A folk club I used to go to was set in one small bar of a pub that had at least three bars. It was a weekly open event and we did have regular 'audience'. One week there was a group of about 4/5 people who were obviously not interested in the music at all, just sat in the middle of the room chatting away very loudly, in spite of the fact that there were other bars where they could sit. I finally asked them, if they were not listening to the music, to go to one of the other bars as they were spoiling the enjoyment of those of us who wanted to hear the performers. They got huffy but did leave.

We also had a few performers who wanted quiet while they were doing their bit (usually the same songs week after week after week.....) but would sit and chat, relatively quietly, while others were performing. there were also the partners of performers who would take the evening as an opportunity to catch up with gossip with each other, regardless of what was going on in the circle. I ended up dropping that particular club after a while as it really did get on my nerves to see such crass behaviour.

I go to listen to the performers and think that to talk whilst someone else is performing is the height of bad manners - I've had accusations of being unfriendly because I won't join in conversations when someone is singing. My attitude is, if you want a drink and a chat go do it somewhere where you don't disturb those of us that want to listen.