Festivals are good.

My opinion is that like the state fair-

If when you go to the state or county fair in USA and you cant find the animals and the 4 h canning and craft competition areas it is too commercial

Same with folk festivals. If you can only see a sea of crafters and food booths then balance is off.

Another thing to look for in a festival is a band that does not plan to flee the scene after its gig but hangs out throught the day just as the rest of the volunteers try to do.

You don't have to say anything to perform a song- It is helpful and inspiring but if you have to say something simply keep it to the music. yes I remember seeing Utah Pyhillips while I was in school in Knoxville great informed performer.

Opposing points of view are not as essential when you address the music and not the politics however we should always try to find and encourage others who might feel turned away we dont have to but we have to get out of the narrow view and do a little reverse discrimination and go out and encourage.

Conrad