I have been reading about the women's jazz bands in the 2nd World War (a book called "Swing Shift" is making the rounds), that represented a brief moment when women were allowed to play in bands and make a living, which ended when the guys came back home. Interesting discussions about what they had to wear (either frillies or sex come ons), about what instruments were considered appropriate, and the usual sexist crap. There is also some discussion about the few women who persevered playing trumpet, or whatever, after the war.

It struck me reading this that I have always assumed that folk music was at least slightly more egalitarian, with all the Joans, and Jonis, and Maybelle Carter, and so on (hey, I know a lady banjo player) -- I just assumed people played whatever they wanted to play -- but like all this kind of assumption, I bet it is quite wrong. Since I don't know anything about the performing circuit, I was wondering if people had any thoughts or insights into existing pressures on women, exclusions, assumptions about what they could or could not play? I mean beyond the usual cliquiness. For instance, I was trying to think of a band which had mixed personnel -- I thought of the Rankin Family, and Alison Krauss and Union Station -- so it must happen. Maybe more than it used to? Is gender segregation usual? What happens in Celtic music? (As you can see I am speaking as a pure consumer of music, not as having any experience of the other side)

yours, Peter T.