MikeofNorthumbria, wassail indeed! As clear and concise an explanation as I have ever heard. Well said.

I was at a songfest at Bob and Judy Nelson's in Everett, Washington on Sunday: a potluck, both gustatory and musical. Ate like little piggies and sang up a storm. It started about three in the afternoon and went on 'til God knows when. Barbara and I folded at about 10:30 p.m. and headed back to Seattle.

According to all evidence presented at this event, methinks folk music is alive and healthy.

Don Firth