I think there is a lot of truth in what you say, GregB. Trouble is because black people do not want to become involved in folk music we often find ourselves labled as, at best exclusive' or, at worst racist. I have repeated over and again on many threads that I would love to get the local black and Asian community involved. I really have tried my damndest but no-one will ever take me up on it. The best I ever achieved was getting a story teller from Ghana at our festival. He cost is more than th eceilidh band did and while he attracted an audience of a dozen or so, all white and English I may add, the ceilidh was attended by 100 people from all corners of our little world!

I find these threads both divisive and unproductive. Like I said before people like different things. There is nothing wrong with not liking Sca and Rap. There is nothing wrong with not liking Folk music. Give us another 100 years in the global mix and we will all be coffee coloured; like Morris men (and Women) dancing to the Bangra beat and finish off the evening with soul food in a traditional Irish Reggae club.

Until such a time lets leave it as one mans meat is another mans poison eh?

:D (tG)

PS - One thing I would disagree on Greg. Sam Cooke was definitely the best:-)