Stringsinger mentioned House Concerts. That seems to be what has shattered some of the "Folk Clubs" in the Baltimore-Washington area. They present a performer in a usually comfortable venue at a reasonable price. The audience is attentive and usually no PA is required.

Like many of the clubs, they only present once a month. However, there seems to be a plethora of them so weekly attendance is not impossible.

There is only a limited audience in any area and it can only be divided up in limited ways. As House Concerts grew, other venues shrank.

It would appear that most performers are making the same amount of money per night as they did at the clubs.

The drawback to House Concerts is that it is difficult for "new" people to find out about them. Advertising is limited.

Roger in Baltimore (well, Virginia, now)