"The simple fact is that audiences for live music in small venues, at least in my world, have greatly dried up - and that is a fact. "

Guest, I would like to apologize - I did not mean for my previous post to sound as if I denying your report. I think we were both speaking in generic terms, and perhaps you are reporting on what you are seeing in Texas, although your use of certain words leads me to think you might be talking about the UK. If I'm not mistaken, you are describing a pub (or bar) scene which is a bit different from most the venues that I was referring to that present folk music in our area.   

My post was really describing what I see here in the NYC/NJ area.   I did not mean to discourage anyone from joining this discussion - after all, we are just sharing opinions. I really did not mean to stifle anyone. Again, my apologies if that were the case.