First public performance

[Guth]

Hey all,

 

Last week I finally worked up the nerve to perform some of my music for an actual audience. I never thought I would do such a thing, but I've finally grown comfortable enough with my playing and my tunes that I thought I might give it a go. I've been frequenting a bar out of town near where we have a cabin in the woods and they feature live music most nights. In general, a very low key, friendly environment. In addition, when I met the person that hosts the open mic night, I asked him if anyone ever played strictly guitar, no singing involved. He told me that's what he does every week to open the show. So if I was ever going to take a shot at playing in front of an audience, this seemed like the place.

 

I showed up about 1/2 hour before things were to start and no one was signing up to play and I was having serious second thoughts. But, since I made it that far, and my guitar was sitting out in my truck, I finally decided to go for it. After the host played his normal set, it was my turn (as I was the only one to sign up). Before I go any further, I should mention that I took an old Taylor 510 with me. It's the only acoustic I own with a pickup. I started off with a new tune that I've been working on for a while and things went okay (a few slip up were made, but I carried on). Then, before I got started with the second tune, the battery for the pickup died and the sound guy had to set up a mic for my guitar. I finished out with four more original songs and figured that was enough, for me and for the audience.

 

I then proceeded to down a couple of beers (I play better without it) and stuck around for a while as a few other folks decided to get up and do their thing. I got to talking to the owner of the place and he mentioned his old Gibson guitar and wondered if I'd like to see it, which I did of course. It appeared to be a late 40's era LG-2. He then asked me if I'd like to play it, which I couldn't say no to. I just didn't realize that he meant back up on the stage. So then he says that he'll join me on harmonica and I should just do my thing. He proceeded to adapt some lyrics that he had written to whatever I happened to be playing and it was kinda fun. At least I didn't feel that all of the attention was on me and expectations were low. We messed around with a half dozen tunes or so and that was enough for me. I simply couldn't think of anything else to play, and my nerves were about shot anyway. The LG-2 was a lot of fun to play. I got invited back to do it again and record some stuff, but I don't know that I'll be able to go through with it. I kind of like the comfort of my couch and my own "home studio" using my little Sony digital recorder.

 

At any rate, my hat is off to all of you that get out and perform music for others. I had a great appreciation for this before, but even more so now.

 

All the best,

Guth

[blindboygrunt]

Hey all,

 

Last week I finally worked up the nerve to perform some of my music for an actual audience. I never thought I would do such a thing, but I've finally grown comfortable enough with my playing and my tunes that I thought I might give it a go. I've been frequenting a bar out of town near where we have a cabin in the woods and they feature live music most nights. In general, a very low key, friendly environment. In addition, when I met the person that hosts the open mic night, I asked him if anyone ever played strictly guitar, no singing involved. He told me that's what he does every week to open the show. So if I was ever going to take a shot at playing in front of an audience, this seemed like the place.

 

I showed up about 1/2 hour before things were to start and no one was signing up to play and I was having serious second thoughts. But, since I made it that far, and my guitar was sitting out in my truck, I finally decided to go for it. After the host played his normal set, it was my turn (as I was the only one to sign up). Before I go any further, I should mention that I took an old Taylor 510 with me. It's the only acoustic I own with a pickup. I started off with a new tune that I've been working on for a while and things went okay (a few slip up were made, but I carried on). Then, before I got started with the second tune, the battery for the pickup died and the sound guy had to set up a mic for my guitar. I finished out with four more original songs and figured that was enough, for me and for the audience.

 

I then proceeded to down a couple of beers (I play better without it) and stuck around for a while as a few other folks decided to get up and do their thing. I got to talking to the owner of the place and he mentioned his old Gibson guitar and wondered if I'd like to see it, which I did of course. It appeared to be a late 40's era LG-2. He then asked me if I'd like to play it, which I couldn't say no to. I just didn't realize that he meant back up on the stage. So then he says that he'll join me on harmonica and I should just do my thing. He proceeded to adapt some lyrics that he had written to whatever I happened to be playing and it was kinda fun. At least I didn't feel that all of the attention was on me and expectations were low. We messed around with a half dozen tunes or so and that was enough for me. I simply couldn't think of anything else to play, and my nerves were about shot anyway. The LG-2 was a lot of fun to play. I got invited back to do it again and record some stuff, but I don't know that I'll be able to go through with it. I kind of like the comfort of my couch and my own "home studio" using my little Sony digital recorder.

 

At any rate, my hat is off to all of you that get out and perform music for others. I had a great appreciation for this before, but even more so now.

 

All the best,

Guth

 

 

Nice story guth. It is addictive. I'll bet that within a day or three you'll be chomping to have another blast.

 

You should post stuff on here. Its always nice to hear other peoples stuff.

Don't even consider playing the Taylor in here though :D

 

Here's to many a gig for yourself.

Cheers

[EuroAussie]

Well done Guth, as BBG said its addictive. We have a big gig tonight with 3 extra guest musos as its sort of my bday gig, will record it and play it here ...... which is exactly what you need to do next time, record some of the footage and share it here. I would love to hear you play love given your talent and skill level.

[Debonnaire]

Good for you and good luck in the future!

 

About ten years ago, I got the itch to try out some country songs at the open mic. It turned into a fun run and playing with a band. I am going to start again around Christmas.

 

The key is finding the right open mic. In my experience, you're usually playing for the other players, so the audience is pretty sympathetic.

[Red 333]

I would think you'd have very little to be nervous about, Guth. You're a great player! Sounds like your first performance was a hit, since you were asked to get back up on stage the same night. Keep it up. There are lots of folks who will enjoy and appreciate your talents.

 

Red 333

[duluthdan]

I'll bet it was pretty fun, and it just gets easier and easier. Did you throw the guy an offer on that LG2?

[MissouriPicker]

Sounds like you had a great "first time out." Very cool that the owner of the place ended-up playing some songs with you. That bodes well for the future in regards to getting your own gig there (if you want). You did very well, Guth. The nerves are a natural response. Everyone has them, even after playing for a long time. They say Johnny Cash used to pace back-and-forth before going on stage, and he did it for decades. Just enjoy it. It's a real rush, especially when things go well. And if they don't go the way you want, so what? Just move past it and on to the next time....You're off to a great start. If you enjoyed it, then keep doing it. For myself, I find it a great way to express myself and a great venue if you feel you've got something to say....Good luck with whatever you choose.

[BigKahune]

.

Sounds to me like you have the makings of a solid performer. Usually, the more you play in front of people, the easier it gets on your nerves. I encourage yo to take up the offer to play again - limit your set if it makes you more comfortable.

 

 

.

[E-minor7]

Ein mahl ist kein mahl -

 

You must back in the saddle again - everything speaks for it.

I don't get the (and perhaps the last) in the thread title.

The owner would never have acted the way he did if you had blown it - which I'm sure you already know.

 

Playing live can be a bit of a gamble - sometimes a high and other times quite humiliating, , , yet other times again a clean triumph.

You need to try it out on a deeper level. After gig 3 you'll be able to sit down and look back on the little string of situations during the shows behind you.

Bet a bit of everything will be there even after so short a history. Whether to stop or continue will be a much easier choice by then.

 

I seldom perform nowadays, but will play a bigger private party tomorrow. A half improvised thing with a bunch of present musicians.

What will happen is a complete mystery right now and I feel slight annoyed by the rising nerves. Hope it all turns around 24 hours from now.

 

Hep for your courage and the second you decided to pick up the guitar in the van instead of the opposite.

[zombywoof]

In 50+ years I have only ever taken the stage alone once. And that was my first time in fron of people at the local folk music society. Generally though I always get up with a singer and often a harp or maybe fiddle player. So you got more guts than I do.

 

After a while though you will not even think about it. Funny thing is though it is probably this first time whch will be the one you never forget.

[62burst]

Ha! A great recounting of a "first time out". As most here know you as a fine player (so-were you in standard tuning, this time?), 'just goes to show, no matter how skilled, when expectation combines with opening oneself up in public for all to see, a dose of stage fright can try to get in the way of having a good time. I had a fellow guitarist drop his pick right in the middle of a song, gave him mine instead of having him look for his. Then there was the wound string that slowly unraveled while I was playing (was wishing for 1:1 tuner ratio then), the spilled beer in the middle of a tune done as a dedication (Tangled Up in Blue); freak out at the time, laugh about it later.

 

As you'd observed, even one other person on the stage can take the pressure off; but bring the whole band in, and engage the people, & you can really kick back & enjoy. Whenever I'm playing & someone I'm with mentions that they're a bit nervous, I ask them (and sometimes myself) isn't this is what they love to do(?), and.. how can you be nervous about that!

 

Congrats for getting out there-

ps: there are a lot of great songs out there... with lyrics (they can tell a story, you know!)

[Rambler]

Chops are not the issue here. You have developed a talent. Why not share this thing with gives you pleasure and allow others to experience it? It may be more psychically challenging than your front porch, but if you can radiate from the center of your own delight it should be ok. Something like that.

[BluesKing777]

Congratulations Guth!

 

 

Hee Hee!

 

You did the opposite of me - you decided to learn the guitar before doing the gig...........................

 

 

 

BluesKing777.

[MorrisrownSal]

Congratulations Guth!

 

 

Hee Hee!

 

You did the opposite of me - you decided to learn the guitar before doing the gig...........................

 

 

 

BluesKing777.

 

Ha... This! I have been doing a few open mics recently, and that's about all since I was a young man and played in a band. My goal is to get to a point to do all originals now - like you.

[jt]

Very cool, Guth! Thanks for sharing your story with us.

 

I've had a pretty hectic life schedule over the past few years and don't have as much time as I'd like for playing out. But, I do so when I can. Otherwise, I start to worry that my guitar playing is the musical equivalent of that tree falling in the woods when no one is around to hear it.

 

No matter the quality of a performance, I always admire folks who play in front of an audience.

[aliasphobias]

Que pasa amigo? No mas?? Surely you jest! 'tis what we do. I can say from my own experience, most people in the audience have a tin ear. A clam here and there does not ruin their enjoyment. What is never overlooked is enthusiasm. When you can get up there and send a little saw dust flying and showcase your craft, as you did, there should be no apologies. Throw your Gibson in the truck (who cares if they have to mic it), beats a Taylor with a wonky pup, get back on the stage. Familiarity builds confidence. Well done!

[Guth]

Thanks for all of the encouraging words. I'm sure that I'll consider playing out again at some point. It's been kind of an odd journey for me. I got started with guitars when I was young because I simply liked guitars. Actually learning how to play the things was almost an afterthought. It wasn't until I heard someone fingerpicking country blues tunes that I really became interested in actually making music. Playing guitar has been like therapy ever since, especially when I focused on just doing my own thing. This bit of playing for others is a new element that might require a bit more processing on my part. All of the different perspectives are definitely appreciated.

[MissouriPicker]

Guth, you're on the right track and you have the right attitude. Just enjoy it. Shoot-the-bull with the audience, even if it's just 2-3 people, sing your songs, tell a joke here-and-there, laugh at yourself, do your songs and cover songs "your" way. People don't really care if you don't sound like Mick Jagger or Cash or Springsteen, or Peter, Paul, and Mary. They just want to hear the song and let it take them somewhere where they'd like to be. Be "you" and they'll know you're real. Interestingly enough, playing music isn't just therapy for the person playing, it's also therapy for many people who come to a coffeehouse for a bite to eat and a chance to get-away-from-it-all for a while. A "live performance" is a link between you and whoever is listening. Even though a formal conversation may not take place, a far more intimate link can be made through a song. Go for it and have a blast.