Entertainment Area
April 2005
Dear Entertainers,
Warm greetings from the Entertainment Committee, this year's fair dates are September 23, 24, & 25. If you would like to join us this year, please return the enclosed application. Each application must be accompanied by a current example of your performance, along with any other material that will help us learn more about you. The Entertainment Committee will meet to review applications and all supplemental materials in May: please send current tapes, cd's, video's, brochures, etc.. Also enclosed are the Entertainment guidelines, please read them carefully. Be sure to get your application and materials in on time if you wish to be considered.
Our schedule for 2005 is as follows:
April 19 - Applications sent to Entertainers
May 6 - Applications MUST be postmarked by this date.
May 27 - Office Mails Decisions and Contracts to Applicants.
June 17 - Contracts MUST be returned by this date.
Mid-August - Office Mails Confirmation Packs, Vehicle Passes, Maps & Fair Passes for your performance(s).
September 23, 24 & 25 - Common Ground Country Fair
There are several entertainment areas at the Fair. The Amphitheater features lively bands, contra dances, fiddle contests and other large-scale events including Friday and Saturday evening showcases. The Spotlight Stage has smaller, more intimate performances. The Children's Area stages feature events geared toward our younger audience. We also have roving entertainers who move around the fairgrounds. Very loud and performances with lots of movement must stay out of the Livestock areas!
Each year, we recruit new performers for the various stages around the fairgrounds. We recognize how fortunate we are to have so many talented entertainers wishing to take part in our celebration. To that extent, we want to give as many people as possible the chance to entertain Common Ground fairgoers, and to gain valuable exposure. If we are not able to offer you a spot this year, please know that we have you in mind for future fairs.
The number of entertainers who volunteer their performances to the Fair always heartens us. Your contribution allows the Steering Committee to use its limited budgetary resources to support farmer-led educational presentations, which highlight the value of organic farming. Any help that you feel capable of giving MOFGA will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for applying to perform at the Common Ground Country Fair. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
The Entertainment Committee
Robin Fowler, Tim Forsman, Charles & Marsha Lyons
Guidelines for Entertainment
Coordinators: Robin Fowler, Tim ForsmanPurpose: The Common Ground Country Fair provides entertainment to showcase the extensive talent of Maine's performing artists. Entertainers make a significant contribution to the festive atmosphere of the Fair.
1. Applicants must read and abide by the general guidelines for the Common Ground Country Fair.
2. Entertainers must reside in Maine.
3. The CGCF makes every attempt to diversify the list of entertainers from year to year.
4. Entertainers wishing to perform at the Fair submit applications to the Entertainment Coordinating Committee. The CGCF encourages entertainers to submit demonstration tapes, cds, videos or news clips for review.
5. Entertainers wishing to be paid at the CGCF must submit their contracts to the MOFGA office by the deadline designated on the Entertainment Contracts. Payment to entertainers returning contracts to MOFGA after the deadline may be delayed. The CGCF office will not write checks during the Fair.
6. The CGCF and/or the entertainer(s) must notify each other at least three weeks prior to the Fair if cancellation is necessary.
7. Contracted entertainers must perform rain or shine.
8. Entertainers must sign in at the Amphitheater at least an hour and a half before each scheduled performance. We find that traffic delays, parking delays, and getting the instruments on the Fairgrounds necessitates this requirement. Further, entertainers must arrive at their assigned stage or performance area thirty minutes before each scheduled performance.
9. Stage entertainers must stay within their assigned areas of performance. 10. Roving entertainers generally must stay clear of the Livestock Area of the Fair, and must avoid animals as they move around the fairgrounds. Occasionally some quieter performances (no physical movement) may check with a coordinator (designated by a "STAFF" shirt) and perform by invitation.
11. Entertainers acknowledge themselves as independent contractors. MOFGA and the CGCF disclaim authority of control over performance of entertainers. Entertainers assume all rights and responsibilities for the conduct of their performance, including but not limited to: obtaining liability and general coverage insurance for all performance-related activities; and adhering to all local and State ordinances and regulations.
12. The CGCF reserves the right to make sound and video recordings of the performances. All recordings remain the property of the CGCF. The CGCF will use the recordings for subsequent commercial purposes only with the expressed permission of the entertainer(s).
13. The CGCF office pays entertainer(s) after their last performance. Entertainers may pick up their checks from the Amphitheater.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)
Common Ground Country Fair
PO Box 170
Unity, ME 04988
Phone: 207-568-4142
Fax: 207-568-4141
Email: cgcf@mofga.org