When I got back into the folk scene a few years back after a long absence, I went to a folk club I heard about to do a song or two. What threw me was when everyone joined in the song, but singing it their way, not the way I sang it. I quickly got lost in the song and my frayed nerves got even worse. I went a couple of times but then stopped.

It's ok to join in verses, or even the song, providing that you can be sure your singing the same tune/words as the singer. Otherwise, better to wait til you know how the song is going to be sung before joining in.

Happily I have now found a club where there is a good atmosphere and a sensitive audience.