@ Jack Campin

I so relate to what you say about playing around people who are half you age. This happens to me a lot (unless I am working a OAP home or hostel) and it has given me a great deal of insight and material in doing so. These 'kids' do not demand much but if you throw something in they know every now and then they love you for it. My musical tastes have certainly been widened these past 3-4 years as I 'escaped' the pure folk environments and ventured into the wider real world. I love live music... bringing me nicely around to

@ Will Fly

I find so much musical talent around the north west now and it is certainly not uncommon to have folk and country being played at pop venues these days (often by the youngsters) of a high quality.

I recently went out with a band for the night to watch them. Great covers band but no country in their act. They were asked to do some country but said it would be down to me if I wanted to do a set. I played the 'interval' and the place lit up ready for the bands last set. It was a fabulous night and we all have been given another gig to do at the venue with the same format within the month :)

This is what can happen when people are willing to mix it I have found. The night worked because it was a busy real ale pub, with a very mixed audience, and a band willing to be flexible. Everyone had a great night and we are looking forward to the next time.

I find the NW full of great live music, of all genres, so I do agree with what you say.