Amen Bill and Joe. Classic example, 4th of July potluck and jam. Various groups scattered about the yard, house, porch. Song writers generally have an area to themselves.

My only instrument is my voice, though that's not saying much, and I tend to find the group that is playing/singing traditional songs everyone can join in on.

As it happens there is a group of three singers who have come the last couple of years. They preform publicly and do great songs and really get the room going and participating. When the song writers lose their "audience" they may be packed up and ready to leave but when they discover this room of great energy and singing they can't resist. They have to do their latest song or one they wrote years ago and hope they can remember. And all the great energy stops. Everyone sits politely and listens, or gradually drifts away.

I don't have anything against song writers, but I just think it is very rude to change the format of a group just to perform. Join in, but follow suit! Penny