I ran a session before running the club.We all contributed £1 a night.[Most attenders at a session would baulk at having to pay, they think they should be recipients of some form of monetary gain] Then we had finance built up to put the club in place. A session still occurs as one of the attendees runs it.The club had a successful 1st year, because of the quality of floor singer and guest, Jo Public wants a good show for his £s or he votes with his feet. Its not just for the performers's benefit, its for the perpetuating of the culture.
Perhaps we should ask if sessions take more than they give? Are they eroding the Folk culture by diluting the quality by doing so in public.It would be better if sessions moved out of pubs unless the Landlord chips in.Go play in a park in summer and open a case and judge for yourself how you are received by the public.
Are folk artistes demanding too high fees thus pricing themselves out of work and screwing the clubs for all they're worth? look at their gig lists and see how busy they are.
Good Morning all