It Finally Happened!

[OldStrummer]

After having been a member of the local folk club for nigh on three years, my name got pulled out of the hat!

Once a month, a member is chosen to perform a "showcase," which is a 24-minute show, or the equivalent of three individual sets. When I first started performing there, I was intimidated by the clock, which I think caused me to speed up my playing. Now I get a chance to play a few songs without glancing at the timer all the time. A couple of the songs I play are about six minutes in length, so I've not played them during a regular set and this should give me the opportunity.

I'm not posting this as a self-congratulatory note, but knowing that many of you (still remaining here) are actively performing musicians, whether for pay and/or pleasure, I'm hoping you'll give me pointers.

So far, I decided I need to put together a playlist. I'm also going to bring along a "cheater," an iPad running Ultimate Guitar with my playlist songs scrolling if I think I'm in danger of forgetting a chord or lyric. The club offers mics, a sound system, cables, lighting (which I have no control over) and an audience. Most of the audience is made up of other performers, so I'll be playing to a knowledgeable crowd. The club wants a brief bio that I've already written, and a photo, which I'm hoping a friend can take for me.

Am I missing anything? In my mind, I need to remind myself to "Keep calm and carry on." That may be the hardest thing. Are there breathing exercises or mental preparations you do in advance? I'm both looking forward to this and scared at the same time.

Finally, an ironic note: My name was chosen, as is custom, by the performer who has just completed a showcase. Last night, the friend and his wife who introduced me to the club were the showcase (and I've known him since high school). Coincidence?

[blackonblack]

First congrats.
Second, forget the clock. Build your setlist at home and time it. If it?s tight, shorten something. You need to allow space.
Third being scared is OK. That is a result of opportunity. Channel that emotion into confidence with humility and you?ll be fine.
Fourth, realize you are your own worst critic. Play what you feel.

congrats again!

[Offshore Angler]

When you make a mistake - and you will- let it pass. Focus on what's coming up and let go of what's already been played. The past is history and it's not bothering anyone but you at that point.

[OldStrummer]

When you make a mistake - and you will- let it pass. Focus on what's coming up and let go of what's already been played. The past is history and it's not bothering anyone but you at that point.

Thanks, OA. I'm much more comfortable with making mistakes than I used to be. Not long ago, we had one of our regulars, who rarely misses a beat much less fumble a chord, FORGET AN ENTIRE VERSE. Oh, not just that, but it was A SONG HE WROTE!

He just grinned and said he was going to repeat the last verse and hope he remembered it when it came around again. He did, and everybody loved it!

[OldStrummer]

I'm very happy with the set I did last night. Two of the players I respect both complimented me with one saying it's the best he's heard me play.

I felt relaxed and unhurried. I made a goof on the first song but played through it. I nailed the second number. One of my friends from my church group was there, and I was humbled that he and his wife showed up on my behalf.

All in all, it was a good experience and left me with a good feeling for my "showcase" next month. In two weeks we're having an unplugged night. I think I might go and give my Lowden its baptism, as it has no electronics. But it sounds so good unplugged that I'm not even tempted to add any.

[Offshore Angler]

You need to work on not using the iPad. That takes your focus off your audience. Reading words while playing always messes up players. Prompters are there only to glance at if you have lapse to get you back on track. Yes if I'm in a pit reading a chart that's a different skillset but I'm still focusing on the conductor as much as the music. (I still do some trumpet gigs now and then.)

For an intimate acoustic or jazz/rock ensemble it's imperative you maintain audience connection. Reading the words will generally cause you to make mistakes, especially in timing.

At your stage you need to really work hard at maintaining a constant tempo. You don't have a rhythm section so that means you're the clock. I suggest you record your performance and compare the BPM throughout the song. Almost all new performers I work with will speed up on a solo. You can play the wrong note at the right time and get away with it but the right note at the wrong time usually sounds really bad.

Chuck

[blackonblack]

Words of wisdom there. Wrong note right time- passable. Right note wrong time - fail.
refer back to my previous thread about timing.