Frequently Asked Questions (and their Answers).
*What instruments do you play?
Tenor saxophone is my main instrument.
I also play Baritone, Bass and Soprano saxophones.
I Play piano accordion to a fairly good degree
I also play double bass, electric bass, latin american hand percusion, and I sing.
I am currently teaching myself classical piano.
*Are you a local?
No, I am national, and sometimes international!
*Where are you from?
Currently I am based in Banham in Norfolk.
*How did you get it together?
All the performers and musicians I work with are from a background of travelling street performers, having been either solo performers with their own show, working and travelling year round as a way of life, or working with past travelling street bands such as Roxy's Tool Box, Urban Ravioli and Tragic Roundabout.
We all share a mutual interest in street music and became known to each other through traditional street performer get togethers such as Winchester Hat Fair, Stroud Folk Festival and Strawberry Fair.
The Swervy World of Stephane Spitz was officially launched in Tavistock, Devon, in the winter of 1994.
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*Do you have another income source to subsidise your work as musician?
I am a full time musician and performance artist. Occasionally I sell something on Ebay. I do a lot of voluntary work also.
How do you get together to rehearse?
It is a problem! Usually if I am booked for a specific show I set aside at least one full day for rehearsal, with other members travelling to a central point (usually Orpington in South London) to rehearse. Musicians are generally expected to put there own time in to rehearse and make an investment in to the success of the show.
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*Do you do private bookings/weddings?
Yes. Sometimes.
*How do I book a Swervy World show?
In the first instance, all booking enquiries please email to swervyworld@hotmail.com
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*Do you provide a PA? Stage lights?
My work is designed to be free from electricity so I can play on the move or in street settings. I attempt to break down barriers between audience and performer and a fine way of doing this is by delivering an all acoustic show.
Occasionally, I will make an indoor show such as in a rural village hall. For this I own a small unreliable and inadequate PA. Any further amplification or stage lights will mean hiring additional sound and lighting engineers.
*Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes, I will also provide a risk assessment form when requested.
*Can you work with no electricity?
Yes. I have battery fired speakers.
*Do you also do indoor stage shows.
I do with my swing band and my solo and duo shows.
Other shows are designed specifically for outdoor or walkabout work.
*How long do you perform for?
For street parades and walkabouts 4 x 30mins maximum.
For indoor concerts 2 x 45 mins
For clubs, pubs and static shows 3 x 45 mins
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