I am fortunate to live where one of, if not THE largest Folk organizations in the US has been active for about 45 years.

If you look thru the list of events at http://www.fsgw.org/ (The Folklore Society of Greater Washington), you will note there is a monthly 'Open Sing' ...where there are few absolute rules. I have attended this off & on for over 35 years, and frankly, it has been in decline as those eager young 'folk' from the 60s have also declined in vaious ways. (Death...moved... got too 'good' and professional to spend time in less than 'A' rated sessions). Still, for those willing to see an occasional RUS or tolerate a few singers who have less-than-professional abilities, it is quite possible to have a nice evening and always hear & share some nice songs.

There are also monthly Gospel singing and Sacred Harp sessions. There is 'some' overlap in who attends these 3 events.... and at our annual Getaway, which you may have read about (now in planning for this Oct.) you will likely see & hear ALL forms of music which even faintly can be chassified as 'folk'.
In recent years...10 or so.. because of Mudcat, the Getaway has attracted music lovers from all over the US, the UK and a few other countries & continents. As far as we can tell, the Getaway format is 'almost' unknown in the UK, though those who have come seem to think it is a grand way to spend a musical weekend. With a group of 150 or so, in workshops, late night singarounds, small impromptu gatherings and a few formal 'concerts', you are likely to hear almost anything. You can immerse yourself in mostly ballad singing, share in a workshop on a single topic, sing Gospel songs with aficionados for 3 days or just wander about listening-- and leaving a group if something doesn't suit you-- There is something to please... and yes, to DISplease everyone.I'm sure you in the UK have similar experiences when you attend 3 day festivals where groups repair to pubs at night for regular annual meeting with folk you don't see often.

(what is Bill D getting at now?, you ask) well, what I am trying to say is that folk music, to quote my father who said it about everything: "It's the same...only different!" YES...some singers and instrumentalists are 'better' than others. Some are professional... some could be, but aren't. Some find it easy to keep in tune, memorize words, project the song expressively, research the history and versions..etc... and some don't- for various reasons. Some clubs & sessions and gathering are open, welcoming and tolerant of variable levels of knowledge and ability- some seriously restrict- formally or informally- those who do not 'fit' the groups idea of what should be sung & played... and at what tempo, using what lyrics and whether read of memorized.
I do suggest that everyone remember that 'folk music' has always meant...among other things.. music of the 'people', and the people are not standardized models. It can be very useful to tolerate and gently 'help' those who are interested but struggling with the music.... one may turn out to be a prize.

As to Gospel music.... I know a few folks who sing it because they 'believe' it... and many others who occasionally sing it because there are just so many amazing, moving songs in the format(s). I am non-religious, but I have several songs that are ummm...just great songs...especially a couple I call "metaphysical metaphor"...("Life's Railway to Heaven" for one...and have you ever heard "Dropkick Me, Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life"? ) and several amazing, bouncy, moving Pentecostal hymns that just demand participation! "You don't have to believe everything you sing."


The crutch? I try not to use it... but throw it away? I'd rather hobble on one 'occasionally' than not get to the party.