I was just reading 'Real Folk' vs 'Stroke Folk' and was inspired to let off a little steam of my own. Appologies in advance.

IMHO when one gets paid for performing in a public place one has become a professional entertainer, period. The only rational measure of the performance is whether or not the audience is pleased. Sincerity may be important to some audiences but may not be to others. Authenticity is important in an academic setting but an authentic rendition of a traditional piece may not be at all entertaining to anyone other than scholars.

"But that's just my opinion... I could be wrong."

- Mark