I am sorry that you did not feel welcome doing your own material in a folk club. I do not like people not to feel welcome wherever they go.

Why did you feel you material is appropriate for a folk club? Which is really the pertinent point. Would you be kind enough to tell us what you were singing and what instruments you were playing?

Clearly your material seems to be appropriate for the type of venue/"open mike" session you are now attending an good luck to you - you have all the support I can give you in that. I am delighted you have found a place where you feel happy to perform and where the audience is appreciative.

I am not sure why you think this type of venue might fail? No-one (as far as I know) on this thread is discouraging live performances and certainly not me. I am all in favour of them. I am delighted if a "live venue" succeeds and disappointed if they fail.