Interesting discussion. 30 years ago, in the area I lived in, there was a well established folk club which had good audiences, guests 3 weeks out of 4. Good profile in the town, reports in local paper etc. The club ceased sometime in the 80s when audiences dropped off and the organisers settled down with families etc and their priorities changed. Audiences at that stage were higher than some folk clubs I've visited, and even some concerts in Arts Centres I've visited recently.
Now, in the area, there is no equivalent folk clubs. But within a 10 mile radius, there are several sessions - mainly music rather than song. Much less profile unless you happen to be in the pub.
which was more exclusive and grassroots?
The very name "club" might suggest something exclusive and might have put off newcomers. (I remember my first visit to folk clubs as a teenager - there was a certain amount of trepidation in finding the venue and going to the private room usually upstairs in the pub). But it got the audiences. The sessions are supposed to be more grassroots, yet in my experience, musicians sit in a circle, face each other and play to and for each other, rather then to an audience. I hope others can give a different experience.
when that folk club that died in the 80s had a reunion a few years ago, it was hard to find a venue. the pub where it used to meet had turned its upstairs room into an open access bar, and another suitable room wanted something like £50 for the night - we used to pay a nominal £1 a night!
Where I now live, there's a monthly folk club - apparently. the local town leisure guide just gives X folk club and a telephone number. No name, no venue, no day or time or frequency.
Oh to live in Lewes ...
addison