Thanks, Yorhshire Yankee. I have great respect for the Folk Alliance.
I am not concerned with the success/ failure ratio of showcasing. My question was not on whether the showcasing yields jobs. I assume that main stage showcases are as successful as the performer is entertaining and appropriate to the venues. What I would like to know is if showcasing in venues, other than main stage, is productive.
Phil, I agree that the best road to bookings is through personal recomendation. Almost all my jobs come from clients and agents who know me or who have heard of me through a friend. Showcasing is a valuable tool for breaking into new markets.

                Mike