"and find out what they consider to be songs that they are happy with at folk clubs"
How about folk songs - that would be a good start
You don't go into a greengrocer's and be told "we don't do vegetables anymore - wuld you settle for paraffin?"
"McTell or Sheran do. "
No - whAt particular folk styles do you think they use - particularly Sheran
McTell can be said to have some traces of blues in his compositions, but f.a.l. to do with British folk styles
Why the hell should those looking for folk have to negotiate an alternative - what sort of outfit are you running?
As you say - you go to a club to hear folk songs not anything other than which has the folk label hung on it
It's a pity the Trades Descriptions Act doesn't apply to the folk scene - you's all be in Carey Street !
Jim