I make my living from performing folk music. I have done so since 2000.

In the US there are a variety of venues open to folks like me, with varied folk-style music in their shows; Irish and Scottish folk, Appalachian and folk/bluegrass. I am certainly at or near the bottom of the professional musician food chain. But I do make a modest living at it and I've done a little bit better each year. I work wherever I can, festival and concert venues mostly - but I play at historical events and even pubs.

Before I started doing this full-time, I told my wife, "Gee, if I could just work 1500 nights a year, I could make this work!" Even though I meant that comment as a joke, the funny thing is that's just what I've been trying to do! I work at least 150 shows a year, and I travel a lot. I spend waay too much time digging for work (booking) and promoting. If I don't stay focused on the booking work, I go hungry months down the road. I don't mind saying that part of the job sucks. But I always love the playing, and never get tired of the road even when I'm worn out. I plan short trips (because I work mostly solo) and I go out for 3 to 5 days, or two weeks at a time, rarely longer. I try to work shows in or near my home town several times a year.

CD and MP3 sales help. Thank God for the internet. Broadcast radio has been a help too, but that seems to be in flux. Internet streaming radio is beginning to settle down and may yet offer some viable options ... and Youtube been helpful.

The business side of folk music isn't challenging. I usually like the folks I'm working for, and have almost always been treated well. I very much enjoy the music friends I've made over the years. I always look forward to crossing paths with these friends.

Many of the venues, especially festivals where I work also book folks who do not rely on performing for a living (I think someone used the term semi-pro above). The truth is there are some really great players and performers among their ranks, and some could take the next step and do it full-time. But it is a hard way to make a living.