In my experience I feel I play better when I see that people are listening (and if they show their appreciation). Although our Irish sessions tend to be more tunes than songs we dont expect them to keep quiet. In a way the session is there more for us musicians than for anyone else but not to have an audience would be like keeping a beautiful painting in a closet. On occasion people do hush during the songs but as one of the players I wouldnt tell anyone to shut up - rather I find it amusing at how the management takes a dim view of one patron telling another to be quiet. They wouldnt in Ireland. Although one Irish pub they passed around a mic, thereby avoiding the problem. The general feeling of playing gigs in pubs, is that its pretty much background music, which is a shame. A member of Madd Pudding said after they'd finished a hard driving fiddle tune ( Orange Blossom Special I think) There was not a single clap in the house. I think the advent of radio, records tv etc killed a lot of homespun talent, people dont sing as much anymore I noticed this around a campfire once when all that my non-music friends could sing was the flintstones and the brady bunch. On the positive side I think there is a resurgence - vancouver does have more sessions and more ceili and contra dances than 5 yrs ago. Cheers. Petr