well run means [to me]that those people [be they ten or thirty], got something out of the evening, that perhaps inspired them creatively or and provided pleasure and enjoyment.It is not necesarily about bums on seats, or being commercial,although it can be that as well.
COUNTESS RICHARD seems concerned about being more commercial,I am undecided on that.I certainly dont think replacing folk clubs with art centres is the way forward,. Iam sure she is well intentioned, but I think that solution will kill the music,and it is not one, as a performer I wish to see
commercialisation of folk music is a dangerous road it generally ends up with the music becoming compromised.
However I do know people who were introduced to folk music by the spinners and fairport convention, and steeleye span., in my opinion the bestcommercial group were the weavers [ but then they had a political belief rather than a commercial reason for playing to larger audiences.