Advice please: US auditions/busking

Subject: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 05:02 AM

The daughter of friends (who already supplements her day job with gigs at local restaurant) is going to take advantage of a stay in US with a friend to suss out future work opportunitites, visit agents etc. Her parents are keen she doesn't jeopardise future prospect by falling foul of the authorities. So...
Would auditioning for agents contravene her tourist visa?
Would busking, which she's also considering?
I said I thought laws on busking probably vary from state to state and county to county, from what I've read on this forum .
Constructive advice would be welcomed and I'll pass it on.


RtS

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: ejsant
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 06:52 AM

"Would auditioning for agents contravene her tourist visa?"

I am not a lawyer or in anyway a legal advisor. That said, it seems to me that auditioning is not working.

"Would busking, which she's also considering?"

My understanding is that where busking is permitted it is based on the right of expression so again I don't see where this would be working either.

I suggest seeking the advice of a solicitor to be sure.

Peace,
Ed

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:45 AM

An audition is like an interview, and unpaid so no probs there.
Busking is earning money and is probably technically illegal.
G

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: alanabit
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:56 AM

The idea of busking "auditions" seems pretty ridiculous to me, unless the only type of busking to be tolerated is that of musicians with a high degree of technical skill. I would certainly fail that sort of audition, although I have been able to pull crowds, hold them and entertain them over twenty five years. I wonder how many of those, who pass the audition will be able to do that?
The best way to find out is to either ask the local buskers or drop in at the town hall. Busking is rarely completely legal, but it is often tolerated if the buskers are polite and tactful.

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:15 PM

In Brisbane, the 'busking auditions' for the highly priced 'busking licence' attract dozens, if not hundreds - they give out a handful of 'licences' but I rarely ever see any buskers in the Mall (the only place busking is allowed for that licence - you have to get a separate licence for The Valley).

They did try to take away the licence for the blind guy with the dog who plays the saxophone - no, not the dog, you fool! - but there was loud public media outcry and lots of embarrassed Councillor's faces.

I think they just want to inhibit it. Also they play loud music over speakers in the mall, and each shop plays loud music that bleeds out into the mall - bleedin' 'ell!

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Feb 06 - 03:19 AM

You must get advice from a US attorney with relevant knowledge. I know various US attorneys, but none who specialise in immigration law, which is what this is.

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: frogprince
Date: 12 Feb 06 - 06:22 PM

No claim to expertise, but I do know the U.S. authorities have picked nits to the point of idiocy sometimes about allowing Canadians to cross the border with a guitar, so your're right to try to get competent advise.

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:11 PM

If you receive money your status is different. I.E. an honoraium from a university for a lecture series you are Business not Tourist. I.E. begging for a song may result in a citizen receiving a citation - a tourist deportation. What is cute in Picadilly is a crime in Portland.

CONSULT: http://www.msri.org/local/visa/

If you are to receive local and/or travel expenses, it is again critical that you inform the official and obtain the "WB" designation on your I-94 card.

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:18 PM

With the balance of trade deficet all forms of foreign tourists are egarly embraced in the US.

Assuming your friends can read English, forget rumors and seven-year-old web sites; go to the source and learn.

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: nickp
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 04:58 PM

Interesting web site Gargoyle and I must read it in depth - hopefully it is accurate but do note at the bottom...

Disclaimer
This website is not affiliated with the United States Government...

Hope whatever happens goes well, Nick

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 05:21 PM

It is State, County and City regulated...some places are totally open, some are regulated. She needs to ask the local govts where she will be. Usually the City office can answer her for free.

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: stallion
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 07:06 PM

We were there last year, NYC, we didn't busk but we did ipromptu songs in some bars and cafe's and got serious discounts on food and beer, one bar ripped up the bill after consuming 15 pints between us and another charged us 30$ for drinks and meals that cost us $130 a couple of nights before. Having said all that we were three "seniors" singing English Trad. folk songs A Cappella, they might have felt sorry for us!

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: M.Ted
Date: 13 Feb 06 - 09:34 PM

If you were arrested for busking in Montgomery County Maryland, it would be illegal for any county employees to make any inquiry or comment as to whether you were a documented or undocumented alien.

Furthermore, the county provides a couple day labor centers where illegal workers in need of work are encouraged to come--You could get in trouble if you actually have some sort of visa, and violated the terms thereof, but as an an out and out illegal immigrant worker, you would be OK--

Subject: RE: Advice please: US auditions/busking
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 09:30 AM

Thanks for these responses (& the ones by PM) .They've been forwarded. She's checking with US Embassy as well.

RtS