Performers Cafe

After Performers Café’s successful 2011 season, earning both increased audience numbers and performers, we anticipate it will continue to grow in popularity through 2012. We would like to thank all of those who have attended, or performed, and made it such a popular event at Moose Jaw’s Java Express. Having said that, there are several problems that have become apparent as a result of this growing popularity.

The first of these is, due to the number of performers, the event is running too long. What was originally planned as two-hours of entertainment now frequently approaches three hours. In order to reduce this we will reserve the right to limit participants to one song, or one written piece, not exceeding five minutes in length. Through contractual obligations, this time limit will not apply to each evening’s two featured performers.

The second difficulty we are encountering is simply a matter of preparedness. Just as an audience has a responsibility to respectfully listen and respond to those who are performing, the performers have a responsibility to prepare and present their material as professionally as they possibly can for that audience. This has been lacking in some presentations over the last few months. This criticism isn’t intended to discourage anyone, or any group, from performing. One of our main purposes is provide a venue for those who are learning their chosen craft, but we do ask that you try and be better prepared to present your work before an audience.

We look forward to seeing you when Performers Café resumes on January 25^th. Please feel free to approach any of our organizers with your suggestions on how we can improve future shows. Thank you for your continued support. 


Sincerely, the Performers Cafe Committee and the Saskatchewan Festival of Words