onewilyfool Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 Well, today was a bit of a breakthrough....lol, here are the lessons: 1. Finding the right place to sit is Very important!!! Previously, I had been sitting on a sofa about mid cafe against a wall. People would come and go in front of me, line up in front of me, etc. Today, I sat in the corner next to the window, opening up to the whole cafe, and the hard surfaces of the wall and glass, were PERFECT for me acoustically!!! I could actually HEAR myself, and the music projected out nicely to the cafe. 2.I actually looked up today and watched the room....lol.....normally I look down at the fretboard, hoping to make fewer mistakes....lol.....looking up, connecting with the room and people more, I actually relaxed more and had a much better time, perhaps the most fun I've had with any of my gigs. Some nice things happened. One lady sat next to me, and knew pretty much all of my songs, and was quietly singing along with me on a lot of them. MANY people came and thanked me today, and a couple went to the owner and said how much they liked the music. I got free coffee and a home made waffle with blueberries, bannana, and whip cream......boy am I entering the big time now!!!!!!....lol..... The real value of these "gigs", is breaking down my own mind limitations of playing in front of others. I mean, I take a lot of time learning songs and guitar, why not share with others???? Anyway, thanks for putting up with my ramblings....
BigKahune Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 ... I got free coffee and a home made waffle with blueberries, bannana, and whip cream......boy am I entering the big time now!!!!!!....lol..... ... Yes indeed. Definitely you're big time when the management comps you food and drink. B) BTW, your ramblings are totally enjoyable. Your little series has brought back memories for me when I was starting out in the 70s at coffee houses and beer/wine cafés. It's a great experience and I'm glad you're enjoying it.
zombywoof Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 Very cool. Sounds like you are enjoying it all. I love the "Will Play for Waffles" thing. Sounds like coffess houses have changed a bit since I use to sit and pick in them. In the 70s while my usual band was taking a break I did a stint with another guy as the "house band" in one. Played every Friday night (and often Saturday if nobody else was booked). Best seat in the house was an old barber chair that was in the back and the coffee was always strong and hot (no whip cream though). Pretty good baked goods to munch on in between sets.
onewilyfool Posted January 30, 2011 Author Posted January 30, 2011 Yeah, today was one of the most fun of all my stints.....every time gets me more relaxed and enjoying.....it's all good.
EuroAussie Posted January 30, 2011 Posted January 30, 2011 That's great Wily. Sounds like you've done your 'soundcheck' now, got a cool tone going and focus on the atmosphere and people. This is a good place to be and you become an entertainer along with a musician. Keep em' coming !
Duende Posted January 30, 2011 Posted January 30, 2011 Wily, Well done and thanks for sharing... Hearing of your experiences as a musician, ie trying out a new gig venture and talking music, are what guitar forum utopia is about for me! Talking about music beats talking the nuts and bolts of equipment any day! Cheers to you and look forward to the next update! Matt
albertjohn Posted January 30, 2011 Posted January 30, 2011 I love the match reports OWF. Keep up the good work. Maybe the lady who sat next to you singing should be a second vocalist for you.
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