So after the improv group the Israeli Consultate hired fell through due to visa issues, KFAR was called as the cavalry to ride to the rescue with a well-known Israeli jazz we were planning to bring to town for Yom Haatzmaut events. For the sake for Loshon Hara, let’s call them Fatwah. The lead player from Fatwah is a really talented fellow, but another reputable local presenter warned me he’s an eccentric flake who’s fiscally irresponsible at best and a minor diva at worst. Okay.
So planning to bring him to town, he tells me what he needs, and he informs me that he’s secured funding from the MFA for his flights to fly here, making it a simple economic formula. Excellent. I go to work securing him gigs, which I succeeded in more abundantly than normal due to the cancellatino of the improv ensemble. I got him choice gigs with choice organizations, and for a change, it looks like KFAR may get a taste as well.
Then I check with the MFA- no sponsorship. Fatwah was not being truthful. Then a manager appears to smoothe things over. Now I know there’s trouble. “We’re only as good as our word,” quoth he. “We’ll do the gigs even if we have to pay for the flights ourselves!” sayeth he. Then over the course of a week, he comes back time and again to raise the ask until its nearly 4 times the original agreement, several thousand in excess of the original deal. This in spite of the fact his artist caused a major screw up. I ponder cancelling, but I’ve got people signed to deals, and I explain that he has to deal with me, not let me and my contracted parties down, and that if he does, Fatwah’s name will be mud in the Midwest. He raises his ask and increases it again. Finally, I cave because I’m in a hard spot, not wanting to spoil my relationships and knowing it’ll be a wash. He then asks me to rent the band’s instruments. It’s the final straw. I say no. He cancels and leaves me holding the bag for talent for the 2 largest public Israel events in the city and 2 Hillel gigs. 2 weeks away from the events. Like 10 minutes ago. Needless to say, “Fatwah” won’t be performing in Chicago anytime soon.
