[Lab] "listening" to high volume using an electret microphone

[Justin]

I'm working on a "light organ" type project, and I tried this 
http://adafru.it/1713 and it worked great until I got to high home stereo 
volume, then everything was maxed out.  Since my target environment is an 
indoor concert venue, I need to use something with less amplification.
I have a bare electret microphone, but I'm having trouble finding 
information on how to use it in a high volume environment.
Does anyone have any links or suggestions?