A few months ago we shared an appeal from Slovak banjo picker and entrepreneur Richard Ciferský, who was seeking financial assistance with the legal costs of obtaining a work visa to play music in the United States. Richard had visited the US many times, but to work here legally and establish residency involves a great deal of paperwork and red tape.
Ciferský arrived in the US just a few days ago, which coincided with the announcement that Stuart Wyrick was leaving Dale Ann Bradley’s group for Flashback. Dale Ann had performed with Richard in Europe many times before, and snapped him right up for her touring band.
After enduring the rigorous process to be approved for his visa, and making the long journey from eastern Europe, he was delighted to find a gig right away. Richard shared his gratitude for all the people who helped him with the visa issues along with his news.
“First I would like a thank to everyone who helped to me with my new working visa as finally I got it for 3 years, which is the maximum. Also I would like a say thanks to everyone who supported my Indiegogo visa campaign. Specially must say thanks to Jonathan Maness (from WestWend band) who is my visa sponsor, because without him I could not be able be here. Also would like a say thanks for all work to lawyers from Global Access who worked on all of the paperwork for me.
Right now I also have great music news as I got offer from Dale Ann Bradley and I will be new banjo player in her band. I will also play with WestWend from Knoxville and I am interested in building my own project over here.
Also I am ready to record my new solo duet CD, which will include my original music and a small book with a fairytale which I wrote about Willy the dwarf and his adventures. I spoke with some players and I hope I will have on CD great players and my heroes like: Kenny Smith, Adam Steffey, Jonathan Maness, Steve Gulley, Marshall Wilborn, Dale Ann Bradley, Rob Ickes, Alan Bibey and others.”
Bradley was stoked to reunite with her Slovak friend, and complete her stage lineup.
“I have known Richard for a good while now. He has sponsored three European tours for Steve Gulley and myself. You get to know a musician personally and learn what they can do musically when you spend that amount of time with them. So glad to see his dream of playing in the United States become a reality and have him be part of my band. Looking forward to working with the caliber of musician and person that Richard is.”
Look for Richard with Dale Ann starting with the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival next weekend. You can check her touring schedule online.
