Wow...so great that we are having this discussion. I think it is a very important one. Nerd, if I ever do run into you at FA (I won't be there this year as well...have another commitment) please introduce yourself, unless we already know each other :-)

Ron, my good friend Barry, and Nerd all make excellent points. I do think that the "butts in seats" situation is universal no matter who is performing or where the performance is being held. Even though it *is* related to this discussion, I think that it might do us well to separate it from the "Trad at FA" discussion for now. We are talking about the "industry" and how traditional music is treated by the "insiders". I do believe that it does start with us on the inside.

I also want to agree with your statement, Nerd "FA has an awful lot of good people, and an awful lot of goodwill. I think it needs to make a concerted effort in this area, and I'm hoping it will." I believe this as well. It's also the reason I continue to renew my membership and try to attend the conferences.

I don't have any solutions to this either, except to continue doing what I do and hoping that I can "educate" some folks about traditional Anglo-centric song and it's importance in our culture. There are certainly many many more folks who do a much better job at this than I (too many to name, but many who are on the Mudcat as well), but it makes me sad to see them give up because no one will take a chance.

BTW-I do want to salute Alan and Helen Korolenko in New Bedford, MA. They really do "cross-pollinate" the artists in the Summerfest Festival and in their Concert Series. I can't think of any other festival where you will see the most contemporary singer/songwriter along with the most traditional musician on the same stage.

If I do attend NERFA this year, Ron, I'll certainly let you know and we can have a conversation.

Debra
www.DebraCowan.com