Well run folk clubs are not shite!!!

The range of comments suggest that there's a big variation in the standards of organisation and performer.
I'm a member of Irvine Folk Club (Ayrshire, Scotland) which has been going for alomost 40 years so we must be doing something right. I'm not a committe member but I am committed to seeing the club continue to flourish. Members pay an annual subscription of £10 and fortnightly concerts are held where members pay £4 and non members £5.
The usual format is three of four unpaid floorspots from local (or any from anywhere ) singers and paid artist or group.

We get regular and infrequent visitors, depending on who is performing.

The last four club nights have featured Breabach, a young and very talented group,Mary Smith from America, Raillion - another talented young trio with a Dutch girl who sings Scots songs and finally the legandry Whistlebinkies.

The club runs the annual Marymass Folk Festival, the 36th was in August with Eric Bogle topping the line up, and its believed to be the longest running festival in Scotland.

The club must be doing something right.

If you're in the area why don't you pay a visit.

In the new year,on 7th January, the club will be moving to a new venue at the Golf Hotel.Check out the Irvine Folk Club website
www.irvinefolkclub.
Have I just been lucky with my expriences.
Merry Christmas and A'the Best for 2004 to folkies worldwide.