First off, I don't think we Chilly Windbags will touch "Mary Ellen Carter." Really hard song--especially the lyrics. Josh's version of it is a killer. Tom Ivey and I do a version, as well, but I let Tom tackle the verses. I play banjo.
As for the liberal aspect of folk music, I suspect that without us liberal folk, folk music as a genre might have evaporated completely, or simple evolved into something else entire, like bluegrass. I like the fact that a lot of folk songs have social relevance, whether it's the more liberal kind or Bob's views on immigration, etc.
As for set structure, it's a hard call. Sometimes it makes sense to do a lot of similar songs in a row, especially if not doing so means frequent instrument changes. The last two years at Manitou Springs, the Chilly Winds (including Josh two years ago!) experimented with dong several songs in a row with banjo, then several without. Worked pretty well. Set pace is a big issue to consider--start fast, slow down, work back to top speed with a somewhat quicker song, etc.? Lots of formulas, none etched in stone as world champion.
What did I miss? I'll go back and read, then post again, if I see fit.
John Birchler
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