Is it just my perception, or is this thread sounding a bit like post mortem?

Cilla and Artie are working hard -- and making loads of tiny converts -- with their very successful Singing Kettle shows. I saw one of their latest about a month ago with my 18 month-old great-niece, and it was just wonderful -- great production values, lots of audience participation and tremendous energy throughout the theatre!

But I also saw them in January at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, when Artie put together a tribute concert to the late Ray Fisher - Cilla's sister - and the highlight was a contribution from the Fisher family : Archie, Cilla and sisters Cindy and Audrey. What a real example of family togetherness in every sense, with shared repertoire and an internal, unspoken awareness of rhythm.

Much like the previous wonderful get-together at the Glasgow Ballad Workshop at a presentation by Ray shortly before her death. All the family attended and the Fisher lassies took to the stage to finish the afternoon, with brother Archie working hard not to look outnumbered! And Cilla was on fine form with many humorous asides.

So please don't sound as if everything is behind them -- they're still as full of ideas and energy, but maybe the truth is that the market for traditional music is less rewarding than the market for high quality children's music.