I have read, re-read, thought and re-thought comments on this subject and I have come to believe Rick Fielding says it best. We (Mudcatters)are folk music enthusiasts. We find beauty and magic in our chosen art, but there are few within society at-large who see the value in it that we do.

I don't prefer to be part of a small minority regarding the music I most prefer, but I rejoice in the music and thank God that I am able to see its beauty. While I share my enthusiasm for this music with others, I feel no need to evangelize. I really do find that when I am performing my audiences may never have heard of Tom Paxton before they walked in to where I'm playing, but they love Last Thing on My Mind or Can't Help but Wonder Where I'm Bound. They may not know who Ledbetter is, but they enjoy hearing Goodnight Irene and they think maybe they've heard it before.

On a similar note, by the way ... I never did understand why someone would choose to drink Coca Cola when there is grape juice available - but then maybe I'm just a little warped!