For the first years of the "Seattle (USA) Song Circle", I was a dedicated participant. This was for several reasons: Enjoyment of the music and friends, and as a long time teacher, I've always felt something of an obligation to nurture and encourage new music lovers. But after some years of Sunday evenings, I began to distance myself, more and more. It had to do with several things: the long drive on a "work night"; more and more often "blue books" were showing up; fewer and fewer of the better musicians were attending.

Another factor reflects what Rick just posted, regarding the "jerk" that insists on playing along (badly) with every person's turn, and no one in charge to shut him up.

I'll tell a funny story on myself, and I sincerly hope that this story does NOT bring a ration of very bad jokes in very bad taste:

During this time when I was attending song circle less and less, I often would enter the home, and set the stage for my quick get-a-way. I'd stash my guitar close to the back door, ususally in the kitchen, and join the group, usually with one foot in the singing room and one foot in the hall, heading toward the kitchen. At the first sign of "trouble", I'd just quietly get up, sneak into the kitchen, put my guitar in the case, and slip out the back door, slide alongside the house to my truck, and be halfway home before anyone missed me. Now ... and here's the funny part: a dear friend of mine who also used to attend these events quickly named me "BACK DOOR BOB!"