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 NOTE: Please do not use the "Download Application PDF" icon at the right. The correct link is in the third paragraph. So, you wanna perform at BCMFest? Here are the most important things you should know about being a BCMFest performer: 1) Basically, it's a party. And there is an actual party afterwards. 2) We're looking for artists who live in, and/or who have continuing ties to, the Greater Boston area Celtic music and dance scene. 3) New collaborations are encouraged, especially those that are imaginitive, creative, outside that metaphorical box. 4) Everyone gets paid the same. You may also want to look at our Performer Categories for a better idea of the acts we feature at BCMFest. Please download, fill out and send in the performer application (PDF). THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JULY 15, 2008. If you're interested in participating in the BCMFest Finale Concert, be sure to read and fill out that section of the application as well. Finally, for both new and experienced BCMFest performers, here are a few FAQs you may find helpful: Q: I don't understand why you have people apply to play at the festival, especially if they're already established performers or they've appeared at BCMFest already. If BCMFest is interested in having someone perform, why don't you just ask them? A: We like to describe BCMFest as a "community-oriented, grassroots festival." What does that mean, exactly? Well, part of the answer is, we want everyone to be given equal consideration for playing at BCMFest -- so no matter how well-known or accomplished you might be, we want you to take the time to fill out the application telling us you're interested. To be candid about it, BCMFest is a labor of love. No one's going to get rich playing here (more on that later), and we're very dependent on volunteers as well as a few select individuals willing to work behind the scenes at a discount. Any money BCMFest makes goes right back into the festival. But our feeling is that we, as a community, should recognize and celebrate all the great Celtic music, song and dance we have in our midst. If you feel that way, too, we'd love to have you participate -- and your application is the best way to show us you want to get involved in BCMFest. Also, don't take it for granted that we know all about you and what you're up to. Maybe you've been working on some brand new material? Or playing with a new band, accompanist, melody player? If you fill out an application and tell us what kind of stuff you'd like to do at BCMFest (and include a sound sample) it will help us a lot in how we plan out the festival. That being said, there may be instances where BCMFest will reach out to a particular performer or group we feel will add something to a particular aspect of the festival, such as the finale concert. Q: I played one year at BCMFest, but when I applied the next year I didn't get selected. Why should I bother applying again? A: Since the number of performer applications BCMFest receives is more than the number of available slots, we have to consider quite a few variables in choosing acts for the festival: giving a shot to bands or individuals who haven't appeared at BCMFest yet; making sure there's a representation of as many different kinds of Celtic music and dance (Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, etc.) as possible; offering a variety of talents and styles, e.g., singers and dancers as well as instrumentalists; and presenting special, one-of-a-kind collaborations. Given all that, inevitably we have to make some hard choices and decline applications from people who have played at the festival. But please don't feel unwanted or unloved -- next year, the scenario may be very different, and BCMFest will be delighted to have you back on the stage. But again, we have to know you're interested in performing, and the only way we can is if you apply. Q: What's the deal with the low fee BCMFest pays to performers? You've been around for five years; why can't you give more? A: We know this may be mystifying, perhaps even troubling, to many of you. That fact is BCMFest incurred some significant debt during its first couple of years, and is still paying it off. At the same time, we've made the decision to upgrade some critical aspects of the festival, notably sound and lighting, that we believe will improve the overall presentation and professionalism of BCMFest -- and, in so doing, hopefully make it a better experience for performers and public alike. Unfortunately, this means we have less money to pay performers, at least for now. Please know, however, that BCMFest is organizing and sponsoring a number of fundraising and outreach events during the year, such as the "Celtic Music Monday" series at Club Passim and a music cruise in Gloucester Harbor. We've entered into a partnership with the Folk Arts Center of New England, and are looking at other avenues -- such as obtaining grants -- that could also help strengthen our financial situation. That's why we try to make BCMFest as enjoyable an overall experience for performers, such as by recruiting a band of solicitous and helpful volunteers to help you check in and get where you need to go. We truly value the musicians, singers and dancers who perform at BCMFest -- even if we can't pay you what we think that value is. Performers for 2008
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