Several years ago I attended a "westerntreff", a meeting of western hobbyists, in Germany. I think my wife and I were the only Americans there. The camp was full of folks dressed as cowboys, Indians, Civil War soldiers, fur trappers and what have you. On Saturday evening, just after supper, it began pouring rain, and the one large picnic shelter on site was crammed full with these folks. I took my guitar and sat at a table with a few people I knew and we'd talk a while, then sing a song, then talk some more. Everyone at the other tables seemed to be involved in their own conversations, and no one seemed to be paying particular attention to us. During a lull in our own conversation, I started "Mull of Kintyre" and before long, it seemed everyone in camp was singing along on the chorus. I know this is similar to the spontaneous participation other folks have mentioned in this thread, but there's nothing I've experienced quite like it. This was the first time that had ever happened to me and most of the people singing couldn't speak or understand english very well, but they could sure sing that song!

Take care, Timehiker