To revert to the original post about a "folk scene" I might advise Chris and even "guest" to come to New Hampshire. We are a small waspish conservative ( some of them) state, but we have a wealth of diverse folk music at hand, to wit:
The Folk Show on NHPR is a mix of singer-songwriter, pop and trad "folk music" of all stripes

WUNH, the university radio station offers the following:

The Polka Party with Gary Szredzinski, the most accomplished accordion player I've ever heard; a mix of polkas, Polish and central European folk music, history, folklore, and customs.

The Pickin' Parlor - Blugreass at its best.

The Folk Show -- Jack Beard presents an eclectic mix of folk songs. Some years back he put together a recorded anthology of the music of the French-Canadian, Polish and Greek communities in NH.

Ceilidh with Roland Goodbody -- a great mix of Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English song, both trad and contemporary..

The Blues Show wit Bruce Pingree, the Dean of WUNH broadcasters. For over 25 years an offering of the best in blues by both white and black singers.

When I have more time, I'll tell you about the live music in the state -- Tom