Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 10:59 AM

I just emailed you at above address asking "how can I help?"
looking forward to hearing from you
Pete

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 04:30 PM

GUEST,Pete Peterson As you are a guest I can't PM you in Mudcat. My email address is [e-mail]

eeeeeK now what have I done? oh what the heck!

Sal

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 07:28 AM

Yep, and not a place to go to twice - they really have comercialised it out of existence now.

I think that furthest south is around the Lizard.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Scrump
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 06:40 AM

...Lands End, which I understand to be as far south as you can go in England without getting your feet wet

<pedant>

Wrong - Land's End is as far west as you can get in England without getting your feet wet.

</pedant>

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 04:20 PM

The Orpheus Supertones, a four-person group of old time musicians, of which I have the honor to be a member, just returned from a one-month tour of the UK as "Gathering 2 (with Debby McClatchy) during which we had a wonderful time and did a little better than breaking even, mostly through CD sales. So I have some data which can be applied in reverse from the UK to the US.

1) We kept expenses down by staying mainly with friends of Debby's, or friends we had met on a previous trip. You ought to be able to do likewise. Anybody who commits to putting on a house concert will almost certainly feed you and put you up for the night. (Ask!)
2) As others have said, the road network is MUCH better in the US, and you can for the most part plan on averaging 60 MPH while on the road. Gasoline in the US is presently around $2.50 per US gallon, or 30-35 pence per liter. Where the rental companies get you is on "insurance" and other hidden taxes.
3) The more time you spend planning your trip, the greater the chance you will make some money.
4) The US does NOT have the equivalent of "folk clubs"-- too bad!
5) Have a CD to sell! People who buy your CD will be willing to pay about $15 for it and may ask you to sign it.
6) I don't know anything about US work permits. We did it legally-- FOAOTMAD (Friends of American Old Time Music and Dance) paid for our work permits.
Good Luck! You're welcome to write me privately if you want to ask me specifics.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: MMario
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 12:33 PM

okay - I have resisted saying this for quite some time - but can't resist any longer.



Only if they are Jacobites.


I'll get me coat.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 12:27 PM

You've got it right there Peter. I'm always amused when Americans set out their itinerary for traversing the UK. even if you can use major roads, and in some places the biggest road going is a two laner with lots of bendy bits, there are too many vehicles on the road to allow for optimum.

I used to live 100 miles away from my daughter. Travelling to her house, up the A1, could take, at best, a bit under two hours. often, with slow traffic on the dual carriageway parts and road works factored in, it could be up to three hours.

When you start getting into parts of Scotland the major road might be one lane each way, with a sheer drop on one side to discourage the idea of overtaking on what can be winding roads. Get stuck behind an HGV or a caravan and you would be lucky to average 40mph.

For the main part, the driving here in the USA is much less congested and we get to places much faster than I do when I go back to the UK.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 09:32 AM


..."there's no place in Britain that you can't get to by car from any other place in Britain within a day" ...

if you get an offer from an agent on that basis ( ...and if you live long enough, you will!)..... tell him to get stuffed.

Oh, I would, I assure you. I've had the experience of driving down from the North to London to catch an AM plane, in commuter traffic.

My statement assumed optimum traffic and driving conditions, such as never exist in or near major cities in the US - and evidently never exist anywhere in England, with its greater population density.

Peter

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 08:37 AM

..."there's no place in Britain that you can't get to by car from any other place in Britain within a day" ...

if you get an offer from an agent on that basis ( ...and if you live long enough, you will!)..... tell him to get stuffed.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 08:37 AM

And it also depends on the time of year. Try getting out of the West Country on a Saturday during the holiday season. Last time we tried that it took us the best part of the day to get round to the Gower Peninsula, due to traffic build up and road works.

If any of your journey involves the M25 it's a lottery as to how long that will take. Too many cars on the road, particularly in southern England.

Driving in the States, for the main part, is a lot easier and less aggravating. I know, I've travelled distances in both countries.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: GUEST,Murray Macleod
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:56 AM

..."there's no place in Britain that you can't get to by car from any other place in Britain within a day" ...

true enough, Peter, but you would need at least two drivers taking turns at the wheel

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:49 AM

Re distances: When Kendall and Jacqui were over there, they sent us a postcard from Lands End, which I understand to be as far south as you can go in England without getting your feet wet. There was a signpost in the picture indicating that the distance to John O'Groats (which I understand to be as far north as you can go in Scotland without getting your feet wet) was 800 and something miles.

In '02 we drove from Pittsford, VT to Bozeman, MT. We allowed four days, but we got as far as Lansing, MI, early on the second day, and went into Elderly Instruments and lost most of a day. So we ended up driving 800+ miles on the last day alone, of a four-day trip. And that got us 2/3 of the way across the US.

In other words, there's no place in Britain that you can't get to by car from any other place in Britain within a day. There's no place in the US (the lower 48, anyway) that you can't get to by car from any other place in the US within a week.

Peter.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: kendall
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 07:05 AM

When I did my tour of Scotland I didn't bother with all that work permit and visa stuff, I was able to borrow a sound system and a guitar from Gordon Menzies of Gaberlunzie.
When I landed in Aye, or was it Glasgow? the officer said if you work for money without a permit you could end up as a guest of her majesties government.

If you land here without any signs of going to work you shouldn't have any trouble. No one is going to follow you around. If you do a house concert around here I can loan you two regular guitars, a 12 string guitar and a 5 string banjo.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: GUEST,Cartographer
Date: 19 Mar 07 - 05:17 AM

Drive at 25mph from London to Lincoln. Go North via the A1 to Leeds at same speed. Go West to Lancashire and Preston Folk Club or Fylde Festival at same speed. Go South at same speed to Devon and Exeter/Crediton area,it takes just as long as your US trip. Of course we could go a bit faster but we would miss all the scenery and fail to annoy them as is behind us.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 18 Mar 07 - 06:21 PM

yup, sure is big!

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Mar 07 - 04:54 PM

To give you some idea of distances here, first get out your map of the US. Remember that I'm only giving you the time it takes to drive one way, so double it for a round trip.

Locate Cincinnati, Ohio. Locate Pocatello, Idaho (it's way off to the left, and up). It took me three (3) days of continual driving at an average speed of 65 mph (they do make you slow down at times!) to go from Cincinnati to Pocatello.

Now that you've found Pocatello, go further west (left) and find Portland, Oregon (it's on the ocean). That's about another 12 hours of driving.

Pocatello to Salt Lake City, Utah is about 2.5 hours at 70 mph. average. Pocatello to Boise is about 3 hours.

Go back to Cincinnati. Go up and slightly west to South Bend, Indiana (find Chicago and go a bit east,or right). Now locate Washington, DC. That's about a 12 hour drive.

Those times are using the Interstate highway system (motorways). Go by the lesser roads and your time increases quite a bit; how much depends on what road you're on.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 18 Mar 07 - 04:43 PM

just thought this could go around again

sal

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Snuffy
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 08:27 AM

The vast majority of the UK population live in England, but I would guess it takes up less than the combined area of Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland.

So England alone would likely register less than 0.5 on the Wyoming scale

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 08:21 PM

Whatever-- I'm not saying the UK is necessarily smaller in square miles but that most states here, in driving time, are bigger DRIVES. Uh, I live here, and I know how long it takes to traverse a good number of the states what with the lenght or breadth of many of them, the congested areas, the hilly terrain that makes straight lines less likely, etc. Also, here, there are vast expanses with NOTHING in them (as far as music or Mudcatters), unlike the gig and Mudcat density of the UK. I refer you back to Leadfingers and Giok-- they'll tell you that driving around here is a long job!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: GUEST,Mike K
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 08:16 PM

Note to WYSIWYG (06 Mar 07 - 02:24 PM): You're right that the UK is considerably smaller than the USA, but it's not as small as you think it is. The land area of the UK (93,788 square miles) makes it larger than all but 9 US states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming (which is just slightly larger at 97,105 square miles).

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 05:03 PM

If your in Southern New England Ct./Ri. I may be able to give some introductions.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 13 Mar 07 - 03:14 PM

We've changed our name. It's not confirmed yet but it's probably going to be Loxley.

yeah.

sal
www.myspace.com/shotdogs

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: alanabit
Date: 10 Mar 07 - 11:56 AM

I think the reason for playing in the US is obvious. They understand English there, so the people can understand our songs. Speaking as someone, who has mainly gigged in Germany for the past twenty five years, this is a most exotic luxury. Playing in the UK, to folks, who understand every word, gives me a kick which makes me feel thoroughly spoiled. I would love to go to America too. Regrettably, the American authorities (to distinguish them from the people at large) seem hell bent on making it no easier for musicians to go and perform in their country than it used to be to get into the Warsaw Pact countries. In fact, towards the end of the Iron Curtain age, it was easier to get into East Europe to play than it is to get into the US now. It is very sad. I can't afford to go to the US, but if I could break even on a trip, I would give it a go. There are certainly lots of smashing people, whom I would love to meet and play for.
Europe is no gold mine either, but I believe it is considerably easier for US musicians to come over here to play. Long may they continue to do so. They are very welcome.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Mar 07 - 11:45 AM

Its nice to combine a holiday with a few gigs to help cover the cost !
Though the distances in USA arent as conducive to a 'tour' as in UK !!

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 10 Mar 07 - 11:38 AM

This is going really well, thanks so much. We will be chasing up the connections. Don't stop now.

xx Sal

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Jim Lad
Date: 08 Mar 07 - 02:18 AM

http://www.victoriafolkmusic.ca/
http://www.beetnik.com/
http://www.dancingbean.ca/

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: DannyC
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 05:05 PM

Here's a place. You work for the door...

www.beetnik.com

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 03:46 PM

It sounds an interesting sort of thing to do. However nearly every time I've played outside the country - you come home and you think . well next time I'll know what to do, and get it right.


Then you think, sod it....no place like home.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: open mike
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 11:28 AM

I suggest if you perform over the water
i recommend wearing a life preserver .

you would be best to make arrangements
well before travelling here. many
venues plan concerts in advance in
order to have time to promote them.

If you wait until meeting folks at the
getaway to make contacts for gig you hope
to perform soon after that, there may
not be time to advertise to get a good
turn out.


many performers with recordings get
radio coverage of their gigs by
sending cd's to radio stations/shows

i can recommend some west coast if
that is where you plan to be. let
me know.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: mandotim
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 10:47 AM

Hi Sal! The regular session I play in (Wilkes Head, Leek, Monday nights) is well known for occasional trips (double entendre absolutely intended!). One such is to Arkansas. Based around Little Rock, and playing gigs and guest spots for a week or so, then coming home with armfuls of US-bought instruments, which are then sold to pay for the trip. (Note to any legal eagles; those last statements were pure fantasy. Allegedly.) It really helps if you know someone in the area who can do the introductions to venue owners/promoters prior to going. First time is hard, but it gets easier as you build a following (hopefully). If you are thinking of doing it 'legit', then work permits and special visas start to come into play. Bear in mind Les Barker's experience; are you 'sufficiently culturally unique' for the delicate sensibilities of our friends in the USA?
Call if you want a natter about this.
Tim

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Mar 07 - 09:10 AM

Why do you want to perform in the US, Ms Lemon? I just wondered what your reasons for starting this thread are. Are you having problems getting work in the UK, or are you thinking of going to the US to live/work, or what? Just wondered what prompted your questions.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 07:41 PM

I talked to a couple of 'Cattters tonight about this and they suggested that the Getaway would be a good starting off place to see if you could make contacts who might be able to offer gigs.

It would certainly be the place to show what you can do, what type of music you play and sing.

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: GLoux
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 07:10 PM

Playing in "the states" is not over the water...are you looking to play in aeroplanes or ships?

Just trying to be difficult...(or funny)...

-Greg

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 06:12 PM

Thanks you guys, i'll pm you with info.

xx sal

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: RTim
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 02:42 PM

Also - be careful, because Technically you must have a work permit! Don't go arriving at a US airport saying you are doing a paid singing tour of the US - because they won't let you in!!
Canada for Brits is different.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 02:24 PM

The big thing to remember though is how far apart things are in the US. Leadfingers, Giok, and Tradsinger can tell you-- filling in dates here can look sensible on a map but be hell once you're on the road. Roughly, figure that most states in the US are at least as big as the whole UK.

Also some house concerts are booked by people who prefer the hope to the reality-- the hope of a large crowd to the reality of knowing how to GET one. So you will want to be sure people actually know what they can do for ya. Not Catters-- I am sure they will be realistic-- but if you start thinking in broader terms.

Drop me a PM with email addy I can forward if you start looking at crossing the Pennsylvania/New York border about an hour's drive from the crossing of routes 15 & 6 (PA) or 17/86 (NY). I know a couple of folks who book small area venues.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 02:02 PM

actually I'll just pop this in here cos he's wonderful and we sing with him...www.myspace.com/johneyre

Sal

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 01:58 PM

That sounds wonderful. I'm packing my bags as I type, I'm a woman, I can multi-task!

Thanks.

x sal x
www.myspace.com/shotdogs

Subject: RE: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 01:55 PM

SINSULL and TRUBRIT both arrange house concerts in the South Portland area of Maine. We can usually rustle up about 15 bodies, depending on the performer and the $15 a head charge all goes to the performer. It doesn't pay for the trip but can help defray expenses. Bed and board are also found and you get to join in a song circle for the second part of the evening.

You would also get to meet some of the craziest people in the State of Maine. They're all nuts, trust me.

Subject: Can a UK 'Cats perform over the water?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 06 Mar 07 - 01:43 PM

How can we perform over there? I've heard House Concerts are a pretty good venue, especially for English harmony singers. Any ideas?

Sal