Agree with Chas' last statement. A "Singers' night" at Herga, with Moses & the Ref, Johnny Collins, HergaKitty, Graeme Knights, George Clarke (dragonzorg), Mary O'Connor, Mike Sparks and Bob Hambleton (Hovering Bob) plus whoever else happens to be around is a treat, and often a lot more enjoyable than many a guest night, irrespective of the quality of the guest.

Susan, our "singarounds", or "singers' nights" or whatever they are called, are both song-swaps and performances for non-participants (though the audience joins in the choruses anyway). A chnce to sing a song the others may not have heard, or not for a long time, to resurrect something from past repertoire, to try out something new (often in my case), or even to sing something topical depending on the season, the date or even recent world events.

In my book, a good singaround will NOT emphasise quality of performance over licence to participate; all are equal. The emphasis should be in the "giving" of the song and the freedom to join in with choruses etc, not the "receiving". I see the singaround as the main vehicle for the "folk process" and passing on of the old songs and tradition, and so it has a very special place in my heart.