Well, I've noticed a couple of things. First thing is, as living history musicians, Mister and I have kids following us around whenever we play someplace where there are kids. That may have a lot to do with the period clothing. But they eat it up. Last Christmas we played a house tour and got the kids to come down and sing carols with us. Kids always ask us questions! I think there is plenty of interest there, but maybe not every child has someone to help foster it. There are still plenty of parents who think music is not a worthwhile pursuit; plus, when school budgets have to be cut, music is one of the first things to go.

The other thing is, there are a lot of bands & artists - not necessarily folk artists, but Top40 as well - outside the US who incorporate their country's folk music into what they're doing. One night, I think it was on Thistle & Shamrock, I heard a Scots rock band doing a heavy-metal version of Loch Lomond. It was different, but it was good. And the audience was singing along. While I still have to warm up to contemporary versions of old old songs, I must admit that these type of things introduce the old old songs to a new audience, who might not have heard them otherwise. I don't really see many contemporary non-folk US bands & artists doing this- but maybe I've missed something since I don't listen to the radio much anymore.

Regards ----------------- Kim