Bluegrass is obviously not as common in Britain as on the other side of the Atlantic, but does have its devotees.

I have worked at venues which recently hosted events sponsored by the British Bluegrass Federation. The audience was obviously different from that at a folk event. They were generally older; they were hushed and reverential.

The bands picked up this atmosphere, and while the music was excellent, it was rehearsed and unspontaneous. There was practically no communication between performers and audience, other than to say in response to polite applause, "Thank you. This next number is called, whatever", and then launch into it. The bar staff tiptoed around, but didn't have too strenuous an evening; the audience all seemed to make one or two pints last all night.

Obviously, an event which didn't have this formal backing might be a little less restrained.

Folk acts are generally marked by lots of banter between the performers and the audience (and among the performers themselves, sometimes reaching the level of "What key are we in ?"), vast quantities of drink being bought and consumed. Set lists are there as a rough guide only.

Here again, this is one extreme end of the folk spectrum, which can approach comedy. I do agree that I have had to sit through too many performances of trad. dirges.

Incidentally, one of the best bluegrass and C and W singer/songwriters has a musical background from ... Sheffield and Manchester, UK. I refer to Lorna Flowers. I have to admit I am very fond of this lady since a snog (all right, a polite peck) and a free CD, last year.