I play folk and old-time (Carter Family era). Much of the music is the same, just a different way of presentation. But....there may be a lot of old-time music that is associated with country music and that leads to bluegrass and what I currently call "rock" country music. So maybe people/folkes don't want to get that close.   On the other hand, I don't like a lot of the contemporary folk music like I hear on the NPR show "Folk Sampler."   Sounds more like "soft" rock to me. I like more traditional folk music.

I play about twice a month with old time fiddlers, pickers, and singers. They do a lot of country music from the 40-70s. I slip folk and Irish in, and it is appreciated (or at least tolerated). I have played in a wide variety of music situations and have never been told what to play or what not to play. The people might not appreciate my playing, but haven't had comments on the selection of music.