Re: Orycon mini-concerts

On Wed, 13 Nov 1996, Larry Caldwell wrote:
> The mini-concerts were great. They reminded me of the old timey folk
> music coffee houses. Put them in a smaller room, add a few refreshments,
> and you would have a great attraction for a con.

Also, on Mon, 18 Nov 1996, Judy Craft wrote:
> The filk mini-concerts were very nice, but I vote that they
> compete with other programming, not filking circles. I have a
> hard enough time choosing whether to dance or filk. Adding
> extra choices like mini-concerts or chaos vs bardic was hard. I

The following comments are wrt both of these.

I've always enjoyed coffee houses. A place to sit down and relax, quiet conversation acceptable, good music to listen to if that's to your taste, refreshments for sale if you want them, etc. A place for "alternative" musicians to get some air time.

I'm wondering if it would be possible, for RustyCon or another near-future con, to set up an actual official "coffee house" at the con. Baked goods and hot drinks available at a reasonable price (half of the profits going to the con, half to the performer when the sale is made), performers by audition with the organizers (so that people coming to the coffee house have a guarantee of some minimal level of competence in their entertainment), themes and types of music at the discretion of the performers (and by arrangement with the coffee house organizers).

Depending on customer turnout, it would be: 1) a way for people who want to filk to get an audience. 2) a "quieter hospitality" for congoers who don't feel like putting up with the bustle and overcrowding in hospitality 3) a way for filkers to defray the cost of attending a con

If you don't have a cover charge (which, IMHO, would be a gross violation of con ethics), then the refreshments simply become an optional expense where people with a bit more money can help support the "coffee house" and also increase their own enjoyment of the environment, and people without money can still come and hear great music.

Opinions, anyone?

Mickey. Received on 11/18/96