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A very disappointing month for the Minstrel. Particularly disappointing because the strength of the schedule did not warrant the low attendance. Both Pat Donohue and Stuart Fuchs were huge hits at recent Getaways and UkeFest, yet they drew only 80 and 35 paid respectively. We averaged only 60.3 paid for the month, and lost $575. We're still doing well over the past 12 months, but, as I said, October was disappointing.
We've been noticing of late a disproportionate number of unpaid attendees at the show. For example, the Pat Donohue show had 124 total attendees, but only 80 were paid. Over 1/3 were freebies in one form or other. There were 18 ticks redeemed, 18 on staff, 5 second-timer passes redeemed, and 3 performers' guests. This is excessive, particularly the 18 staffers. We will be looking into addressing this in the future, both in the area of keeping staff to a reasonable number and perhaps revisiting our policy of giving out ticks.
Another interesting point of note: The attendance for the Fischman/O'Hanlon-Andrew Dunn double bill was predictably light: 66 paid. We've usually had light turnout for shows featuring our members. However, they put on such a wonderful show that the Creel per attendee was $7.44, 2nd-highest in 2015 falling neatly between Brother Sun at $8.35 and Toby Walker at $6.47. In other words the attendees present voted with their pocketbooks that this show up there with the very best of the pros. We should have more faith in our own members.
New bookings since last report:
· Jan. 15: Tom Gala opening for Martin Grosswendt. Quirky and appealing songwriter coming out of semi-retirement.
· March 4: The Odessa Klezmer Band. Eastern European Jewish folk and pop from the 30s
· March 18: Terry Kitchen with Mara Levine opening for Orrin Star: Singer Songwriter
· April 1: Circle Round the Sun opening for No Fuss & Feathers Roadshow. All-member contemporary folk band.
· April 29: James Keelaghan, powerful Canadian songwriter with Neely-Emmert-Bly opening, offshoot of the band Left Field
· June 3: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Iconic fiddle & guitar duo.
Highlights in November:
· Nov. 27: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo Killer gypsy-jazz guitarists.
Respectfully submitted:
Mike Agranoff
Program Chair
The Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series
Morristown, NJ. USA
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