Folkiedave - I guess we're about the same age (65 this year for me), and we probably grew up. musically, in the same folk world of the 60s and 70s. However, I suppose I have a different take on the current scene

I doubt it and we are the same age!! I go to events such as you describe - one already this week, could have been another and I shall be at one tomorrow night. I can go to a session most nights of the week - even one called "Raise the Roof!".

This is why I wanted to contradict the original poster that folk music would die if it didn't attract young people. I think it is attracting young people - but not through and into the traditional style folk club. That leads into Tom's problem.

And just to make it clear - the argument isn't that folk rock killed folk clubs - but that it made amplification much more common and it was THAT that didn't help.

I am not sure what you have against subsidy - many Scottish CD's I get sent have "Scottish Arts Council" on them and the Irish government have pumped squillions into traditional music. It doesn't have seemed to have done young people much harm over there....