John C. - your statements seem to contradict. You say - "One area of music which is not to my taste is 'modern' popular music - in fact I dislike most of it intensely." Then you go on to say that the "Anything Goes Brigade" call you the folk police among other things.

Well, by your strong opinion, you are sending a message to the Anything Goes Brigade that they are wrong. You don't have to say it in so many words, but that is how it comes across.

I have a hard time explaining my feelings about music.   I have an intense love of traditional music, maybe bordering on the same fanaticism that you share. I feel it is so important to preserve this music and carry it on to future generations.

However, I believe it is a living tradition.   There are elements that developed during the folk revival that continue to this day that are obviously not a academic interpretation of "folk" music, but they do draw from the same well.   There are many singer-songwriters that I love. I enjoy hearing powerful poetry and stories in song. I cherish music - I do not need to put it in cubbyholes in order to define.

What is wrong with SHARING?   Why do both sides have to be so stubborn? Yes, it is great that you go to a club to "hear" folk music - but why aren't you "making" folk music?   By your statement, you sound like an observer. Folk music by its academic definition is participatory.   Also, by academic definitions listening to a musician on a stage singing songs is NOT folk music - even if the song is traditional.

Why not share a folk song that you know with members of your folk club? Perhaps you will inspire others to learn and share as well.

Folk music is not meant to be museum pieces. Let it live!!!