Bignige, I'd like to think that the emphasis of Folk21 is the survival of folk clubs as concert venues, rather than to 'enable a few people to make a living' The majority of 'professional' acts you'll see on the club circuit have no illusions about being able to make a living from it.

You are absolutely right that everyone seems to regard themselves as a performer these days, as I said earlier, perhaps something to do with our celebrity obcessed culture these days. We found at The Milkmaid when we used to do 'open' nights, that a lot of these 'performers' don't even want to listen to their peers, never mind pay to see a quality guest, as they would do their spot, then pack up and leave, which I think is simply rude!

Personally, I take a different view, much as I love performing, both in clubs and festival stages, I want to be entertained and fed as well, and unless I'm booked to perform myself, you'll always find me at The Milkmaid on a Friday evening.

John