Hey, Les...Hope the new layout works ok and helps with the sound...but if you are having a P.A.this Friday, I guess it may take a couple of times to judge whether it works better, or not.
I know we (www) are used to 'cheating' with mics, usually...I guess the more instruments, playing the harder it gets to avoid vocals needing any amplification. It is easier for a solo guitarist's vocals to be heard than ours, especially if all four of us are playing at once. If you are a classically trained singer, (er...nope!) you have the techniques to project your voice more...plus if you are very confident, it helps. I still think it is great to play acoustically if possible and it is something that I know I want to practise, as I am very new to sometimes singing lead and am still finding my feet and thus my confidence at singing without a mic to hide behind. It is all a good learning experience! Any performer who thinks they are perfect and that there is no more room for improvement should probably give up performing! No matter how good a musician you are, if you are not prepared to encourage others and learn from them, as well, you are missing something valuable.
Whooops...heavy woffle, sorry!
Good luck, or should that be, break a string(?!) to all those playing on Friday and looking forward to it!
Keep up the good work, Les...I for one, agree with the way performers are all treated equally with regard to time...it is fair and all performers who play there should know the system and stick to it, or not play. Why should someone 'good' be allowed an extra song...then someone who is playing afterwards, have one song cut from their time? There are plenty of acoustic nights and singarounds elsewhere, (and I like going to those, too,) and if not, I guess no one is stopping those who want that, organise another themselves!