Jerry,
Believe me, playing to perform is far beyond my line of thinking. I'm amazed I'm even playing for free as I pretty much won't play for less then $75.00 (my church job is the exception because it is more of a salaried position).

The open mic is different for me because I'm playing guitar, a new instrument for me, and doing my songs. I'm hoping to build a little local base of folks interested in original songs (mine) with the eventual hopes to pick up some small solo gigs.
Dave