I think like someone said it all depends on the make up of the audience. If you do that to 20 or 30 somethings even if it is great and you are a great story teller and singer you sometimes will get away with it .. most of the time not ... just my opinion ...

I also think the location and background has a lot to do with it, if they grew up hearing the mom's and dads playing long ballads they will most likely appreciate it .. if not, they will turn off ...

At the folk festival they have here in the summer, the people stay, listen and enjoy many of the long ballads, but that is the make up of that audience. Gotta know the audience for sure. Around my parts there are no folk clubs, just cafe type places where people eat and listen.