"In my opinion this is a rather narrow view. I hope the club will be broad enough to welcome both "traditional" folk and "contemporary folk". Since I do mainly traditional and Lynne and Ted's repertoires are also inclined towards trad. I doubt if we will open a "Contemporary Music Club" with narrow minds prejudiced against songs pre-1980."

I have been performing songs I like in public for the last thirty years. I don't worry whether they are traditional, contemporary or a Burns poem set to a tune by Haydn - my main concern is that I like them, and I think that they will stand up well enough for other people listening to like them. Sometimes, they need a bit of explanation - so that the audience can appreciate what the hell the song is about.

Ergo, the Ashby de la Zouch club was always open to any performer, because that was how we all felt. And one of the most important things is to make the audience feel welcome - as well as having good beer - and Cider! - so that they will want to come back.

epn