'nut

Since this particular circle has been active for close to 20 years I think the introduction of a crying towel, while a good idea, should be done by the right person at the right time. I've only been around the last 5 years and there have been hardly any instances when someone has been told to shut up and sing. So, you have inertia to deal with. People have been making excuses for years. You have to let them down gently.

The chatter before a song may be helpful to the nervous folks in the group too. Sort of a way to get the engine running.

Then again, I could be wrong.