It still sounds to me as if the American habit (either in Ireland or in the US) relates to a different situation. Cap'n B is talking about playing in a bar where people have not paid an entry fee, but pay inflated prices for the drinks. They are not really aware of paying for the entertainment, and may therefore wish to make a contribution.

English folk clubs are quite different. If there is a paid performer, there will be an entrance fee at the door, and the people attending expect that this (often topped up with funds from non-guest nights that are run at a profit, or from a raffle) will ensure that the performer is paid a proper fee. Part of the entertainment will also be provided, for free, by residents and other floor-singers who have helped raise the money on other club nights, to enable the club to pay the guest.

I don't think it's appropriate to encourage or expect tipping, and I'd be sorry to see it become a regular habit. Before long, you could find that organisers were offering lower fees to guests, on the understanding that tips would make up the balance. People would become embarrassed and confused as to what was expected of them. What if they enjoyed a floor-spot by a club member performing for free, do they slip him a couple of quid too? If they really enjoy the guest performer, they should make a point of telling both the guest and the organiser and thanking them at the end of the evening, and consider buying a CD, or going to see the guest again at another venue.

Sorry, tipping is one Anerican habit that I do not want to see become any more prevalent in Britain. There are better ways of promoting and encouraging folk music.

Marje