introduction to performers can be obtained by clicking on you tube.or going to see them PLAYING MUSIC live.
"Whether competition culture is 'vital' in the sense of 'essential' is difficult to say because it's impossible to know how the music(s) would have developed without it".
let us take CCE and their competitions, their competitions are not essential[ where is Jim Carroll when we need him].The music is being played by people in ireland, and regional styles stillexist despite CCE AND THEIR EFFORTS TO PRODUCE A HOMEGEONISED STYLE.
CCE have, with their system of marking altered the tradition and discouraged regional styles.
these nominations do nothing to help improve standards at grass roots level, they merely provide certain performers[ who are generally non political and commercial the opportunity to furth their own careers or use the opportunity to use it as a launching pad into the pop or the rock music world, so they can earn more money]
Commercialisation is a double edged sword, whilst it might introduce people to a comercialised form of folk music or occasionally a less commercuialised version it takes the music further from its roots, reducing its strength and vitality.