We're proud of our parochialism in New England, but it dissolves quickly when folks get to know each other. Sounds like you need to find some way to bring the coastal N.H. and Maine performers and/or venue operators together. You might try getting a couple venues in each state to co-sponsor an event (make it a fund-raiser for a worthy cause to soften any competitive edges) or maybe put together a ceilidh just for coffee house volunteers from both states. Brunch or a cocktail hour would do just as well.