I believe that any strong melody can be played in any style.
You don't get much stronger melodies than those from the Beatles. How many of us started playing an instrument because we liked a tune and wanted to replicate it?
We've played many pub sessions and 'Norwegian Wood' on banjo,mandoline and 12 string always goes down well and is a great ice-breaker - as is ABBAS' 'Dancing Queen'

Again, ABBA= strong melodies - so how about "ABBA and folk music"

Simply, well-known good tunes played on acessible instruments gets folk playing.