Interesting comments John!

It seems it is easier for younger performers with some level of expertise to break into being paid to perform at festivals and concert type clubs. They do not have the hang ups that old stagers like us have!

There is to my mind two distinct strains of folk acts. Certain acts go down better at festivals using main stage! others need to be very good to be solo performers to be successful main stage!

Other acts are much better in smaller folk clubs and have a following

We have "Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican" who I believe are a clever bunch of lads who are likely to be better in the folk club than when they appeared in the concert venue (Barnsley folk club venue Trades Club, next Monday!)
Ray