In his follow-up to On Songwriting (GP, 2005), acclaimed musician Bob Snider tackles the subject of performing. At turns self-deprecating and jokingly grandiose, Snider provides tips for effective performing and stories from the trenches. With thoughts on everything from stagefright, interruptions, timing and humour, to venues, bookings, organization and encores, Snider’s prose is itself a lesson on performance.

The book begins by placing the reader in a hypothetical boot camp. As drill sergeant, Snider then proceeds to run through the basics of preparing material for performance. The tone is dramatic, but the advice solid. With passages on stage etiquette, making the best of an unfavourable crowd, uniting an audience, mastering the delivery of a joke and organizing your time on stage, On Performing offers valuable insight gleaned from personal experience. Central to Snider’s theory is his belief in the relationship between audience and performer, in the sense of trust, control and generosity that fosters unity among audience members, and the importance of genuine connection between audience and performer.

With accompanying illustrations by the author, On Performing is an excellent source of inspiration and know-how for the seasoned performer and the tongue-tied alike.

Bob Snider is one of Canada’s most celebrated musicians. Born and raised in Toronto, he spent several years as a resident of Nova Scotia before returning to his hometown as a busker in 1986. To date he has released seven albums, most recently A Maze in Greys (2007) and Stealin’ Home (2002). Snider tours widely and has appeared at shows and festivals across North America. His first book, On Songwriting, was published by Gaspereau Press in 2005.

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