ZIHUATANEJO INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL
Newsletter - August, 2008
Mark your calendars - the 2009 Festival will be held March 22 -29, 2009
I know that almost all the newsletters start out by saying we are sorry for not keeping you up to date with things on a more regular basis……..and this newsletter is no different.
It’s been pretty hectic of late. Submissions opened for artists on May 1, 2008. We have received many applications so far and final decisions will be made by December 1, 2008. Artists themselves will be notified shortly after that as to whether they have been accepted or declined.
Several people have asked how the musicians are picked. It is a process that depends on many things. We do not just pick our favorites, as many tend to think. We first go through the process of listening to all the applicants and make sure they are qualified for the festival….i.e. if they play keyboards, drums, are a 14 piece band - the application will be declined. Can they play a guitar competently? Where are they coming from and how much will the airfare cost? What is their availability? Are they something the public would enjoy listening to? It is a “blind” selection – meaning we listen to what we have received and regardless of who anyone is or is not – selections are based on the musicians’ ability. Sometimes artists who have applied end up having scheduling problems with other engagements (usually paying ones) and are not able to play for the festival even though they initially applied. The artists need to be able to play the entire time of the festival. Since we cover airfare, accommodations and meals, we can’t afford to bring people in for just a day or 2. If the artist is willing to cover his/her own expense, then it is a different story – unfortunately, we haven’t had many of those. We also try and pick an equal amount of genres….classical, blues, jazz, country, rock, etc…..obviously this depends a lot on who applies. Sometimes incredible musicians apply, but it is very possible that their particular style of music is something that many have applied for and we have to pick the best we think will work for the festival. As always we try to keep it as international and balanced as possible.
The 2009 festival is going to have challenges of its own. The past festival (2008) we paid the highest ever for airfares - close to $20,000.00 (US). This will be a huge determining factor for the 2009 festival as the rates have gone up dramatically since then.
Another factor is accommodations. We had problems with that for 2008 and actually had to pay $2000.00 (US) out of our proceeds. Unfortunately, combined with the airfares, it directly affected what we were able to contribute to our beneficiary.
We were able to contribute $50,000 Pesos to La Casa de la Cultura – which was up $10,000 Pesos from the previous year. We had hoped to give more but as previously stated expenses were more.
As always, we are looking for volunteers, sponsors, accommodations, etc. If anyone can be of help, please don’t hesitate to write us at: info@zihuafest.info or even if you have suggestions that might help us in some way.
Your support is what continues to make this festival happen and it is so very appreciated – there will be some new things happening with the 2009 festival, taking place March 22 – 29, 2009, but we can’t spoil all the surprises yet!!
Thanks for your help and support over the years…..can you believe we are going into our 6th successful year? And it’s because of you……..thanks, again.
The Organizing Committee
Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival
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