I will be performing at the San Francisco Jazz Bass Camp concert sponsored by ZON in Berkely, CA on June 8th. The concert also features Jonni Lightfoot, Todd johnson, Damian Erskine and Michael Manring to name a few.

This is just makes me sad :crying:
I'm stuck in a dead end job, In a country that wont recognize a bass guitar as a front instrument.
And i can't even get on a plain to go and watch the people i like. Not with my budget :) .
Any chance you come to perform in Israel?

When I read it first i was thinking about a religious fanatic country and then i saw Israel... DUDE stop complaining, we got awesome shows ahead of us! And not recognizing bass as a front instrument? well, that's just not true (though it is not saxophone or trumpet that are only front) i play things with my band that i lead and after the concerts i get tons of compliments. try and see... but it will be nice if a bassist like ray will come to perform in Israel.

The last time i saw a bass as a front, was when i saw Yosi Fine playing with a DJ.
I do not talk about bands, And believe me after you get some responses like: "If you like soloing so much with tapping and chords, why don't you play a guitar?" You'll know what i mean.
I had responses myself as a bass player with my band. People really impressed and stuff. But again, Thats not what i'm talking about.
What I'm talking about is when was the last time you walked into a place and heard a bass solo performance? Stuff like this...
When did you ever read here on the streets posters that say "Bass Day" or "Bass Clinic"?
For the last year I'm trying to get sponsors to organize an Israeli Bass Day. I'll share with you one of the responses i got from a major brand here. "Why would a bass player need a day?"
So please dude, let me complain in peace.:)
And i certainly have about what...

P.S.
Can you spare some names for the gigs ahead of us, as you mentioned?

You're right electric bass days and clinics doesn't exist... But you know what... I'll PM you with an idea maybe we can cooperate.