Well, here's the deal. When I said 3 people, I was extrapolating. Obviously, if we brought in 24 acts to do a song apiece (with some nonperformers attending, assisting, etc.), we would fill the place. But a 24-artist lineup changing ever fiew minutes would overwhelm the setup at Uncommon Ground.
I know that with 8-10 performers, some people would bring more than 3, some fewer or just themselves. Nobody is committing to do a full "set" for free--it's 3 songs or 15 minutes, whichever is shorter. And there would be a bucket passed at regular intervals to be split at evening's end, as is UG's custom. Now when was the last time you got even a buck to do an open mic? And remember, UG has table servers to employ and we'd be occupying the dining room, which doubles as the music room. Michael is taking a gamble on holding an event that could net him less than a room full of diners, and if we're going to disappoint him, we shouldn't be doing this. But more importantly, the management gets a chance to see what you can do with more than just one song and what your potential might be were you to get your own full 40-45 minute set, Uncommon Ground has been much tougher to book of late, due to the increasing number of touring artists who are playing there. This is an opportunity to get your foot in the door. But if you want to network, you needn't play or bring anyone but yourself.

Sandy Andina
http://www.sandyandina.com