"Personally, I have listened to plenty of young performers that ask me for bookings, but the vast majority are singer-songwriters who, to me, all sound much the same - and bore me silly! I'm looking for good musicians and singers that are capable of *entertaining* my audience, and if those good musicians and singers are young, that's even better! It seems that many song writers, particularly the young ones, are what we always called 'navel gazers' - they're not interested in interacting and engaging their audiences, And if they're not, audiences aren't going to be interested in listening to them. There are exceptions amongst the writers, of course, but they seem to be few and far between."

Barbara, I've heard you previously state that there are also very few female performers who can *entertain* an audience as well. Does that mean you only book wrinkly men? In which case can I have a gig..... bet you don't book banjo players either! LoL

We had a virtually all female line up (and some of them were young!) at our last weekend bash..... virtually a sell out and very positive feedback. (Balanced by some wrinkly old men at points during the weekend, but not many).

We are having a Disgustingly Talented Young Persons day at our next weekend bash in November..... Mawkin:Causley, Kat Davidson & Dan Walsh & OK Brandy . They all write some songs & tunes, plus some covers plus some trads..... not a navel gazer amongst them though. I would imagine it will be a highly entertaining evening having been previously wowed by them all.

I'm pretty sure that our November weekend will help keep our club open as well.... hopefully bring in a few more youngsters (i.e. younger than me). Again there'll be plenty of variety including older acts at other points during the weekend.

We'll probably have a beard themed weekend at some point in the future.... just to balance things up.

I think as organisers we have to be very careful about our own prejudices or we risk alienating potential audience.... if that matters to more established, older style clubs?

Paul