Rachel,

I would suggest that you should try to seem at ease even though you will have butterflies in your stomach. No problem if you make a personal comment to someone you know in the name of appearing at ease. You can always say "How about those Rays!"

I would also pick out someone in the audience to look at while you are singing who will not be a distraction or make you nervous. Your husband perhaps, or a friend.

If you introduce songs, make it brief and to the point and don't drone on for five minutes about the background of a song you wrote.

Your confidence will be greatly improved if your sound system sounds good (especially to you) so get there early enough to set it up properly and dial it in. Make sure your guitar is in tune and check it periodically and any time you install or remove a capo.

If you are doing originals, dilute them with covers that people will know. Bar patrons want to hear their favorites - but don't do Jimmy Buffett (especially if you are in Florida).

I drink no alcohol if I am getting paid and very little other times at a performance.

Don't forget a tip jar!


Colin

I try to critique as if you mean business.....

http://colinwardmusic.com/

http://rosewoodcreekband.com/