Singapore Rivers Busking Festival

[Caisiy]

I want some opinions and informed information on this festival. I have been approached to perform there. I have heard mixed reviews so far. ThanX!

[Dan The One Man Band]

It's funny no one's given an opinion about this "busking" festival????

[martin ewen]

Singapore buskers festival.
Well for a start you don't busk, well you do but boy scouts collect for you then give your money to the orphans.
So its fee driven.
Its been going for about 5 years, Kim Kelly from Halifax casts it, its her job to select you, get you on a plane. and then have you put on a plane and taken home at the end.
She had it locked down casting wise since it started, exporting her expertise for a set number of years. (listen and learn budding business folk)
From the moment you arrive till your back on the plane you are taken care of by Jimmy Wong who schedules and produces the festival.
Jimmy's straight, you sign a contract to perform (I think three shows a day) and there are some of those shopping center gigs that are rotated among the cast for purposes of working revenue for the festival.
Read your contracts.
You won't be asked to do anything other than that which you should have read about before you signed.
Asia is more formal than most slacker street improvisers are used to.
You will be expected to start on time and act proffessionally.
you may be given a pitch that contains literally no-one. Everyone's trying hard but these things happen. Don't take it personally and think of it as some equisite torture designed by someone who knows you really well. Just wing it and do the best you can.
Its very humid,, take at least 2 costumes.
The accomodations are good, the usual 5 star, and jimmy puts effort into trying to find a place where people can hang out comfortably.
In my opinion its a bit of an adventure.
Just be prepared for things to be done a little differently as it is after all another culture.
If you like whining or complaining or can't cope with things outside your usual procedures then you'll be in your element.
It will all be someone elses fault.
but merely read your contract,look at whats being asked of you and sign it and go along for the ride alongside some really fun people in a really interesting place.
Interesting but humid.

[This message has been edited by martin ewen (edited 10-17-2001).]

[Caisiy]

ThanX! for your input Martin. I will be at the festival in just a few short days and will post my own review when i get back. I am sure to have an ADVENTURE!

[The Pretty Good]

So did Caisiy make it back?

[Peter Voice]

Read the dates on the posts, Pretty Good, it helps.

[ 11-06-2002: Message edited by: Peter Voice ]</p>

[The Pretty Good]

Yeah it was a year ago and he didnt let us know how it went.

[martin ewen]

Its on again next weekend (or the one after??)
Hilby, silly people, Taxi, stretch people, ..
Badger them for info, watch afterwards as the deng fever eats at their vitals (some of them are going camping afterwards}

[mommaK]

It's actually on next weekend (good call Martin) and Pretty Good is already going to be there!

[Pyromancer]

And me! Very curious, as I haven't been to Asia at all yet... (As far as Singapore can be considered an Asian country)

[martin ewen]

I don't know, maybe I'm feeling a little suicidal this morning.
I've dug up a strange keening piece of reportage I did many years ago and thought, what the hell, I'd post it.
It has no relation to the fine work that goes down in Singapore nowdays and has nothing whatsoever to do with anyone in the industry any more.
It is also bitter angry nonsense and I've since changed and softened.
(It was also written with 25 stiches in my forehead)
Just thought some of you might laugh.

www.anti-gravity.com.au/sentosa.html (http://www.anti-gravity.com.au/sentosa.html)

[Pyromancer]

And has your depression cleared up a bit? ;-)

[Jimmy Wong]

Dear Martin

Happen to check into this site after a long time .. must say a big thank you for your vote of confidence in our festival.

Yes we do strive to do our best .. and like I have said before .. we have a long way to go ... and once again thanks for your honest review and support.

Greetings to you David !!

Happy New Year

Jimmy smile.gif