Thank you Sandy!

This is the 21st century, Airymouse. Even in the southern and central Appalachians. Those of us from the central and southern Appalachians have no obligation to remain static musically so that outsiders can be charmed and amazed by our quaint and isolated ways, untouched by the modern world.   Understand that tourist promoting ideas such as "The Crooked Road" and "The Blue Ridge Music Trail" in NC commemorate but do not function to preserve those poverty-filled, isolated hollers of the 19th and pre-WWII era, where the likes of Sharpe and the Lomaxes were so thrilled to find "indigenous" music tribes untouched by 'civilization. No question that taking advantage of the reputation of the Appalachians for having isolated enclaves of old British Isles ballads promotes tourism and income, and an opportunity for Musicians to get exposure, trad. or not. The conditions in Appalachia that existed at the time CS was collecting are gone.

Get over it and consider simply respecting and enjoying the lively music made by amateurs and professionals alike, much, though not all, still with clear roots in "olden times." Set aside expectations, and just enjoy what is offered.

I suppose we could ask the Disney Corporation to come in and create a 300 mile long trad. music park modeled after the life in the mountains at the time Cecil Sharp came through.

Culture is living, breathing, changing. "The Crooked Road" is a concept and a bit of an historical trail, not a managed tourist attraction for Disney, nor a preserved tourist attraction like Williamsburg.