"the word "hootenanny" was one of those made up terms like "thingamajig" or "whatchacallit" that people would use if they couldn't think of the correct word for something. Specifically, a "hootenanny" was defined as "a noisy contrivance of doubtful utility... Some unknown Seattle folky in the Thirties or Forties thought the term was appropriate for folk singers' get-togethers"

So Don, if you want to really be "pure", the word "Hootenanny" was usurped by some folkie in the 40's which technically makes those Seattle gatherings an illegal use of the word since that wasn't the "traditional" usage of the word!!!!

Not to be picky, but words have a tendancy to evolve. Festivals have changed dramatically since the first "Folk" festivals in the 1930's.

I do agree with you that the word "hootenanny" has changed since the original connection with folk music, but is it really that big of a deal???