Bill-- "I suppose it's good we don't all do it exactly the sane." Totally agree, with the sentiment as well as the typo. (hi Bill)

I don't think we've ever (as group leaders but also as regards the group itself) had too much trouble knowing when someone wants to perform their turn solo or wants to involve the group in playing and/or singing.... there's spontaneously been plenty of room for each, and anything in between. Either we're good leaders or we have a special group, or both, I guess.

The posts talking about genre differences and about the buzz of jamming on a fiddle tune till the groove appears-- these have been the most helpful to our particular situation. The rest of the posts are giving me a lot to keep in mind as things continue to evolve.

I'm really excited now about what is evolving, now that I can SEE it. :~) And that means I'm inspired to encourage it in that direction-- you know, to ride the horse in the way that it is going. That also means I have the gut-level understanding now to market it effectively and spontaneously.

Thanks all for all your thoughts-- keep 'em coming!

~Susan