Brilliant just what I wanted some passion!Some answers to Toadfrog's questions. 1) I should ask the Folk Festival organisers why they need to draw crowds, but my educated guess is they need to pay the Folk artists, 'cos whether you like it or not it's SHOWBIZ and lots of money changes hands singing Folk Music (old & new). 2) Folk music needs new blood or it will die, we should encourage people wherever/whenever possible into the clubs, if they like it great, if they don't that is a shame but at least they should be made welcome (whatever they sing!). 3) Noone is advocating changing anything to POP. Not everyone understands/likes Folk, perhaps we can help them to find out but you won't if you frighten them off with your attitude. 4) Agreed, Folk Music is a personal thing as is any hobby we persue in life. 5) Auditoriums/Orchestra's not required true, who said they were? 6) Bob Dylan, again as I said music is a matter of taste, heis to some people a legened in his own lifetime but not to me! 7) If you're letting the record companies and Marketers define what Folk music is for you then you are stupid and obviously take too much notice of what they say. 8) Celtic Music LOVE IT! Shame you don't but hey as I said it's matter of choice 9) Noone makes anyone listen to stuff they don't want to hear. Vote with you feet. I do.
Gee, Toadhead, exactly what is gained by driving prospective new blood away from the clubs. To be honest I think you completely missed the point! Whats it feel like humming to yourself?