Why is it "Folk Singer v Entertainer?" Why are they presumed to be mutually exclusive? The best entertainers who sing folk music are indeed Folksingers who sing to please themselves and others. They are people who LOVE the music they sing, and that is the main reason they are seen as entertaining.

Seamus Kennedy, Kendall, Big Al from above (and I'm sure others) are good examples of people who've been successful entertainers, worthy of appreciative audiences and performance fees because of their love for the music and the folklore. I have to say "me too." I do this because I love it, NOT because I can make a living at it. And I see no reason to drive a wedge between the two terms; Folk Singer v Entertainer.

I am a folksinger. I love all kinds of music, but folk music is in my blood. It is my preferred style. I make my living at it (quite modestly, I might add) and I know that I have to be entertaining to do that ... I have no problem doing that, because I am entertained by it. I sing and present what I love and what I find entertaining.