Den:

In the local circle that we have here in Kuwait, our sings are hosted in private homes every couple of weeks on a rotating basis. Homes/villas are a lot bigger than most Western homes, so we can accommodate between 15 to 30 people depending on the venue. Everyone brings different talent, instruments, and traditions.

At our sings we sing everything from an Afrikaans Sarais Marais (sic), to Yellow Submarine and Paddy Lay Back.

I found it helpful to download a bunch of songs from the Mudcat since not everyone is familiar with each other's songs or styles. I would ask everyone to bring sufficient copies of their songs so people can add to their repertoire, or at least figure out the words (interpreting Geordie songs can take some doing if you're from the States).

If you do it in private home, space is at a premium, as are chairs, and grub. Depending on where you are, you may have to accommodate the neighbors rather than singing into the wee hours. We sing on Wednesday nights (which out here is our "Metric" Friday), so most people are up late anyway.

We advertise by word of mouth and issue maps via email.

Compare our system to a more public venue, like a DC area pub where shanty sings are popular and you have a whole different ball game. Seeking a pub that will let you sing -- without scaring off the customers who are the bill payers -- is the trick. The sings eventually become an attraction in their own right, but the restaurant owner/publican will have to balance the benefits of such events with the bottom line economics of it all.

Either method works, just requires some footwork. Godd luck.

Allahamdalla, Cheers, Brian