Re your question, Cristian, about "traditional vs revival" singers sitting next to each other- well, most of the singers who are described as "traditional" in the strict sense of being a "source" singer are, more or less by definition, old (or dead) and not likely to come to folk clubs; indeed, going to a folk club more more less marks you out as a revival singer at best.

The difference, as I see it, is more between, on the one hand, those who prefer to sing and listen to songs that are either traditional or that draw on the tradition (often called "revival" singers), and on the other, those who prefer more modern songs in a style that's much more similar to pop music (and more American-influenced). The first group often sing unaccompanied or with something like a concertina, whereas the second group rely heavily on guitars. (I know, I know, guys, that's a big generalisation - many trad singers also use a guitar - but I'm trying to keep it simple)

Folk clubs tend to welcome all comers and not be too fussy about the boundaries and categories, largely because many of them are struggling to survive and are anxious to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. So yes, you get people with very different values and expectations sitting together. If you want to know more about clubs in the area, PM me as I live locally - there is, for example, a new folk club about to start up in Totnes in March.

Howard (above) has made some good points about how people learn songs - all I'd add to that is that even the "source" singers were singing second-hand songs - they just happened to be the singers the early collectors got hold of. I don't consider the difference between "source" and "revival" to be that clear-cut.

Oh, and in the folk world, song is not part of "music". It's a very odd usage, but there it is - people will say, "Well, let's have a break from the music- will someone give us a song?" "Music" generally means instrumental music only.(This is in the UK. In the US they say "song" when we'd say "tune" and you may see that usage in this forum).

Marje