Now that you've made it clear which country your experiences are in, Shagger, you can discount some of the comments above, as much of it seems to relate to the US and to England.

When you said "traditional singers" I knew some people would take issue with you about this. Take no notice. We all know perfectly well what you mean - people who are alive and active in the folk scene, singing traditional songs. Maybe the Irish don't make such a big deal about this distinction between "traditional" and "revival" - and Irishman once argued with me that there was no such thing as a folk revival in Ireland because the tradition had continued seamlessly into the modern folk world.

I live in England so I can't advise on social habits of the Irish scene either, but I'd guess that the reason Guinness is so widely drunk is that there isn't much in the way of real ale in many Irish pubs, and that's the best they can do, unless they want lager. Here in England, English ale is the favourite drink on the folk scene. Guinness is also available everywhere and is quite a favourite at Irish sessions. Most bodhran players drink Guinness.

Closing your eyes while singing - well, I don't think it's as common over here as it once was. It does seem to me to suggest a lack of interest in the audience, and often an inability to engage with them. I know people say it helps them concentrate, but what they should be concentrating on is communicating, not just on the sound they're making, IMO. If you do get a chance to sing and manage to keep looking at your audience, they'll sit up and take more notice of you than if you keep your eyes shut your all the time.

And as for the dress code -well, every social group has its dress code. The hippy look prevails here too at folk events, and most of us quite like it and indulge in it to some extent, but plenty of people dress in a conventional or nondescript way too. The black-teeshirt look (as favoured by Christy Moore and others) is also pretty common, if you don't want to dress like a jester. If you do choose the patchwork trousers and tie-dyed teeshirt look, a certain amount of hairiness seem more in keeping than a no. 2 crew cut - but you could buck the trend, why not? The only thing that stands out as out of place is a formal shirt and tie, or high heeled shoes.

We'll be interested to hear how you get on at your next Fleadh or whatever (with or without beard/Guinnesss/high heels).

Marje