Man forget the "Folk Scene" I think alot of folk performers are really hurting themselves by tryin to find a "Folk Scene" and playing for people that are "Folkies". The key to the survival of the scene and the music is to get it out to people that may not normally listen to it. I prefer playing non-folk settings to be honest. People that haven't heard all the old songs are alot more responsive alot of times than people that have in my experience. Plus you light a spark that may send a few people at each performance out in search of the folk stuff which adds to it's survival. Sometimes it bombs with a crowd but other times it explodes. Even if only one or two people dig it at a gig that may be the one or two people that are the nwxt link in the chain. Folk is as musically relevant as any other music form out there even though it doesnt seem to be booking as good. Present it as a musical equal to all other forms and it will be accepted as such by the crowds and venues. Don't paint yourself in a corner with a novelty tag.
Just my opinion
cya
JT