Quite funny. I found this post today after a long absence from Mudcat. 12 years later, and I have a pretty good "thing" going (and one more kid for that magic seven). I "don't" make a living as a folksinger, but I do make a pretty good side living playing ten or so gigs a month--and get paid enough to at least make a dent in the college tuitions I pay. If anything, the pub scene is worse (paywise) than ever. Most pubs around here (Concord MA) try to get musicians to play for food vouchers. The better money is in the harvest festivals, private parties, school gigs.

The best advice on the thread--among a lot of deeply appreciated thoughtfulness) is to consider yourself as an entertainer and to learn the songs that truly entertain the crowd at hand--and there are plenty of pretty amazing songs that "entertain" (whatever entertain really means, so I do not feel like I have horribly short-changed my artistic vision for my life.

If any of you are in the Boston area, stop by The Colonial Inn in Concord and join me for a set. And even split the tip jar with me--which most weeks is more than the pay:)