I've been playing folk music in the US for 30 years. The only times I've been told I wasn't appropriate for a venue was one place that hated traditional music and only booked singer-songwriters and another that only allowed traditional music to be played by people actually from the country that the music was from. In both cases I was a bit peeved, but I also fully recognized that someone who bothers to book folk music gets to book what they want. I have found NO venues that put only completely traditional music.

We all have to realize that when we call a place for a gig, we are salespeople making cold calls. If they don't want you, tough shit. If you are going to occupy something, there needs to be a something to occupy. Can you tell where the folk music vetting board is? Who are the cabal that is controlling everything? Can I join it?? This discussion makes it sound like a conspiracy. Utter bullshit.

How can I say this in way that will be understood? It's been said several times already, but Steve and Al don't seem to get it:

If. You. Don't. Like. What's. Being. Booked. Start. Your. Own. Club.