Well Stacey I agree, the younger generation seem too long on technical brilliance, and too short on the charisma front, but I am technically what is known as 'An old fart' so I may be jaundiced in my viewpoint.
I just don't see so many 'entertainers' these days, where are the Derek Brimstones, the Johnny Silvos, and all the others who served their apprenticeship on the folk circuit at about 30/- a night, (£1.50 for the youngsters)
There seems to be an upsurge of big 'clever' groups the like of Bellowhead whom no folk club could ever afford to book. There are too many festivals now, all booking from the same small group of 'Folk Superstars' who never play clubs any more in most cases, as they get a good enough living doing the festivals.
I think what I'm saying is there's not enough 'hungry' performers out there, but oddly there's not enough venues for them to get work in either.
Giok