Am very proud, and a tiny bit smug, to announce my first gig (concerto for the locals) in Lisbon at the fantastically generous 'Primeiro Andar' venue. Am being paid for the privilege too with a hearty meal for me and my lovely lady, lashings of wine and a big hat with which to pass around the audience to collect any forth-coming financial gratitude.
Having sent out a zillion emails to bars and venues in the Lisbon area before coming to Portugal, I can confirm that this is not the most effective method of soliciting music work, but given I was still in England - trying to get ahead of the game - I was well made up that the owners - Liliana and Teresa - were the solitary venue prepared to take a chance on an "estrangeiro", based on nothing more than an optimistic email with some music links.
For any English artists wishing to come to Lisbon and play a gig - something I do fully recommend - this is a great place to start. The venue is forward thinking and prepared to take a chance on new music and the uber-relaxed surroundings make for the perfect introductory concert in Lisbon. They serve some quite excellent food - much of it vegetarian and vegan friendly, and once the live music is over (around 11pm) they continue into the early hours with a lively DJ. Whilst the venue is not huge, it is spacious, conveniently located and has a bustling regular clientele, who I am hoping will receive me as kindly as I've been told I should expect they will.
Obrigado to the guys here for giving me a first break in Lisbon, and let's hope it's the first of many ...
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