Novelty is an important element in any kind of change for the better, so the concept of a well-run folk club is important primarily because it is so novel, as there aren't any.

Those who run folk clubs become the enemies of performers. They don't start out that way, but after they get comfortable with who they will accept and who is 'not on the list' every other demo CD or performer just goes on the "throw them on the pile' category.

In fact, most people who start folk clubs or record labels start out with the best of intentions and end up being as exclusionary as the rest of the music business.

You know it's true.