Don I never said that people who dont know the words or tunes should sing of course not. But you mentioned quality as being important. In the grand scheme of things the songs are important- you do have to know them but the singing quality is not important. Many great singers only sing a few songs. Many ordinary singers can sing thousands.

I know all about sessions in pubs. If you want to know about them just listen to the gig guides on the BBC folk radio programming. Wonderful. I have never noticed anywhere in them the USA tendancy of holding open sings or folk song performances in only the most expensive bars in town. This is what happen here. The best Irish venue in baltimore raises its prices drastically for music. The chanty singers go to expensive places in silver spring and baltimore. The warf rat is very high priced. That simply is elitist and locks anyone out who wants to have a night of drinking and song. There are plenty of beautiful corner places with ancient woodwork in baltimore that one could select. They dont and it is clear that they are just being elitist.


While I appreciate the good feel of word of mouth insider events such as house concerts I want the openness to be on the same level as other venues. Fully advertized for everyone to come. You have to invite new people who havent even heard folk music or you are just doing inbreeding. Like the shakers!


I can not agree with the concept of taking money from the poor, the unemployed and those who are ill to fund a free folk festival. it is just not really free. When all can donate what they do for a day or two it can be free therefor it can be done - why not?

Never pooped in a hedge. In the scouts we were taught to dig holes in the ground-nothing wrong with that. One could pee in a hedge. The hedge would be greatly appreciative. But I never advocated that either. Just another of the growing number of urban myths about me.
I enjoy it keep em coming.

Yes people are doing some of the things I advocate and others are coming close. But, the problem is that it needs to be much more widespread and it can be but isnt. Too many false excuses for not making it happen.

Conrad