Here in Maine the scene is good (coffeehouses, concerts, song circles) but my girlfriend lives in Boston and there is a lot more going on there. I think to be located so you could take advantage of all you want then Southern New Hampshire is your place. What would you consider too long a drive to reach fun events?

Here are a few quick examples of what is available in the "local" area: Lowell Folk Festival (Lowell, MA, in August) Boston Folk Festival (Boston, MA, in September) Old Songs Folk Festival (New York in June) Rockport Folk Festival (Rockport, Maine, in September) Mystic Sea Music festival (Mystic, CT, in June) New England Friends of the Folk Arts (Boston in the spring) Champlain Valley Folk Festival (Vermont, not sure when) Plus there are coffeehouses in just about every town between Damariscotta , Maine, and Providence Rhode Island.

Good luck with your decision. Keep us tuned in to what happens.

Brett