It really depends. We have a similar problem to the DC area that the number of venues has increased and the cost has gone up- sometimes, in this small New England region, there will be great concerts in two or more locations on the same night- they would normally both be attended by the same crowd, so communication or consolidation would be a help. Re the volunteer problem, is it just me and my area, or is this the most frazzled, maxed-out year ever??? Everyone I know is suffering from acute stress, my chorus has a 20% drop due to people taking sabbaticals, no one seems to have time for anything and we're all exhausted. This might merit another thread to see how you are dealing with stress these days.