Thanks Sharon for writing in for me. I have been out of the loop for a couple of days.

I just want to say the following - I am my own best folk police! And proud of it. I really care what others think, but not because I am scared of being judged, but because I want the audience to leave our concerts with a greater understanding and appreciation for Irish Traditional Music. For me, that means goofy songs are great - they are part of the entertainment side of the show and it is really clear they are for fun. I love them.

However, when I am singing a song in Gaelic that I have painstakingly learned, researched the historical references in the lyric, etc.... I don't want to muck it up. For me, mucking it up would include putting in a Scottish tune instead of an Irish tune (isn't that weird to some of you???) Also, I wouldn't want the instrumental break to be so different that it no longer compliments the lyric or sentiment of the song.

On the other side, I really like a full band sound and so with some songs I disregard that idea that a true traditional song is unaccompanied. For me that is where I draw the line, because .... uh..... its fun and I like how it sounds.(pretty traditional reasoning - don't you think?)

Thanks for all the ideas on combinations of tunes and songs...

Claire