A lot of sensible comments on this thred. The missing contribution is as usual. The ones that have made it. The so called stars who came up through the clubs, what do they do for the folk clubs that gave them a start. Zilch, nothing, they could not care less. Your Carrots and Big Yins compound the problem by making jokes about the folk scene, no problem with that, but at least give it a boost and try to help the clubs that struggle.

Unfortunately the general public are not aware that people like McTell, Carrot, Dickson, Simon etc all came up through the clubs. If these people gave a little back it would help. The public may well realise that there is good music in folk clubs.

As to this side of the Atlantic there are some wonderful festivals. One of the biggest is right here in Columbus Ohio. The Dublin (Columbus) Irish Festival has thousands of visitors. It is now in the top five in the country.

Every night in this city you are spoiled for choice. Folk, country, blue grass, old time. Why is it not the same in England? because folk is not supported by the main stream and ridiculed.

There is another aspect to this. Most people who attend folk clubs or who are interested in folk music seem to me to be a little more aware of the world and what goes on in it and can string a considerable number of words together without saying nintendo, zapper, can't be bothered, or, what does that mean.

When I came to columbus I headed straight for the local folk society. Guess what, same people as in Britain, same outlook on life, love of folk music and all that surrounds it. Being the left of center in politics in this country is the kiss of death, it was a safe haven for me. It was like being at home. Plus the weather is better.

all the best       John