I haven't given a whole lot of thought to coffeehouses for profit becaue I have never considered there to be any money in folk music. I figure to make money in music you need to go into Rock & Roll or Country-Western. The two coffeehouses I have been affiliated with were both fundraisers, one for a UU church and the other for an arts center.

I would suggest that route, especially if you are a member of a church. You should then be able to get the consisitency you need to be a success.

By the way, that consistency should be limited to the place and date. Don't be afraid to experiment with the format. There is no one-size-fits-all.

Also you should be prepared to enjoy every performer that steps on to your stage. You'll hear some really bad performers but you will also hear some really great ones. I can tell stories about this and many of them are good stories. Be prepared for those "Oh Gosh" moments where everything goes right and the moment becomes magic.

Don't let your own interests dictate the shows. My main interest is in traditional English/Irish/American music yet the bulk of our open mike performers were singer-songwriters. If I had been stodgy about my interests the coffeehouse experience would not have been so enjoyable for me.

Most important, be real with yourself about why you are doing this. I remember with great happiness looking at the audience, seeing their enjoyment of the performance, and thinking, "I did this for them."

(I tried not to do that when the performance was painful. I didn't want to think "I did this TO them." [GRIN])