Minstrel Report

March was an OK month at the Minstrel on the average. We had two really big shows and two really small shows, which average out OK. 92.5 average attendance for the month. 86 for the past 12 months for regular shows and 75 if we count Open Stages and other non-standard shows. We were $430 in the black for the month and $957 positive YTD. Average headliner fees were $555, and Beppe Gambetta joined the "comma club" with $1078. [Please do not include these figures in Newsletter summary of minutes.]

There is an accounting procedure that, to my way of thinking, makes the Minstrel look like it's doing better financially than it actually is. Folk Project Memberships paid for at the Minstrel are being counted as Minstrel income. ($103 in March out of our net income of $430). I would think this should be income attributed to Membership, not Minstrel. I can't be certain, but I believe that is how it was done in the past. (Pat?) I have discussed this issue with the Treasurer, and he feels it proper as currently practiced. I will accept the Treasurer's methods, but I would at least like to point out that of the $957 net profit YTD, $227 is attributable to memberships paid for at the Minstrel.

The trend seems to be for attendance to be generally good for familiar names, but not so good for unfamiliar performers. That's a disturbing sign that the coffeehouse is becoming less a social magnet for a community on Friday nights, and more just a place to see shows. It limits our ability to present new and deserving talent to a ready-made audience.

Our March schedule was somewhat non-standard with a regular show in place of our usual 2nd Friday Open Stage, and another show pre-empted for the Tommy Sands Special Concert.

Upcoming booking highlights include Michael Smith on April 27, Vance Gilbert (fresh from his tour opening for George Carlin) on May 4 and Silk City (with mandolinist Barry Mitterhoff on a rare sabbatical from his touring with Hot Tuna) on May 18. New booking of note: The Wiyos on Sept. 7.