China Tour Q's

[RED5]

I was just asked to do a ten day tour of China by a CW Band. I was referred by a friend but had to turn it down due to soon to be resolved passport issues.I will be offered this trip again so, My broad question would be; can anyone offer any general advice on how to enter this situation? I have never gone this far out on the road with a band before and would be interested in hearing from anyone who has. By general I mean what bass should I bring? Are backlines usually supplied?,snakers or shoes, is a toothbrush considered a weapon? and small things like what's "carry-on" and what isn't. I'm open, let's hear.

[Anthbass]

Originally Posted by RED5

I was just asked to do a ten day tour of China by a CW Band. I was referred by a friend but had to turn it down due to soon to be resolved passport issues.I will be offered this trip again so, My broad question would be; can anyone offer any general advice on how to enter this situation? I have never gone this far out on the road with a band before and would be interested in hearing from anyone who has. By general I mean what bass should I bring? Are backlines usually supplied?,snakers or shoes, is a toothbrush considered a weapon? and small things like what's "carry-on" and what isn't. I'm open, let's hear.

A C&W band in China? I never thought I'd see the day. I haven't toured China musically but have spent enough time there travelling to have an approximate idea of living/working conditions. You didn't mention what (or which) province(s) you'd be playing in. I think location is going to have a considerable impact on what to expect in terms of variable electricity, backlines, etc. Playing a major stage in Beijing or Shanghai, likely no problem. Playing a coffee shop in province Gansu or Heilongjiang, perhaps more problematic. Another factor is when you might expect to undertake this tour. If it coincides with the summer Olympics in any way, expect security to be tight. If not, then you shouldn't encounter anything that you wouldn't consider ordinary in the US (i.e., a toothbrush is not generally a weapon). Good luck, sounds like an interesting gig.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by Anthbass

A C&W band in China? I never thought I'd see the day. I haven't toured China musically but have spent enough time there travelling to have an approximate idea of living/working conditions. You didn't mention what (or which) province(s) you'd be playing in. I think location is going to have a considerable impact on what to expect in terms of variable electricity, backlines, etc. Playing a major stage in Beijing or Shanghai, likely no problem. Playing a coffee shop in province Gansu or Heilongjiang, perhaps more problematic. Another factor is when you might expect to undertake this tour. If it coincides with the summer Olympics in any way, expect security to be tight. If not, then you shouldn't encounter anything that you wouldn't consider ordinary in the US (i.e., a toothbrush is not generally a weapon). Good luck, sounds like an interesting gig.

The band has done this before at least twice. They were greeted like royalty, I know!, C&W? Who knew?The first trip this year will be in a week. All the venues seem to be in large cities I know they will be at the Forbidden City, but to be honest I'm just learning about China from the news and personal interest.Always was a fascinating place in histroy books, but again to me it's really just the big pink space on my globe.Forgive my ignorance.

[Passinwind]

Chef did a bluegrass tour over there not too long ago. It sounded like he had a stellar time. You might ping him for more details.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by Passinwind

Chef did a bluegrass tour over there not too long ago. It sounded like he had a stellar time. You might ping him for more details.

Thanks ,as this becomes more urgent I will post again. I missed this trip,but am looking forward to the fall tour.

[TeeMartin]

Beer is cheap and cleaner than water.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by TeeMartin

Beer is cheap and cleaner than water.

Now that's the kind of useful info I'm talking about! Thanks.