While I respect what you do for folk music I would like to add a couple of thoughts that might be of interest. Many years ago I ran an annual benefit concert at the local high school (for 5 years). The school insisted that we show them an insurance policy for the day and also that they are named in it. We also had to pay for janitorial services. A most understandable request in this litigous society we live in. We also either purchased refreshments or had some of our volunteers bake some items.

A personal tale of litigation---and why people do not want to get involved. Some years back I institued a medical malpractice suit against a truly incompetent doctor (The only law suit I ever filed) and 3 law firms refused me because I did not want to sue everyone in sight--doctors, hospitals, etc; How could I morally since these people were helpful and caring.In the end, I used a local attorney who accepted the case and after 9 yrs decided it was not worth his effort anymore so he asked to be removed. He was--by the local judge. The ALA agreed it was incompetent lawyering but did not rise to malpractice. I owed non-existent court costs.

My point in that tale is that there is no morality in our litigous society and you either go along with it or do not get involved in the first place.

Now, as to your "benefit" concert. Is it really that?   It is a preview of an ongoing festival. Sort of like the Falcon Ridge Preview Tour. My understanding is that it (Mystic) is a private venture---correct me if I am wrong on that. Given that it is not a benefit for some group like the "starving 2 headed children of Upper Slobodia".   Then, I suppose, a different take would be appropriate in your request for food.

Ron did not mention this. Probably too modest. He organized a wonderful event for WFDU which we both hosted under the auspices of the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club. The hall was paid for, the food was paid for, the ticket price reasonable (actually lower than yours), and as the cliche goes---a good time was had by all. And the station rcvd. much needed funds in its fund raising efforts.

As you know I host the Sunday Simcha program on said station so you willl know the expression I used to some of our listeners during fund raising month who kept calling for requests but never a donation---"...either pay your way or you are a "schnorer".

Bill Hahn