Ok, so I realise I have next to no chance, but a guy's gotta try.
This coming Easter, for the 5th year running, I'll be hitting up the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival (Australia).
The festival is not, and never has been, taper-friendly, despite featuring many taper-friendly artists year-in, year-out. After only the first announcement this year there's already quite a number of taper-friendly artists that I'd love to record. I've not bothered trying previously, but I figure it can't hurt to ask.
The one (thin) positive I've got going for me is that I've a passing acquaintance with some of the festival's organisers/promoters having taped some of their touring artists' gigs in previous years (with their permission). This should mean my email will at least get read - but i'm not holding my breath past that.
So what should I write, apart from 'please let me tape, because taping rocks'...cos i'm sure that'll work? Any thoughts and tips would be appreciated.
The festival faq has this:
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Am I allowed to bring a camera to the Festival?
Yes you can, but please note that only small lens still cameras are permitted, no video cameras, professional still cameras or recording equipment. You will not gain entry to the site whilst in possession of the above and will be asked to return them to your vehicle, tent or accommodation.
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More info about the festival available here:
http://www.bluesfest.com.au , but the line-up thus far (split roughly into those artists i know are TF / unknown) is:
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
Dave Matthews Band
John Mayer
John Butler Trio
Alo (Animal Liberation Orchestra)
Fishbone
Gomez
Xavier Rudd
Ben Kweller
The Roots
Gogol Bordello
Taj Mahal (maybe TF?)
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
Missy Higgins
Wolfmother
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Bonnie Raitt
Bo Diddley
Tony Joe White
Lee Scratch Perry
Kasey Chambers
Fat Freddys Drop
Sierra Leones Refugee All Stars
Fred Eaglesmith
Kieran Kane & Kevin Welch With Fats Kaplin
Feist
The Waifs
Amos Lee
Flogging Molly
Wilco's also rumoured to be in the 2nd announcement...