"I thought it was amazing how "Jayto" kept reporting in with new happ'nin trends and bands, all excited, and the seniors ignored him to go on with 'why things are so bad' explanations. "

Very interesting indeed. I think it says more about a generation rather than a music scene. It always surprises me because I felt that the generation that gave us the "folk revival" was a generation that was open to new ideas and exploring new territory. "Folk music" has ALWAYS been an ambigious term because there are so many traditions at play. Blues, old-timey, sea chanteys, Cajun, protest, urban folk and dozens of ethnic styles and more all have room under the "folk" umbrella.

I think it boils down to people gravitate to a style of music in their teenage and young adult years, and that style stays with them for life. Yes, many people will listen and enjoy other styles of music, but deep down I really think the core values are formed by what is embraced in our youth.

I purposely titled the thread "have the American audiences gone?", with emphasis on a question, not a perceived statement.   I do NOT think that audiences have disappeared.   Having hosted a radio program centered on this style of music for 28 years, I think it is the best shape it has ever been in.

Jayto's sharing of "new" artists points out something that should not be overlooked.   Many of the groups and artists he mentions are very regional. While many artists strive for success and eventual national touring, many are also satisfied with sharing their music in their own region. To my view, this harkens back to earlier days when collectors would travel the highways to discover new music.   In 2008, we simply need to set foot on the Internet to begin discovering.

I've noticed a thriving music "scene" in Boston and Philadelphia. I'm afraid that the NYC scene, which was once so important to the folk revival, has been splintered - but that might be a good sign.   The Village is no longer the center of the universe, but there are strong pockets of music coming from Brooklyn, Westchester County, and Hoboken, NJ- and elswhere. Maybe the suburban movement has finally caught up.   I remember speaking with a songwriter who was very influential in the "Fast Folk" scene of the 1980's and early 90's.   In retrospect, he described the Village scene of the time as an "urban white ghetto". The diversity of people and music was lacking. Hopefully, we've moved on to a more inclusive and accepting time.

What I find extremely interesting in this thread are the descriptions of what is happening in various regions of the country. I hope more people will share their views of their own "market" and tell us what is happening - both for audiences and for practitioners of the styles.