Special Concerts Report

Since the contract did not have an cancellation clause the committee decided it was in our best interest to go ahead with the Concert if Tommy and Company was willing and able to perform. It turned out to be a crazy day for all. Tommy's 3 1/2 hour drive from Albany took about 7 3/4 hours, including several backtracks as he tried to avoid traffic and even included a wrong turn or two. All but one of my staff members arrived. Much telephoning back and forth was done by the committee. I got many last minute calls from attendees. We set up in good time, dinner was ready on time, Tommy arrived at 7:45, and 37 brave souls came out for the show, which only started 15 minutes late.

Tommy, his kids Moya and Fionan, and, unexpectedly, Bruce Foley (an ullian piper) then proceeded to wow us all by playing an amazing 2+ hours of wonderful heartfelt music. Artistically the show was a huge success, if the weather had co-operated we probably would have sold out. The total ticket sales were 91 tickets ($1820)

The volunteers were given pins to wear with that invited attendees to ask about various FP events. I also spoke privately with several attendees about the FP in general and Special Concerts specifically. We even brought back someone who had not attended a FP show since we left the SCEEC. I may also have recruited a new member of the SC committee.

The day of, and the day after the concert I received several requests from advance ticket holders who were not be able to attend the concert, asking about either a refund or an exchange. I brought this matter to the committee and it was decided that, since we had the grant monies backing us up, that it would be good public/community relations to offer Exchange Tickets for either Minstrel or Swingin' Tern. The Minstrel and Swingin' Tern Committees agreed and the advance ticket holders were offered the option of exchanging their ticket for Minstrel admissions, Swingin' Tern admissions or to make a tax deductible donation to the Folk Project.

• • 13 ticket holders opted for Minstrel admissions ($273)

  • 1.5 ticket holders opted for Swingin' Tern admissions($30)

  • 1 ticket holder requested that the funds be accredited toward their FP membership($20)

  • 8.5 ticket holders opted to donate their tickets to the Folk Project.($170

Upcoming in May is the Jack Williams workshop on how to play the music you hear in your head. The Committee is also hoping to produce 1 or 2 more shows this coming fall or early winter.