Answers to Questions
Regarding
The Harpers' International Giglist

I have received a number of helpful hints and suggestions from avid readers and users of the Giglist over the years since it was first introduced on Harp-L in 1996. I appreciate hearing from everyone, and realizing that the list is indeed a useful item. I would like to address some of those suggestions here.

Regarding the possibility of other methods of dissemination of the Harpers’ International Giglist, which is published weekly on Harp-L, I have occasionally received suggestions that the Giglist might be more effective if it were split into several lists, more specifically for UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, and other countries/continents.

Some comments: “I believe a lot more European harpers would add their gigs to the list if they knew people check this list for venues in their area. (Maybe there are more harpers in Europe than you realize??)”

“I think more readers worldwide would check (and add to) the list.”

“One doesn't check the whole list every week name by name just to see if maybe (an) artist happens to have his yearly European tour at this time.”

This has been suggested by several readers, but the benefits to the few would be counter-productive overall. I started the listing a number of years ago, as a project for Harp-L, and it has grown considerably since that time. Because of the layout of the listing, and the frequency of its post (weekly), the current layout seems to work best for all concerned (including myself, with a limited time schedule). And in order for me to keep up with the constant editing process, I update the listing on the website on a daily basis.

Regarding the maintenance of several lists: impossible, in a word. Reason being, the gig list is not supported by fees. Also, with regard to maintaining a separate list for Europe, e.g., it would require a search thru the artists' listings, gather and delete all the non-European gigs from the master list, and place the balance in the European-only listing. Not so simple: someone searching for Charlie Musselwhite (for example) on the US-only list would not be apprised of his gigs in Australia, England, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, etc, and vice-versa. And this is only one name! Bottom line - a Europe-only list should include not only European artists, but touring artists from around the world! The wide range of editing problems this would incur is evident.

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Additional Suggestions from Readers

There have been a number of other suggestions, including the idea of reducing the length of a given artist listing when the venues are repeated. But when the whole concept of the listing is considered, it is necessary to list each date individually, allowing for daily or weekly updates, deletions, etc. It makes it much simpler to "cut and paste," when all dates are listed. Also, I must consider the adaptation of the forum post to the website post on my page, which adds to my weekly chores. And I do update the website listing much more frequently than the forum listing - daily as information is received.

And... someone queried: "Pardon me but I don't understand listing private engagements on (the) gig list. What's the point or am I missing something critical here?"

The response from another was: "A private engagement listing lets the viewer know that the date is already taken, and also, for touring performers, that the act is in a particular area. From a band's perspective, it's always better to look busy, so the more dates the better. Our band always lists its private bookings to help potential bookers plan their event around available times."

"It adds an air of desirability - and it also puts the word out that the band is available and willing to do such work."

"The list is informational, but in many ways it is promotional as well. A bit of advertising and - pardon the phrase - bragging."

We must remember a few things about the list:

1) The list is a "not for profit" labor of love on my part from the very beginning, and it must remain so until it becomes such an overwhelming project that I can no longer afford the time it takes to maintain it in an informative manner.

2) It is an open list to harmonica artists the world around, and I depend on the artists to send their itineraries to me for inclusion. I do not actively search or promote the list to anyone other than the general notice included with the weekly reminder sent to the harmonica forums on the internet. But all are welcome. If you wish to be listed, no matter the size of your list, please send the list to me, and keep me informed of any updates - deletions and additions.

One might be surprised at the number of requests I receive from top name artists and groups to be included, but if they do not include harmonica in their instrumentation, I must decline. The foreword of the list, as well as the reminder, plainly states:

"This list is designed for, and dedicated to, the promotion of harmonica artists, whether soloists, band leaders, or sidemen. With apologies to other groups, we are not able to accept listings for groups who do not feature, or include harp players, due to space limitations."

and -

"Due to time constraints, we are unable to access all the various artist websites for itinerary updates, and depend on each artist to submit directly to me. Please allow me this consideration, and thank you all very much."

Again, it is the artist's responsibility to keep me posted - otherwise I have no sources for the info. Plain and simple.

Frequently submissions are received in languages other than English, and again, due to time constraints, etc, these are not useable. All submissions must be in English in order to be posted.

Thanks again for your consideration.

Danny Wilson
BassHarp

International Harp Gigs

Webmaster: BassHarp
Update: April 5, 2007
Copyright © 1996-2007 Danny Wilson
All rights reserved