John Hardly - most musicologists would define "traditional" songs as having gone through the folk process,multiple "authors" if you will, that have evolved the songs and tunes. Geographic location and circumstances help the folk process along.

Your point though is well taken, but even the "angry young girl" that you mentioned has experienced the feelings and events that she sings about. Unfortunately her songs force the audience into eavesdropping on her therapy sessions.   I like to call that catagory "singer-songwhiners".

We do have to acknowledge that there is an audience for that type of music.   From some of the postings above, it seems that SOME presenters have a tendancy to book ONLY those type of acts. What is that telling us? I personally think that it is a case of a music genre looking for an audience. 20 years ago the title "singer-songwriter" was not used. It only came to be when this type of musician did not like to be called "folk". Before commercial radio went corporate, these type of acts would have found a home on album oriented rock radio. That type of radio has all but disappeared, and the closest format that SEEMS to fit their music is folk.   I can't tell you how many CD's I receive that proclaim to be "folk", but I couldn't find it in my heart to play because it doesn't fit the way I format my show.   Folk radio, folk festivals, folk clubs.   By definition, folk music has always incorporated diverse styles and traditions and for the most part, the singer-songwriter genre evolved from that tradition.

I remember trying to arrange an interview with a "singer-songwriter" about 20 years ago. This individual had just switched record labels from Columbia Records to Asylum, and his agent gave me his phone number to set up the interview. I would rather not mention his name, but if you heard his music you would see that his folk roots were showing. He plays guitar, banjo and several of his songs are old folk tunes with new lyrics. He writes with a folk sensibility. When I called him up and mentioned that I host a folk radio program, he told me "I'm not a folksinger" and hung up.   I find it interesting that 20 years later this individual, who now releases his music independently, headlines numerous folk festivals and plays the folk circuit. What caused him to re-embrace the community? Simply trying to find an audience.

Sorry to drift and ramble, but this topic is more than just festivals. I think much of this shows that slapping labels on music only tends to divide.   Most ears will enjoy GOOD music.   The best festivals will always be the ones that find room for all types.