over the years I've gone to a fair number of open sings, sing arounds, and sessions and what is the biggest turn off is to excluded from participating (doing a song or tune as opposed to just joining in)... either by a leader who will select their friends and ignore anyone they aren't familiar with or when it is dominated by a few individuals who jump in as soon as there is a pause, even though they have already done more than one song.

I just attended an open mike singaround in a nearby town for the first time... all fine performers and very welcoming and enjoyable company. a small group and yes most of them knew each other... but was one of those meetings of "friends you hadn't met yet". You can bet that we'll be back next month for this one.