come to think of it I would not invite those too professional to share! There are many people who want to have a place to play. Sharing music for me is an obligation which comes before money. Yes songs I think came before money - way before thank god! If not for the existance of song how could we deal with the problems inherent in money.

When I have musicians and the ocassional storyteller stop in I generally have the outside in goodweather we pick up the neighborhood kids who come in from the cold of commercial music and find themselves in a new world- which will change them forever- we have inexpensive treats- popcorn and juice and sodas....I have been known to find a quarter keg of beer and folks will generally bring their favorites.

Some folks map on our annual events such as our big celebration of November 5 with British song- Guy Fawkes day- ocasional ren music.... we generally have a sign in list and instruct folks to bring friends and covered dish.

For St. Patricks day celebrations and the balancing celebration of July 12 I geneally have my former students in. Their numbers grow every year.

Start small and it will grow. Just make everyone welcome. Open the doors and they will come in. We have not had any problems. Actually some folks help clean up so the place is cleaner than it was before.

you just have to take time off from the rush to find treasure. The music will thank you and those who could not pay will be drawn in. There are winners all around.

Conrad