"I REALLY disagree with the position here attributed to Michael that sessioneers should only be playing for each other. You're betraying the tradition if you don't try to get outsiders interested in it. If you've got an audience, communicate with them."

We played in the same pub, in a very rural area, for almost twenty years. Yes we did play for each other. We did not perform for an "audience." That does not mean we ignored "outsiders." It was clear that the pub regulars and other visitors appreciated the atmosphere we helped to create. In fact, the landlord was so pleased with the fact that we filled the pub on our nights far more than it was filled on other nights that he doled out unlimited free beer to all of us. We didn't need to try to get the pub customers interested. That just happened naturally. Between tunes, we all chatted a lot with them. That's what happens in good sessions, Jack. You paint a picture that's far too black and white.