My own experience is that clubs calling themselves 'folk clubs' are still largely centred around the conventional idea of folk in its broad sense, including but certainly not restricted to traditional music. Those clubs which want to encourage all sorts usually call themselves 'open mics', not least to attract those performers and audiences who wouldn't be seen dead in a folk club. The problem is that without advance knowledge of who will perform it can be difficult to research in advance whether a particular folk club will suit your own tastes, and unless you can rely on a recommendation finding the right club becomes a matter of trial and error. However where there is an advertised guest list it shouldn't be difficult to find out."
A QUOTE FROM HOWARD JONES,good points Howard. these days most clubs have websites if they do not have an advertised guest list, they often have clips of residents and house singers and floor singers, that gives a good idea of what an audience might expect.
here is an example of a club that describes clearly as do many others what kind of music you might get.
Carrington Triangle Folk Club

The Carrington Triangle Folk Club is open every Wednesday at The Gladstone, Loscoe Road, Carrington. It has a range of excellent beers to whet the appetite of any visitor. Singers, musicians, poets, story tellers and just listeners are very welcome. The club enjoys any kind of music or ditty from the ballad to rock n roll both traditional and contemporary. They enjoy singing with other people, and songs with a chorus. They have guests monthly.

A special feature of the club is the free veggy curry provided every week by the genial m.c.
Jim Carroll here is another
Swindon Folksingers' Club

Half a Century of Traditional Folk Music in Swindon

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The Club
Ted and Ivy Presentation 2010

Founded by Ted & Ivy Poole and friends in 1960, Swindon Folksingers' Club has a long history of keeping traditional music alive in this busy town in north-west Wiltshire. From its beginnings in the folk revival, the club has seen Swindon's character change from railway town to a modern centre of new technology and financial services; but through it all, Swindon Folksingers' Club has remained as a friendly, relaxed and welcoming place where anyone can come and sing or listen.
Aims of the Club

    To foster good singing and help new singers and musicians.
    To encourage interest in British and other national traditional folksong and music.
    To introduce folksong, music and fok customs to a wider public.
    To work towards, and assist wherever possible, international friendship and understanding.

We welcome performers of all abilities. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, so come along and have a go. It doesn't matter how good you are – we all had to start somewhere!
Where & When

We currently meet at Ashford Road Social Club, 17-18 Ashford Road, Swindon SN1 3NT (upstairs) (the club has a licensed bar), on Friday nights from 8:15 – 11:00. (During July and August there are no official events, but you should find a few of us there anyway!)
Issy and David Emeny
Contact Us

The club is currently run by Eric Stott. or you can e-mail us.
Membership and Admission

Membership of Swindon Folksingers' Club is free. You can join on any club (non-guest) night.

Guest Nights: Members £3.50 non-members £4.50

Club Nights: £2.50.

Swindon Folksingers' Club is a not-for-profit organization.
Jim Carroll
Both these clubs state clearly what kind of music you will get, please stop claptrapping with your Carroll Codswallop