Sorry Santa, but there is space for both professionals and amateurs.

The people who participate in sessions are more likely to pay to see professionals because of their interest in music. The non-music playing individual can also discern what is an amateur session and what is professional gig. I don't think that a large portion of the audience is being siphoned off because a bunch of people are playing tunes in the next door bar. If the music is good, people will pay to see it.

Part of the problem that I see is that "folk" music tends to aim for an older audience. As the audience ages, there is less interest in going out to bars or pubs. Admission fees have become much higher, the costs of drinks and food have increased, so people tend to be more choosey about going to see a performer.

What has started to replace the bar scene is the house concert. Audiences are growing for these events and the audience goes because they want to hear music. The musicians tend to sell more CD's as well.