Bill D - I think we are talking over each others heads and not listening to one another.

I am not arguing against descriptions. What I am arguing is that "folk" is a broad term.   When you say "folk music", it is the equivalent of going into a restaurant and asking for "food". There are many different folk traditions at play here. An evening of English folk song would differ from an evening of African-American folk song.

What are you expecting when you hear the words "folk music"?