Maybe we should start asking why so many "venues" go with karaoke or "live" DJs (never could figure that one out) instead of live musicians (that at least makes sense)?

Or perhaps, why do so many people volunteer their time, energy and even money to keep folk/traditional music alive?

Many folk venues exist because the folks running them love the music and do what they can to keep it going. Many go under because they couldn't make enough to break even, and that's the most discouraging. What the heck is ASCAP doing to keep venues going??? Oh yeah, keeping their well heeled lawyers on retainer.   

While saving money to go to grad school, I worked for a short time as a waitress at a not so local tavern that had country music on the weekends. The band played the same songs that were on the jukebox... and during their breaks, guess what the patrons played on said jukebox. Not even different selections, but the same ones that were just played for them live.   

These are the same patrons that have a band playing "Please release me, let me go." at wedding receptions!?!? Honest to god... I witnessed it myself.