I've seen Jed perform twice at house concerts set up by a very small group of folkies in the Portland area of Maine.

Jed lives in Texas, almost diametrically at the other end of the USA from Maine. I know, from the trip that Kendall and I took to California that it costs to travel across that very big country - around $500 a head simply for the air fares. Add to that the cost of accomodation, which isn't always provided, agent's fees, hire of a vehicle (gigs, even in the same state can be quite a distance between) and a professional performer cannot afford to do a gig for the chance that they might make, say $100 because the organisers did not advertise properly or that local interest in folk was not sufficient to pull in a larger audience.

Luckily for us Jed is a Mudcatter and a friend, in particular, of Kendall's and so it is almost more of a social visit when he comes to us. He also has family, I believe in Massachusets so isn't too far from us when making family visits. The money he makes from our house concerts - all the admission money collected, may defray his expenses but he ain't going to get rich on it.

There is definitely a marked difference between the UK and the USA on this one.

By the way - if Jed ever does come to the UK book him - you will have a great evening. He is a consumatte performer, terrific songwriter and accomplished musician. Not to be missed.