It seems the issue of using/not using songbooks/prompt sheets has overtaken the thread - fair enough. Tam obviously has taken some of the criticisms to heart and I'm sorry he's been upset by some comments made here.

I never intended to crucify the performer mentioned in my opening thread, but make the point that repeat business in the folk-hiring fair will be less likely if performers don't vary their act. This lady has been on the circuit for quite some while now and has appeared in at least 3 different venues within our area (approx 7 or 8 square miles) during the last 2 years. She knows there's crossover between folk clubs (especially in this area) and the same enthusiasts are likely to turn up.

I felt embarrassed for her (at the 3rd time of hearing) and I feel she has to "fake it" in the sense that her performance appears so natural and almost instinctive - certainly it seemed that way to me the first time I saw her. Maybe she isn't as confident as she appears, and feels the need to rely heavily on well-honed material. I can understand that if you're just starting out, but after a few years I think it's time to develop. I certainly hope she does, because I would like to see her, say, on an annual basis if she can offer some variety. Others who've seen her much further afield say she always does the same thing - so I'll just wait and hope she (eventually) learns to add new songs to her list.

As regards her use of music stand and song sheets - no problem. She did not need to keep dropping her head to remind her where she was. They were there as a safety net, and that's fine - she certainly did not seem to have any problem at all engaging her audience.