The US Travel Ban is Starting to Affect Tours

Donald Trump’s executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries is starting to have repercussions in the music world, especially with tours. Digital Music News has done some digging.

South by Southwest

Given that SXSW hosts plenty of foreign bands, organizers in Austin are starting to get nervous. At this point, none of the confirmed acts is from any of the affected countries, but that doesn’t mean that some of them might be dual passport holders. That would create problems. They’re investigating the situation. You can bet that Canadian Music Week and NXNE will be doing the same.

Aisha Orazbayeva

Aisha was born in Kazakstan and is an internationally-known classical violinist. She cancelled her performance in Chicago over the travel ban.

Kinan Azmeh

A one-time tourmate of Yo-Yo Ma, this Syrian-born clarinetist might not be able to get back to his home in Brooklyn. He’s currently performing overseas.

Ashkan Kooshanejad

This producer was born in Iran which makes any work in the US impossible for the foreseeable future.

Tours Promoted by Shari Rezai

Rezai is based in LA and specializes in bringing Iranian artists on tour. Since travel and work visas for his performers already takes 4-6 months to organize, he thinks he’ll probably be forced out of business.

Institute Blaise Pascale S.C.

The dance troupe from Oaxaca, Mexico–mostly elementary and high school kids–has canceled their tour of California.

Another thing to consider: There are rumours within the insurance industry that concert tour cancellation insurance premiums are about to spike dramatically. That sort of actuarial action could trigger a rise in the price of all concert tickets.