Hi Andy. Welcome to Mudcat!

I would suggest that you check the thread list for the last week (use the Age Filter box at the top of the thread list) to get a start. You will see not only a thread about CD's by Mudcatters, which will give you a good survey of folk material, but also threads about "Most Influential Folkie" and "Most Popular Folk Hits" and "Best Folk Singer." (Titles approximate.)

Then I would suggest looking at the "Digital Tradition" database (BIG blue search box, on most pages). There you will find a pull-down menu that lets you search by keywords, on song topics. If you pick a keyword from the list that interests you, and then look at the songs posted in the DT under that category, you will have started to fall in love with something specific about folk music.

Another good thread to search up is the "Basic Folk Library" thread, to find songbooks that have been recommended.

"Mudcat Radio" (top of page, teal-colored banner link) will lead you to a lot of good folk radio-- archived broadcasts. So you can hear lots of stuff and see what you like.

Finally, I would suggest you find the thread (Forum Filter search box, top of threads), titled "More Online Concerts!". There you will find links to a whole bunch of free, online, video-included concerts, and a link especially to search functions at the site mentioned there, that let you choose a genre, such as Folk.

If you do these things, not only will you discover a lot of great music, and maybe your own preferences, but you will also have learned a LOT about getting around Mudcat. And then, that will be a good time to look at the Mudcat FAQ thread, top of thread list, if you have not done so already.

Ask anyone around here for help-- the FAQ will tell you how members communicate behind-the-threads to do that.

Again, welcome!

~Susan