Incidentally, I think that the House Concert folks took the wrong course of action when they filed the Federal Lawsuit. They go on forever, and cost a lot, in both time and money.

In practical terms, the easiest thing to do is to go to the Zoning Comission and ask for a variance, based on the idea that the House Concerts are a cultural event that enriches the community--you can throw in the idea that it folk and traditional music are endangered cultural resourses that you are striving to preserve them, and, if the township continues its action, they will disappear from the township forever--You could get letters of support from a wide variety of places, including folks connected to this board, some of whom can steer you to folks from the Smithsonian and from other prestigious places who might say a word on your behalf.

You might even go directly to the Township Board, and ask that they pass an amendment that allows House Concerts, since they are a cultural and historical activity that benefits the community. If that doesn't work, you could run yourself and two friends for the township board and then pass the amendments yourselves.

If you do this, it becomes a win/win situation, not an adversarial situation, and when all is said and done, your position will be stronger--The lawsuit, however it ends, will leave you tired, broke, and bitter.