Post a sign for bathroom(s).

Post a sign for any off limits rooms (helps with your family).

Post and then tell folks before the start of the event where the entrances and exits are (helps in an unlikely emergency that you won't have because you posted the sign).

Create a 1/2 page bio and discography this way out can cut down long introductions. Include coming events.

Think through how you will sell/sign CD's - I suggest sell in one place sign in another. If you do sell CD's get change in advance (a lot of ones fives and tens and loose change)Everybody will bring twenties (yuppie food stamps).

If you have any way to make the stage the brightest area in the room that is important. It will help with what Adrian is saying. It will create a sacred space. Sit in various places in the room and note if any of the lights (or reflections from shiny objects) will be in folks eyes.

- Ask the performer what they like to drink (Water (Warm or Cold), Calistoga etc. Do they require quiet (meditation time) prior to event. Many performers I have worked with require some "no people" or warm up time prior to an event. Others want to drink scotch and chat.

Relax and expect that something will go wrong. Mispronounced names, strings break, crying kids, rain, parking (people will arrive late how will you get them seated-quietly)I suggest that you only seat between songs.... reserve some space in the back, noisy neighbors (BTW invite the neighbors.....)
FRED

- Discuss an after-show jam/bull**** session ahead of time with the artist and, if they're into it, be sure there are a few spare guitars to tinker with. Every time this "extended time" as been available, the "donation" bucket has gotten more full than when it's strictly a concert.

- Put a time limit on the above...

- Tell and invite all of your neighbors.

- Tell everybody to leave their kids at home!

- Find a place to stash your pets. Yeah, yeah, we all know how good the dog is, but this is the fullest house he's ever seen.

- If there's any alcohol available, be sure to provide some food.

Mary Arden Collins blew everyone away with her amazing voice and intricate guitar playing. Dave's house and family's hospitality lent it self well to the concert. It was well attended and well received. Some of the highlights included:
- Mary's voice!
- Dr Dave and Trevor Laurence joined her on a few numbers.
- She played the "Mississippi" song which she debut for us first at the Student Performances at IGS San Diego.
- The guy with the National Tri-cone playing on the back patio.
- Mary's voice!!
- Introducing my wife to some IGS'ers and hearing her say, by the end of the night, that she sorta gets an idea of what IGS is about and understands what a blast it is.

It was great to see some familiar faces from this summer- Dave, Trevor, Phil, Mary. Heard that Dave Mullany was gonna show up a little later that night. I had to unfortunately leave shortly after the show, to attend a friends house warming party, so I'm sure I missed half the fun.

Until next time,
Will