Caution: Possible thread drift alert!

I run a coffeehouse in Maine. I set up the format based on a coffeehouse I ran with my girlfriend (now ex-girlfriend, she got the coffeehouse in the split). Our format is to open the doors at 6:00 and let the musicians jam for an hour. Then we start an open mike which runs to about 8:45. Finally, at 9:00 we get the featured performer up on stage for a 45 minute set.

I have not been inmusic in any other country (or even province or state on this continent) since I rediscovered folk music so I don't know. What is the format for the folk clubs you are talking about? What do you do that I might be able to steal (er, borrow) for my coffeehouse?