I don't think we should forget that it is the audience who decides what sort of acts are put on at a folk club, and a good organisers job to know which acts will put bums on seats or which are affordable within the criteria the members set out. The club belongs to the members, it is the organisers job to present as much affordabe entertainment as possible, familiar acts, new acts, groups, comedy. Organisers are subject to bombardment and I regret some bullying by acts on a daily basis from 'you've never hear of me but I would be great for your club even though I have never been there' to 'We played there 18 months ago and it is time we had another booking" or agents saying they have arranged a tour and can do our club on the 18th can we confirm.excuse me?
Our folk clubs are social gatherings for music lovers who enjoy music and each others company, not a slots in a diary for musicians. and yes I like Jon Strong too.