Dan Abnormal had it right.

Open Mic nights and jam sessions are packed with young people singing acoustic-based music, most of whom have never been near a folk club. The folk scene in the UK is wonderful and there is very little wrong with the music to be heard on it, but there are plenty of other sources of good quality, acoustic music with a message.

I'm about to start working again with a 19 year old acoustic guitarist and singer called Mark Roberts who cites Ralph McTell, John Renbourne et al as influences. Mark has never been to a folk club.

Julie Ellison, partner in life and record label, may not qualify as a young folkie anymore, but she illustrates that acoustic music is live and well as she tours a huge variety of venues - arts centres, folk clubs and - shock and horror - PUBS! We try not to build false barriers.

Rest assured, folk music is not restricted to folk clubs. Many people seem to be upset at that, but don't be. I understand that Jim Moray is making appearances on mainstream radio 2 programmes, Kate Rusby is on the radio 2 "A" playlist, and when did Kate last tour the folk clubs regularly?

Julie can play to an attentive, listening, smoke-free audience in a folk club one night and the very next night play to a packed, noisy, smoke filled bar. She gets re-booked in both venues and generates as many mailing list signs ups from both environments. Is one venue better or worse? From an audience point of view it depends on how you wish to "receive" your music. From a performers point of view, as long as you have the balls - so to speak - to play in front of the massed drinkers and have your music MAKE them listen, then both venues have a value.

The folk scene is fantastic. But let's not build barriers which do not exist. The clubs do not have exclusive rights to Folk/acoustic/roots* music (*delete to taste!).   If young people don't want to be associated with the club environment this does not mean that folk music will die.

And to finish what has turned out to be a rant - sorry ;-) - it is interesting to note that the most recent advertising flyer to land on my desk is from Emily Slade. If anyone can be described as a young folkie Emily can.   I was fascinated to note one thing about this leaflet - it doesn't have the word "folk" anywhere on it !

Now I must take a deep breath - and have a lie down ....

Best regards
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk