Monday
Just back from WOMEX in Manchester, England and sorting through the work that piled up in my absence. Even with the facility of remote work, the office tasks mount up and have to be dealt with upon my return. WOMEX was a busy time, with days spent meeting potential and former clients, advising on touring to North America and discussing waivers to avoid withholding and tax requirements in the US and Canada. I did manage to get out of the exhibit hall and explore Manchester, discovering an impressive bookstore in an architectural treasure and attending a concert by the famed Hallé Orchestra in Bridgewater Hall.
All in all, a busy time. Tonight, I am off to rehearse with the choir I have been conducting for the past 25 years. We are in preparation for our annual Christmas concert featuring the Jazz Messiah, Handel’s music re-imagined for the 21st century by Canadian composer, Andrew Gilpin.
Tuesday
Today was dominated by Zoom calls as artists sought my advice on obtaining work visas for the US. Recent election results have complicated the visa process, prompting a rush to complete visa applications sooner rather than later. Since I offer free advice on visas, waivers, taxation and border crossing, I am always busy fielding emails and phone calls from artists navigating the requirements for performing in North America—a role I’m happy to fulfil.
Wednesday
Today is tax day, so I have to prepare annual returns for client organisations and individual tax returns for single clients or unincorporated groups. Dealing with the tax authorities is always difficult and frustrating. As a Certifying Acceptance Agent with the IRS, I certify passports and prepare ITIN applications as well.
Many artists don’t realise they can apply for a refund if 30 per cent tax has been withheld—though this must be done within three years, or the opportunity is lost.
Thursday
With unseasonably warm weather, we spend the day preparing for the winter—putting in a new planting bed in the garden, storing summer furniture and walking around our 10 acres of woodland.
In the evening, our cozy log home provides the perfect setting to complete my latest knitting project, a multi-coloured cowl. I find knitting both challenging and satisfying and have been doing it since I was a teenager.
Friday
A little sore from yesterday’s yard work, I return to the office to tackle visa applications and tax complications. Calling any tax authority is mind-boggling and being placed on hold for literally hours and endless transfers, can daunt the heartiest soul, but resolving client issues makes the effort worthwhile.
Preparing visas for submission has become a gruelling process. Working on visa applications for major clients like IMG Artists demands precision and attention to detail to ensure that visas for extensive US tours will be approved without any hitch. It’s nerve-wracking at times when I realise how many hurdles have to be overcome to get
those visas.
Saturday
I spend today preparing for the upcoming CINARS conference in Montreal, where I will co-present on US visas with my colleague Will Spitz from Covey Law. Will and I have done this before and I’m looking forward to our joint presentation. Our sessions are always packed, with attendees eager to address their concerns about navigating the US under the current political climate.
Sunday
Before heading to Montreal, I catch up with some of my ongoing tasks. My monthly BAM! Bulletin is on the agenda today and I need to write some timely articles and find some jokes to share in the Bulletin. The Bulletin keeps my “tribe” of artists, managers, agents and venues updated on the latest factors affecting foreign artists in North America. Once I put the BAM! Bulletin to bed, I’ll plan my trip and find a bookstore or antique store which will take me out of the conference and into the city to clear my head and renew my energy. Onward!
