Jim Carroll

I ask again (and direct my question to the anything goes crowd); do you believe that there should be a minimum standard for performing in public?

Yes, the desire to perform. We wouldn't pressure anyone to perform if they didn't want to although, usually, everyone is asked if they'd like to do a spot as they come through the door.

I never assumed it to being a god-given right

Never met anyone who did.

The only concession to standards seems to be that the 'practicers' are hidden away in the cupboard when the guests arrive and are only allowed to strut their stuff on residents nights - how ******* patronising can you get!

That would, inded, be disgraceful. We don't do it. What actually tends to happen on busy guest nights when we can't get everybody on is that residents and regulars hold back and priority goes to visitors some of whom we may never have heard before.

Are you suggesting that the only way to encourage people is to get
them to practice in public (which is what we are talking about here)?

You can practice your words or your notes in private for ever. (I know, I've done it.) The only way to practice performing in public which is a whole other skill is to perform in public.