Hi
as someone who books guests at a folk club my experience with regard to demo/cd's is that they don't always give a true example of how a performer actually relates to an audience. I have, in the dim and distant past, booked a couple of acts on demos and found them wanting. It is not fair to put audiences thru an act that doesn't work (it's also not fair on the performers if they are placed in a venue that isn't right for their act). Another issue revolves around whether an audience trusts you to only put on someone worth seeing-they don't always trust you. If I have seen the act perform in club/festival venue and like them, then I may be prepared to book them knowing that I am likely to lose money on the night but will, at least, enjoy their performance myself. I realise that there is a catch 22 situation here but I don't make the rules! (if only I knew what the rules were life would be so much easier) I guess this isn't much practical help and I do wish that I had a simple catch all answer but I'm afraid I don't. good luck