I've seen some good acts recently. Sheffield seems to be a thriving place for seeing new or under exposed talent and we get a few slightly east of there too.

Those who need bookings in order to eat tend to widen the net and "roots" as well as "Americana" interest booking agents. It increases the draw and the odd song in twelve bar blues mixed with interpretations of Child ballads is a trademark of many in the Martin Simpson or Johnny Dickinson style.

My point being, using the ads for a venue not too far away where the aforementioned plus Carthy, Garbutt etc have been guests recently, also advertises bands and singers I have never heard of and the descriptions using Nashville or toured with an other Country act tend to lower my expectation. Yet on many occasion, I have been impressed not only with the act but also pleasantly surprised to see they slip in a few wonderful renditions of firm folk favourites.

Lots out there to find. Get out and discover!