Jerry, I've had that happen now and then as well (someone jumping on you for playing a tune in the "wrong" key). Perhaps my mistake was always trying to discuss it with them in a polite manner rather than accepting that only a jerk would be that agressively critical. Problem is that I DO try to stick as close to the traditions that first got me interested in this kind of music.....not always successfully.

From a practical point of view, I often play old fiddle tunes on the mandolin, and if I don't have a guitar or something backing me up, I'll play it in the most 'resonant solo key'....with backup I'd probably play it in the 'original' key.

For some stupid reason I too have gotten involved in far too many discussions on 'who's a folksinger, and who's not'. I've come up with my own definition which I can live with....if someone has been influenced by traditional music, then they can probably call themselves 'folksinger', if their influences are pop, rock or contemporary songwriters, then why bother labelling themselves at all? Ninety percent of those DOING the labelling probably haven't a clue what's being discussed here, nor would they even be interested.

My business card has read "acoustic musician" for many years anyway.....which is certainly true.

Rick