That's an interesting set of observations, Bruce. It's a shame I can't stand bluegrass, because I'm a singer who loves the tunes, too. ;-) It seems that theoretically one could get a similar flavor going with old-time stuff, except that's one of those genres where the tune-folk and song folk are really exceptionally segregated, for some reason. I personally hope that that's a phase in the revival that's fading -- if you look at the history of the tradition and the revival, it's "only" been 30-35 years that the twain have not been meeting...

My personal experience has been frustration, so, good luck, Susan. If integration isn't feasibly, sounds like one gathering apiece is what you need.

~ Becky in Tucson