Go back a couple of centuries and you would find the men who had been harvesting gathering in the barn to sup loads of ale, get drunk and sing whilst they were doing it. Individuals would sing, groups of men would sing. The same thing happened on ships of the line both whilst the men were working and whilst they were 'below'. I am sure there were many other 'venues' where these things seemed to happen naturally. We are now in an age where everything seems to have a 'need' to be organised and formal or semi formal. We all have a choice about the places we attend and the kind of music we like. I enjoy attending two different types of Folk club regularly...one the concert style where all is organised and usually well (Thanks to the VILLAN) at Faldingworth and the other which is a singaround for the most part with the occasional guest. I occasionally attend others which are different again. Find a club or clubs that you like...with or without guest performers....go to them...enjoy yourself...and others......and stop the griping! If you don't like a place...stay away...if you do...go.
Best wishes, Mike.