I've heard far better music being played by the so-called "peripherals" than I've heard in many a folk club or at many a concert

Maybe a review of the folk clubs and concerts you attend would be in order? Personaly I have heard many good fringe sessions but I don't think I have ever heard Christy Moore on a street corner or Steeleye Span at a singaround. Maybe I should review my fringe sessions?

and I don't consider it to be beneath me, infact I have alot of fun...

Why on earth would you? Is anyone suggesting that it is beneath anyone? And why are you suggesting that professional performance is in some way less fun and inferior to unpaid performance? This just seems to be reverse snobbery gone mad!

Cheers

:D