Thread: Need "wording" advice please

I had been contacted for a gig the night before my troupe and I leave for Baltimore. No problem. I got an e-mail last night asking if I would be available for the night after instead, which would be a bit difficult as I will be out of town by then. Normally if I am unavailable for a gig I will let the client know and happily pass the gig along to one of my troupe dancers or to another local dancer who has subbed for me before. There are one or two other performers in the area, but they're not dancers I would recommend to someone looking for a quality show. All the ladies I would normally use as substitutes are going to Baltimore with me and the other one just had a baby (like not even 2 weeks ago) so she's not performing again just yet.

So far I'm thinking of sending something like:

"*insert appropriate greeting here* I would love to be a part of your event but unfortunately I am not available the following evening because I will be out of town. *wording issues come here where I would normally put in the "recommend an alternate performer" bit* I hope you will keep me in mind for future events and hope you and your guests have a wonderful celebration."

I've never had this happen before (not having a sub I would recommend)... what's the best way to reply tactfully?

How about:

Dear *client*,
I would love to be part of your event, but unfortunately I will be out of town. Normally I would be happy to recommend one of the other local dancers who I work with, but we will all be attending the same event.! I hope you will keep me in mind for future events, and I hope you and your guests have a wonderful celebration.

... brilliant and simple. May I borrow that middle sentence please?

Thank you!

No problem! :)

Now, for something completely off topic, but speaking of Baltimore...

Would you like to write a review of the competition for the Atlanta Belly Blog? :)

off topic: yay people coming to baltimore from bhuz! i will be in attendance please do not hesitate to say hi!

Genevieve - Sure! I would love to write something for you. :)

Amartia - Cool! I know a lot of bhuzzers are going, so I'm hoping to get to meet many of them. :)