Thanks a lot for your continued advice. Simon G, you have successfully confused me further! Am I deluded to think that I can find an area with a number of good and devoted folk clubs that I can get around to via public transport? When you say that cities are "deserts" in terms of folk music, do you refer to the quality of the music or the level of dedication of those who regularly attend (if people regularly attend)?

I thank you all for your offers of hospitality. Right now I'm a little too mind-boggled to respond specifically to any of them, since my trip is still pretty far off. But I will definitely keep them in mind. (You guys are very kind to offer an anthropologist help, since we have a less savory reputation than musicians, who at least entertain you!)

I worry a bit that not having a "home base" might be problematic, since I'll be over there for at least a couple months. Perhaps the ideal situation would be to find a place where I can attend clubs locally and get to know people there, and then also go visit some other more far-ranging places periodically while over there.

Lowden: I have heard good things about Sheffield and the surrounding region. I will have to look into the area more.

Justin