On 24 Oct, Chris Wright said: Folk music has become increasingly professionalised and institutionalised, and this is continuing at a seemingly accelerating rate.

I don't think the same is true for the U.S. There is no market in the U.S. for traditional folk music. None. NOBODY can make a living here as a folk musician, although there are living-room audiences all over the country who love traditional music and are very enthusiastic supporters of house concerts.

Folk music has left the commercial realm here in the U.S., and it has been left to the people who really love the music. One can't make a living in folk music anymore in the U.S. - but it sure is good to just make music for the fun of it.

-Joe-