Banjiman
If you say that if you book big names and get a good crowd, but not for the lesser known artists, then stick to the big names. Put the lesser known artists on as support.

You have to be tough, because the audience votes with it's feet.

Your freinds and local artists need to be the support. People want to see performers who you do not see very often, in your area, but are crowd pullers.

That is the way at the moment. With the way the economy is at the moment, audiences are more discerning.

You work hard at what you do Banjiman and don't give up, but maybe this is the time to move up a level.