Mandotim: I'll try an example - 2 years ago, Sean and I were the only ones with musical instruments of any kind at the Saturday night Durham Folk Party singaround (I did an intro. with my English flute; and he used some electronic drone and his crwth, I think); I got the feeling/took a hint if you like, and left my flute in my bag this year, such that it was 100% unaccompanied singing this year - and very enjoyable, too. The only problem was, I, at 43, was probably the youngest singer there - because this aspect of our cultural heritage is no longer given a fair go at our schools, etc. (and, by employing those who KNOW, that's where I'd focus).