Brian,
Ideally I also would go for the seperate events. However!
Its hard enough getting folks out for one event during the week let alone two. If we do set them up seperately we take the chance of even the members choosing only coming to one or the other. The Tampa Chapter is on break and was told we would back up Jan or Feb so in a way this is a bonus meeting.
This is what I propose.
Combine the two keeping the schedual as follows:
Meeting Time: 7pm Sharp
Brief Introduction and talk till 7:30
(This allows for stragelers as well)
1 Hour Showcase 7:30-8:30
Taxi: 8:30-10:30
Or we could bump this same schedual up 1/2 hour and either extend the showcase 1/2 hour or end the evening at 10:00.
We will get the word out and set up the back line just let us know where and when and we'll get some info in print and distribute when appropriate.
Keep Strummin' Al Alvarez