1. The "eyeopener" to me was hearing Planxty. I've not heard anything since then that's really seemed to me to be a step up from there.

Learning that things could be done "better" did nothing to alter my appreciation of performances at all levels (at least providing the person is trying).

2. I'm far more comfortable in a pub venue than an Arts Centre.

without running the risk of the general public encountering them and being dismayed.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.