Animaterra,

'Tis a sad fate, 'tis true. Most likely the promoter has no "back up" money at this point. The venue with which I work relies primarily on door sales. We guarantee a minimum for the performer or a percentage of the receipts, whichever is higher. Some concerts, the venue gets less than the minimum in gate receipts and has to pay up the minimum out of other funds. Since we are volunteer operated, our overhead is low and we can manage (along with some gracious benefactors who donate some money to help keep us going).

Feel blessed that the promoter is trying to bring in some very talented performers. He or she may still be getting a feel for what the area wants to see in terms of performers. It could get better.

Be assured that the performers are not making big bucks and their overhead is high in terms of transportation and housing (I think Jonathan Edwards lives down towards DC). They usually cannot afford to take a loss.

Keep hoping.

Roger in Baltimore