We call our "Open Nights, "Come All Ye" or Singers NightsI recall the time when I was M.C at the Swansea Folk Club. A punk came into the club complete with what looked like a bin-liner for a dress and the "statutory" safety pins, etc. But she wanted to sing. Well it was an open night, so I gave her a spot. Needless to say she sang everything but a folk song, but she didn't have a bad voice!
Some months later, a rather attractive female came into the club, she was modestly and respectably attired, she wanted to sing and I gave her the opportunity. She sang a couple of traditional folk songs. The voice was familiar and I realised that it was the "Punk" girl who had come along previously. I spoke to her afterwards and discovered that she was converted to folk music by that first visit to the club. It also changed her view of life, hence the transformation.
I felt good that I had made her feel welcome and had given her the opportunity to sing.