Funny thing about that is I don't believe anyone wants to keep it a secret in that way. I'm not one but I do know a number of superb musicians. I can't think of one who would not raise a smile if they see someone sat at a table enjoying the music and would struggle to find any would would not bend over backwards to help someone who wanted to get started.

Sometimes (although I can't claim to always have been lilywhite on this myself and shudder at some of my own playing in thrashes in the past), I think "folk" can be it's own worst enemy.

The all free to join in together idea does not work out if the budding bodhran player will not accept his vague resemblance to a 4/4 rock beat does not fit say The Cliffs of Moher (a 6/8 jig).

I'd not dream of attending someones unaccompanied trad songs night armed with guitar expecting to do my Dylan number or to go to a contemporary singer songwriters night armed with melodeon ready to do my morris dance set...

But some will have it that because it's all folk, all of the above should be fine.