O priest of the sun-god, the fact that you think folk culture is what goes on in urban "folk" clubs shows where you are at. (Ewan MacColl actually did present a lot of great REAL folk songs, in a fine unaffected traditional style) if you had spent more time listening to genuine folk music, you might know the difference. the term "folk" as used by non-folklorists is virtually meaningless -- at least since the the days of the good old Peoples' Artists. as for the "folk" festivals, i dont care so much if they want to call them that, but most of the stuff presented is not fit to listen to: robotic bluegrass bands, white people pathetically trying to sound black, inspired but talentless poets delivering sermons in song, failed violin students giving spiritless renditions of folk dances, electrified acts trying to get into show business thru the back door etc etc. (and personally, i dont think eric bogle is all that good -- compared with Lyle Lovett, Tom Waits, Guy Clark, Townes van Sandt, and yes, Slim Dusty -- at least he was real). For the record, i had my first paid residency in Boston in 1960, and am still playing at "folk" festivals -- what the hell, i might sell a CD or two. Regards to all, and blessings on Doc Watson. The Old Pooperoo