Lowden: I don't see these as alternatives, but complementary. Yes, the organiser has to issue return invitations to popular acts, but this doesn't rule out trying some previously-unseen act on another night. I don't see how you can avoid the organiser's own tastes coming into the matter, we're all human after all, but a wise organiser listens to what the regulars say. After their first appearance at Fylde, our organiser was bombarded with comments from clubmembers - you've got to book Cloudstreet! They were booked.

I also feel that organisers do have some obligation - morally - to try new acts even without personal recomendation from within the club. That has to be dependent upon the organiser's own judgement. How else can it be? Then there are the times when a planned programme just isn't working - maybe Jez Lowe is in Australia, Les Barker's in America, so-and-so is asking too much money, whatever....and a gap has to be filled, so let's give X a try.