'Faldingworth Live' is neither a Folk Club, nor an Open Mic.

It's a venue where performers can perform sets rather than just odd songs, in a concert venue, thereby gaining experience of performing in that format.

As it's a concert-type venue, there is no opportunity for 'spur-of-the-moment' appearances by visitors. All performers, whether paid or unpaid, are 'booked'.

I personally have no problem with booking a 'spot' ahead of the gig, having worked in bands for 40-odd years I'm well used to being 'booked' - again it's an experience that performers can gain and use positively.

Use of the PA is optional (the sound-guy and gal are exceptionally good, musicians themselves, and work very symapthetically with artists of all genres).

'Faldingworth Live' does not, strictly speaking, qualify for discussion on this thread because it does not fall into the categories indicated in the Subject line. It is a successful venue, and personal attacks on the organiser simply because his style doesn't match someone else's standards are unworthy in the extreme. Anyone who doesn't like it is free to walk the other way.

I've been an occasional attendee of Faldingworth, mostly as a performer but sometimes as audience, since its inception, and I've never been aware of artists being 'auditioned'. But FWIW, and IMHO as one who HAS been auditioned many times elsewhere, auditions should be regarded by a performer as a positive experience. Even if the auditionee fails the 'test' there are positives to be gained from failure. Been there, done that, worn the T-shirt out.

Now can we quit the shit-slinging, and get back to discussing the Subject In Hand?

S:0)