Jed, I am nothing 'official' whatsoever (and some of the 'real' Mystic people turn up on the 'Cat from time to time) but I have known many of them for years. Mystic receives many many suggestions, nominations, and requests to appear for each Festival. It is pretty rare for someone to wind up on the program based only on their own application, or nomination by a 'fan.' If staff of the music department have heard someone, they are likely to be considered more strongly. Regional folks of course repeat, not only because the folks here know and like them but also the budget is limited. Many others just turn up, sometimes several times, and participate, and eventually wind up on the program as well; likely the combination formal and informal approach is helpful. (Many musicians also turn up regularly whether they are on the bill or not.) They are always looking for a balance of the well known, the lesser known, and the esoteric or arcane; each year has both old favorites and new surprises. Any chance you are free and in the northeast the second weekend of June?