 miles of Canada though. What part of the country are you interested in? A good place to start looking is the Northern Journey website, if that's not the list you already got.

willie-O
(a Canadian Cameron I am)

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: GUEST,Timothy Cameron
Date: 31 Mar 01 - 10:40 PM

Hi Willie, I've got the Northern Journey site bookmarked, and it's certainly a handy resource, but the clubs listed there are all (or mostly) ones that have websites. For every club with a website, I'll bet there are ten others without a web presence, but they'd still be great places to play. I was hoping some of the Mudcats out there would know of local haunts they could suggest. I'm based in Toronto, but I'd be interested to hear about any place in Canada for (not too distant future) reference. And you're a Canadian Cameron too, eh? My grandfather was from Glasgow.

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Apr 01 - 09:08 AM

Find someone with a copy of the Ontario Arts Council Presenters List for Ontario venues. Lots of small out-of-the-way pubs still have the sort of entertainment of which you speak. Last year I was passing through a don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it village and stopped for a nap when I discovered a rollicking little bar with a solo act. They're everywhere.

Where in Canada are you looking? Maybe we can help.

Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: JohnB
Date: 01 Apr 01 - 10:15 AM

Get out there, let people hear you. We used to get at least one or two leads for another gig every time we played. Pay your dues as they say, do the freebies if you have to, get known. If they like you they will book you. If you don't get the bookings, at least you are having a good time spreading your music and unless it is really way out or bad, eventually someone will like it. Good Luck. JohnB

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: GUEST,Timothy Cameron
Date: 01 Apr 01 - 12:55 PM

Morning. Okay, Ontario Arts Council, got it. And John I have talked to people at gigs and they've mentioned various little places, although those places are generally in the Toronto area, so it's the rest of Canada I'd like more info on. Thanks guys.

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: Peter T.
Date: 01 Apr 01 - 01:14 PM

You might give a call to Rick Fielding (or send him a Mudcat e-mail). He is the source of much wisdom on this topic (and others of course). yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Venues in Canada?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 01 Apr 01 - 10:55 PM

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