Actually, these days, the number of performers who consider themselves part of the filk community, write original tunes *and* lyrics, and can more than hold their own on a stage is *more* than enough to fill an entire festival lineup. I can come up with a long list of filkers who actually have regular coffeehouse gigs, and at least three or four members of the community who are actually touring musicians.

The level of musicianship at a filk convention these days is equivalent to what you'd find at something like the Getaway. Some folks are quite nimble-fingered and pleasant of voice. Some not so much. We're all there to share music and friendship.

I don't find too many "filk purists" these days, and I'm not really sure I ever did.

-- Gary