I do a charity event once a year called dylanfest. It's a dylan tribute concert and a benefit for the ann arbor, michigan safe house and domestic violence project. It's been going on for about 5 years now. I can give you a few hints. I dont know where you are in the world, but choose a local charity. Maybe there's a planned parenthood, battered womens shelter, hospital, etc. near the venue that could use some help. The other catch is to find local favorite performers. The first year I organized Dylanfest, I managed to get alot of really talented people to participate just by going to one of their shows and asking them. (ask about a month or 2 in advance) I had 23 acts last year and we'll have 21 this year. We charged $6 at the door and raised around $3,000.00. Don't worry about paying your performers. If you do the event for charity and hire local talent, it's a huge community builder and most musicians will be happy to lend thier talents. (many of them will play just to be involved with other musicians) Everyone should volunteer. This is charity. Give until it hurts. For the little things you have to pay for, just take it out of the house door take and give the rest to charity.

You should get as many players as you have time to allow to play in night. Every musician has a few freinds, and the more muscians the bigger the crowd will be. I had t-shirts printed last year and we sold them all for double our cost, which we donated to the charity as well.

Hope this helps.

-Spartacus