WyoWoman...It's called tradition. BG comes from a very distinct root sound. There are thousands of songs to draw upon. Some singers have favorite artists they admire and so do their songs. Some pickers have favorite artists and try to emulate them. You have the option to fit in any of these places. The lyric is profound when when it comes from the hearts of these wonderful people. There is a common bond to evoke the emotions of the original. Most of these folks spend a great deal of time ond money sharing this bond. It is not unusual for a jam session to take place surrounded by RV's costing more than some homes. The collection of vintage instruments in a given jam often exceed a couple of hundred thousand dollars. There must be something to it. With the cost of all these investments put together and divided by the few hours available at a festival, the choice of songs is important. It is not an uptight scene. It is very friendly. Where else can two males and their wives sing songs to each other while crying their hearts out in public. Where else can these emotions be shared with such depth within this society we live. Think about that. It's grand to be a part of sharing with these wonderfull people. Yes it comes with a high cost. It's a history of people who payed the price. It's a diary handed down by the earliest Americans and fasioned by their tears, toil and hard times. Its a respect for our past. It's an original style of music unique to a very special part of the country. It has survived because that is so. Thanks to all of you who try so hard to play this music as it once was.