It's a bit of a sweeping statement to say that the "younger generation" talk about bands since that's their only exposure to folk music. The band thing is due to the increasing availability of this kind of music on LP's and now CD's. It's also a good way of learning songs.

There is also a social trend away from providing ones own entertainment. Most people today think a party means standing in someones kitchen with a can of beer in your hand shouting at someone else over the music.

The best entertainment in my experience is home grown and what becomes a "party" never started off with that intent - it just happened.

They just don't happen so often these days. The pre-arranged folk clubs and singing workshops seem to me a bit twee and artificial.

Maybe it's just an English thing.