In my experience folk audiences aren't in the least bit discriminating - except when it comes to Traditional Balladry of course. I've seen them giving warm appreciation to all shades of singer / songwriter schlock, piss-poor pop covers and Bob Dylan sing-a-longs, but bristle with barely repressed hostility when someone has the temerity to sing an unaccompanied ballad of a greater duration than 5 minutes.

What I don't understand is why you're celebrating this situation.