In 1994-95 I went over seas to play in Iceland and Norway. The trips were arduous to say the least because the Canadian and American agents knew very little about geography. For example, they originally had me flying into Oslo to catch a cruise ship in Bergen (MV Color Line). Something didn’t seem right with this so I got out a trusty atlas. Sure enough, as I figured, Bergen was on the other side of the country. And even though Norway is not a big country transportation is big deal because of the mountains and long fjords.
The second leg was up to Loen which took 20 hours by bus through long tunnels through the mountain and across and around a few very long fjords. It was beautiful country but I knew I wouldn’t get there in time to play the first night of the gig.
However, I would recommend these experiences to all performers because this is what being a musician is all about. The people I met and circumstances I encountered in a 6-month period would fill volumes.
One of the great characters I met was an agent named Mirko Fistravec who situated in Groeningen, Holland. At the time I knew this about him: He was from Bulgaria, booked acts in Norway and Europe, lived in Holland and was married to a Norwegian girl. As well, he was great company!
Over the years we’ve corresponded even though, with a family, I could not get over to take some of his great gigs. Since then the internet has broken open the global gigs for entertainers, a fact that I am resigned to. In essence, I was ten years too early! I would highly recommend my readers who are interested to contact Mirko. Now he books in Dubai, Russia, etc.
One of these days I’m going to meet Mirko. Because even though it was 13 years ago I still consider him one of my favorite people!
Contact info:
MF Music Nederland
Mirko Fistravec
office: Poelestraat 24C * NL-9712 KB Groningen * Netherlands
web : http://www.mf-music.com
e-mail: info@mf-music.com
tel. : + 31-50-3122874 fax : + 31-50-3144310
mob. : + 31-653-236404