Alice, I had song gatherings in my house for a number of years, although never had any concerts. They provided a place for myself and a few others (never more than 7 or 8) to share some music and friendship. Out of that developed some lasting friendships and at least 4 bands. At the beginning, I advertised and put up posters. This basic idea continued for years, with the location changing a couple of times, and seemed to work quite well, although we were an anarchistic enough group to intimidate some people. I still go to local gatherings when I can, because I believe strongly that the survival of the music that I love, call it folk or whatever you will, is absolutely dependent on participation by as many people as possible. If it becomes restricted to "venues" and "professional" performers then it becomes no different than a string quartet or a symphony orchestra playing the works of the masters. I like a lot of that music, yes, and I respect the skills of the performers, BUT I don't feel that as a living tradition in the way that I feel "folk" music.
Sandy, Blathering in Vermont