Interesting debate... For my part, I would consider "together" the key word for a session, i.e. that whether we are talking about songs or tunes, for the most part, people would be joining in at the same time. I would not consider a sing around where people take in turns to sing a song to be a session even if others did join in with choruses.

My preference in sessions is towards largely or even entirely instrumental sessions and take a different view to andymac. I'd like to think any session I go to is welcoming to all who wish to participate in whatever type of session is being run. I fail to see though why any session should be considered cliquish if they happen to focus on one area of music or on tunes as opposed to songs. My attitude with that is if you like what a session is about, great - enjoy it but if you don't, try elsewhere and don't protest.

McGrath, you said:

'And there are story-telling sessi0ns and dance sessions for that matter.

"Session" just means you're sitting down together...'

I'm intrigued by the idea of sitting down together to dance ;-)

Jeri, I think it was Cap't Bob who started the "Floating" thread.