Sounds like two different things. Talking and music. An establishment that is sponsoring an event wants the music not the talk. If you want talk its easy enough to meet at a grill, bar etc to discuss different issues in what ever format you want. A public stage is no place to discuss specific issues that have little or no interest to the general public.

If you introduce another aspect of the showcase other than entertaining music and social connection you risk loss of interest to participants, sponsors, and patrons of the estabishment.

The only important thing is to increase numbers at the showcase and everything will fall into place. Decrease the numbers and you will be left nothing. I believe people come for the sense of commaradary and love of music. Maybe I am wrong.
papos