Minstrel Booking Report

A mixed month in April, with 2 shows doing better than expected (Joe Crookston and the Kennedys), one with disappointing attendance (Gathering Time), and one whose rotten attendance was expected (16 paid at Open Stage on Good Friday/Passover). When the dust settled, we wound up averaging 89.3 paid for the regular shows, and 71.0 including the Open Stage. (115.0 and 93.5 respectively counting all attendees.) We ended up $95 in the black for the month, and $1202 in the black for the past 12 months.

Open Stage in Terrace Room

The Open Stage held in the Terrace Room was quite workable, and saved us $181 on rent for the evening. MUF has agreed to permit us to do that on an ongoing basis starting with our new contract in July. This should save us $1810/ year in rent. Of course, all bets are off during the time we will be displaced to the Sanctuary site during the parking lot renovations. No word on when that's likely to happen.

40th Anniversary Concert

Paxton concert tickets went on sale to non-volunteers on March 30. As of today, April 29, we have sold 319 of the 425 seats available, 65 of which are to volunteers at the $9 price, and the rest at the regular $30 price. We are $1220 in the black (based upon estimated expenses), and will probably sell out before the end of May. I am contemplating adding a 2nd afternoon show if demand warrants it. (Before everyone gets their knickers in a twist, I said contemplating. I don't know if Tom is up to it. I don't know if our volunteers will be up to it. But I'm keeping my eyes open.)

New bookings since last month

 Sept 4: Mike Miz, opening for Bob Malone. Songwriter with hot guitar licks

 October 23: Andrew Dunn and Pete Fischman & Deb O'Hanlon split bill Two excellent FP member songwriters

 January 29: David Roth

Highlights for May

Without a doubt, Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman are not to be missed on May 15. English married couple ov Celtic harp and guitar. Astonishing players and great showmen. Those who were not around for their previous appearance in 2006 take heed. You won't want to miss this.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Agranoff

Program Chair

The Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series

Morristown, NJ 07960, USA

www.Minstrel.FolkProject.org