As someone who has been involved with folk clubs for many years and with a input as regards bookings, even arranging them on occasion, I'd think it rather unfair of us to book a main act for a gig and not offer any payment even if they volunteered to perform for nothing.

It would be a different matter if they wished to do a short support or floor spot, however, especially if this was in the hope of obtaining a proper booking somewhere down the line. Or if they had a free night and just wished to pay us a wee "musical" visit. This doesn't seem to be what is being suggested though.

The very least a club ought to do, surely, would be to offer the door takings or a reasonable percentage thereof which is what many actually do already.

However, I believe that a club and/or it booking person should book an arist(s) on merit. They don't necessarily have to be "big names", have a proven track record, or even technical whizz kids as long as they're considered to be a suitable and enjoyable act for the club.

Otherwise, we're selling both the acts and our own audiences short.