Am I missing something. Doesn't 'unplugged' mean not plugged in (to anything)? Unfortunately some of the sessions we go to are being spoiled as more and more people are bringing their own 'small' amps to plug their guitars and autoharps(!)into. Then they lend a lead to another guitarist and before we know it we are into a pub jam session playing sixties standards and nobody wants to sing or play a melody instrument because they can't be heard. If there is amplification people who would normally sit and listen feel justified in talking as they feel they won't be heard above the instruments. Open mic/acoustic nights tend to attract singer/songwriter/guitarists more than anyone else and admirable though that is the people who play accordions, fiddles, concertinas etc. or prefer to sing without a microphone feel intimidated. At the end of the day if you go to one of these sessions and don't like it you don't have to go back, or you can do what my son has been known to do - refuse the plug, stand away from of the mic. sing naturally, play truly acoustically and still be heard. It can be done.