[Dixielandjazz] US Visa Rules for Foreign Performers

[Stephen G Barbone]

Dear Marek:

Financing had been arranged in 2011, with Russian Government support.  
There were no bureaucratic hassles. Then about a month ago, when air  
transport tickets, money and visas were to be mailed to me, that  
support was abruptly cancelled.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband


On Apr 12, 2012, at 2:05 PM, Marek Boym wrote:

> Not really similar, Steve.
>
> Of course, it depends on what "government support was
> withdrawn" means.  If financial support, it is one thing; if not -
> it's a completely different story.
> And such things happen all the time.  A few years ago, at the request
> of the organizer of a Polish festival, I contacted an Israeli band
> with the offer to particiapte in that festival.  But the long, largely
> bureaucratic, hassle finally prevented the trip (by the time financing
> was finally obtained and the Poles were ready to send an official
> invitation, several members got much better offers and the whole thing
> failed.
> Cheers
>>
>>
>> How indeed Ulf? That's a darn good question. Political discord  
>> being what it
>> is in the USA virtually nothing will happen to change things.
>>
>> And I agree with your "counter reaction" from other countries  
>> opinion. A few
>> weeks ago, we  had an upcoming  Russian tour cancelled by the Russian
>> Government. No real reason given other than "government support was
>> withdrawn". Then too, tensions between the US and Russian  
>> Governments seem
>> to be increasing.
>>
>> This kind of an issue is not even on the radar screen of our  
>> politicians.
>> They could care less. Plus, unfortunately, we have no lobbying  
>> voice, or
>> money, or votes to move them to any action. Sad to say that "it is  
>> what it
>> is" and that's unfortunate.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Steve Barbone
>> www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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