I just other people would follow our example and ditch the profit for one day. I can do it. Cant be that hard.

Conrad, you really haven't been listening, have you? As you've been told repeatedly, folk musicians (including professionals) are playing for free at thousands of events, big and small. You're right, it isn't that hard, and people are doing it. So what's your beef?

Do you imagine the H Street Festival is run entirely for altruistic and artistic reasons? The event is "sponsored by major corporations such as Verizon, Coca Cola, PNC Bank and local establishments such as Philadelphia Ice, Phish Tea and R&B Coffee".

Major corporations sponsor events like these because it is cheap advertising for them, and ticks boxes for community involvement as part of their sustainability policies. The reason local businesses support it is that it brings them commercial benefits:

"viewed as a financial success by local business owners; as evidenced by a 30% increase in business at Phish Tea, a posh and trendy restaurant, bar and lounge located on festival grounds."

H Street Festival

And all they did was pay for your gas? Looks like they took advantage of you.