This is a fascinating discussion. I have always wondered about admission charges in UK folk clubs. They are certainly lower than here in the States. Most US folk societies charge $10-$15 (approx. £7-12) and in Canada it's $20. House concerts use the suggested donation model with the same range of numbers. Even when the exchange rate was 2-1, I was making less in the UK than what I make in the States or Canada.

Also, as someone said above, artist fees are wages and in my experience have not increased in the folk clubs, though costs for artists (and I am sure venues as well) have increased. It's damned expensive to tour in the UK and I certainly don't do it for the money, but it is always interesting to note that to make a UK tour work, I have to book at least 14 or 15 gigs just to break even.

I have always felt that ticket prices are a decision that should be made by the organiser, though some have asked me to suggest a price. I think George made some excellent points above and Vic did as well. Ticket prices are tricky as someone said above: 1) you charge what the market can bear and 2) if you cannot meet the terms of an artist's contract the artist doesn't get booked at that venue.

I don't know Vin personally, but I have seen him perform. Like many others who have been in the biz for years and years and can guarantee a full house, IMO he and they have every right to run their business the way they see fit. If that means dictating a certain price for tickets, so be it.

Debra Cowan