The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #95443   Message #1855827
Posted By: WFDU - Ron Olesko
11-Oct-06 - 10:29 AM
Thread Name: Where Have All The Americans gone?
Subject: RE: Where Have All The Americans gone?
I think many Americans have grown weary of the constant bickering that seems to invade these threads. (And I apologize for adding to that mess in the past.)

I also think that American folk music has more diversity. With a wider range, it becomes harder to develop converstions.   A few weeks ago I put up a post (in response to a UK posting) that asked for people to mention some of their favorite festival performers. The response was minimal.

Our respect for the traditions seem to be growing thin as the audience ages. While I have seen young people taking up the style, they still perform to an audience that is drawing pension checks. The interest is fading.

Maybe I am growing sour as I grow older.   Last week we hosted Guy Davis at the Hurdy Gurdy.   For a venue in Bergen County, one of the most populated counties in the U.S., we were only able to draw 50 people. That is shameful for an artist of his caliber.

Americans are apathetic and would rather sit at home watching TV.

Those of you who know me realize I am usually a very optomistic person.   I'm beginning to think I've just been fooling myself.