The problem is that NYC is an incredibly expensive place, not only to live, but to do anything like put on a show. They're used to MUCH larger people putting on shows that don't blink at $6,000 for a show.
It's similar to the fact that a million dollars in NYC might buy you a medium, well stocked apartment but you could buy a 4000 square foot house here in Huntsville for 300k.
Toss in the fact that the community interested in spending money to attend (usually from long distances) is shrinking and I wouldn't bet that Amiwest itself will last a couple more years.
Now, a show in the middle of the US, say Saint Louis or Denver? Much closer to everyone outside of New York, and it would be much cheaper to put on. I think Kermit had the right idea by putting on a "cross-platform" show a couple of years ago, but the problem is that the cost of supporting multiple platforms in a show drives up the cost of the show itself. Maybe. Dunno.
Years ago, I thought of putting on a show here in Huntsville, but it never really took off due to a number of factors, including location.
Wayne
