Just a thought,

Folk and tribute are inseparable concepts.

Performers good enough to do tradstuff in public for money are the blessed messengers.

Those who strive for originality contribute to
the process that may evolve into the tradition.

Performers who sound like those from an earlier era
are handing down the tradition just like they should.

Weavermania does it wonderfully, if they come your
way, Go!

2/3rds of the Kingston Trio are new enough to qualify
as a tribute act to themselves, even though they were
that the day they formed.

Primarily doin stuff from an era that left litte to
base a trad on, Kim & Reggie Harris doin underground
railroad stuff is, nevertheless, tribute and they
also do enough Ochs (and with such awesome harmony)
they qualify on that count too. "Passed along & performed as if Grandpa were still
here" belongs near the top of those hundreds of
"folk" definitions,

Says me, Bob P.