Crystal, you mention current folk scene, clubs and festivals. It would seem to me that there is probably more "folk" music happening in pub sessions currently. Here is a scene where musicians turn up (and non musiucians) for a chance to play with others and generally have a good evening interacting with and listening to others. They are not putting on a performance and as a result things are a bit more relaxed, "performers" take more chances and there is very often great music. The pros aren't the be all and end all in this music. Much excellent music and musicianship comes from people who play for enjoyment than for monetary reward. I might go so far as to suggest a title stolen from a bumpe sticker I saw recently "Real Musicians Have Day Jobs"
If you stick with clubs and festivals you will be re-hashing the same few people that already get recogniton on the few shows that do turn up on the box.