Joe This is a difficult one as I am known to talk a 'little bit' when at the bar and I am an unaccompanied singer.I try to keep it low, although for some this still is a distraction.(There was a photo of the naughty ones in the corner by the bar). The difficulty for me,is not people talking or making noise, but the stoney silence that descends upon a folk club singaround. More akin to mortuary silence than one associated with 'enjoyment'. The famous Railway Hotel folk club in Portsmouth (UK)in the 60/70's was about as noisy a place as any bar could be, wether performers were on the stage or not. At times the audience were strongly informed of this. It must have been difficult for performers and there were many excellent ones. However it was part of the atmosphere along with the drinking, banter and smoking.
Years later I returned to the folk scene to find stoney silence. I still hate this atmosphere today.Lighten up folkies and stop being so precious.Psychomorris