This has been a great discussion, but for me it's not about what is or isn't folk, who writes good/bad songs, who is roots-based and who are the "belly-button people", etc.

It's about EXCLUSION. As a singer who doesn't write, I am excluded from many US venues and opportunities for that reason and that reason only. I hear time and again "We love your music, but we only present original songs." Don made a great example of the Seattle Folklore Society and Barry continues to say (and I agree) "don't call yourself "folk" if you are NOT including the music that is from or based in a tradition.

I know enough songs to where I can give an all traditional performance of public domain material (as Mary from Richmond can attest to) or I can give a totally contemporary songs performance, even though I didn't write those songs.

My complaint is that many fine and excellent artists who respect (and love) a musical tradition are denied INCLUSION just because they don't write songs.

And that's a darn shame.

Deb Cowan