John, yes, that's what I noticed as well, of course. Curious, ain't it?

In (cultural) anthropology, we learned that it matters little what form of organization a primative society takes. Generally the members know all of each other and eliminate bad or self-centered rulers. Some are "communist" or "capitalist" or 100 other ists but te lesson is that if it works, it works. I'm very pleased to learn here that folk clubs may also be successful regardless of the system employed. I tend to feel (without proof) that folk-interested non-musicians gravitate towards running things. Gives them a sense of purpose "a justification" or maybe payback for their attendence. That's fine. Others may be there just for a club in the club sense. A congenial place to go and comingle with people & have a night out. They might become suspicious if left totally unattended - truly wish to turn the club towards an interest they do have. Politics. Religion. It happens - rare but it happens.

people, with no intrest in music

They occur & you have to wonder what they're doing there. But who knows?

Hearabouts we're blessed with many, many clubs running a very large gamut of types. Some are only vaguely "folk" or just open mike-perform-whatever-you-like. Or bluegrass circles or dulcimer circles (they let me sing, though.) But some are more folk than others. There are several monthly clubs located in churches. At least four.

Here's the thing - sometimes the church ones are truly bent. They are not there for the benefit of music - it's just another method to evangelize - to suck people in in order to convert them. A true secret agenda. Cultism. Others are open and simply providing a public service. And a beer. One such church venue I attend regularly [along with Blackcatter] and enjoy thoroughly.

Enjoy yourself but keep an eye out, in other words.

Or, as the Arabs say, "Trust in God.....but tie up your camel."