Just did my first open mic (stage)

phxguy · #1 09-11-2014, 11:07 PM

I've been trying to get up the nerve to do this for awhile and have been attending the same venue for sometime now. They call it an open stage because there are no microphones as it is a very small room. I've broached this subject before on the forum and as you would expect everyone says just go for it. One of my issues has been there are some really good players there and I always felt a little intimidated by them (didn't want to have to follow them). I do public speaking for a living so being in front of people is nothing new but I also need to be very confident in what I am going to do and playing and singing are a far cry from my usual shtick. Anyway, I went there last week and it was a rather sparse crowd with none of the exceptionally talented folks there. I had a business appointment this evening fairly close by so I decided to bring my guitar with me on the odd chance that I would encounter the same scenario as last week, which I did. At first I was a bit hesitant and then decided if not now when, so I put my name on the list which was pretty short. You get to play 1 song in rotation so I played "Long Black Veil" and felt very comfortable doing it. I then decided I would go for a second song on the next go round and did "My Old Yellow Car" (made somewhat popular by Dan Seals but written by Thom Schuyler, also the writer of 16th Avenue and made popular by Lacy J. Dalton. All in all a very good experience with no major flubs and very happy to have finally gotten up there and faced that fear. I am sure that I will be doing this again. Just wanted to share with all the good folks on the forum that are so encouraging.

Marty1 · #2 09-11-2014, 11:20 PM

That's awesome bud. I've never done one, but I can't sing to save my life so.... Congrats on attaining a milestone in your musical journey.

Plan on doing more?

Howard Klepper · #3 09-12-2014, 01:03 AM

Bravo! !!!

6L6 · #4 09-12-2014, 01:23 AM

Great! You're on your way now!

Mr Fixit eh · #5 09-12-2014, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxguy

I've been trying to get up the nerve to do this for awhile and have been attending the same venue for sometime now. They call it an open stage because there are no microphones as it is a very small room. I've broached this subject before on the forum and as you would expect everyone says just go for it. One of my issues has been there are some really good players there and I always felt a little intimidated by them (didn't want to have to follow them). I do public speaking for a living so being in front of people is nothing new but I also need to be very confident in what I am going to do and playing and singing are a far cry from my usual shtick. Anyway, I went there last week and it was a rather sparse crowd with none of the exceptionally talented folks there. I had a business appointment this evening fairly close by so I decided to bring my guitar with me on the odd chance that I would encounter the same scenario as last week, which I did. At first I was a bit hesitant and then decided if not now when, so I put my name on the list which was pretty short. You get to play 1 song in rotation so I played "Long Black Veil" and felt very comfortable doing it. I then decided I would go for a second song on the next go round and did "My Old Yellow Car" (made somewhat popular by Dan Seals but written by Thom Schuyler, also the writer of 16th Avenue and made popular by Lacy J. Dalton. All in all a very good experience with no major flubs and very happy to have finally gotten up there and faced that fear. I am sure that I will be doing this again. Just wanted to share with all the good folks on the forum that are so encouraging.

I'm glad it worked out for you. It will get easier.

steve

RustyAxe · #6 09-12-2014, 01:21 PM

That's great, and I'm glad you had a positive experience. There will be a time when it won't be, but don't let it get you down. Control the things you can ... use the best gear you can afford, know your material, keep a positive attitude on stage (no matter what's going on!). Go back again and again. Your playing will almost magically improve just from participating.

Davis Webb · #7 09-12-2014, 02:00 PM

Playing out is great. It sharpens your skills like nothing else. Have fun with more of the same!

LindaW · #8 09-12-2014, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxguy

I've been trying to get up the nerve to do this for awhile and have been attending the same venue for sometime now. They call it an open stage because there are no microphones as it is a very small room. I've broached this subject before on the forum and as you would expect everyone says just go for it. One of my issues has been there are some really good players there and I always felt a little intimidated by them (didn't want to have to follow them). I do public speaking for a living so being in front of people is nothing new but I also need to be very confident in what I am going to do and playing and singing are a far cry from my usual shtick. Anyway, I went there last week and it was a rather sparse crowd with none of the exceptionally talented folks there. I had a business appointment this evening fairly close by so I decided to bring my guitar with me on the odd chance that I would encounter the same scenario as last week, which I did. At first I was a bit hesitant and then decided if not now when, so I put my name on the list which was pretty short. You get to play 1 song in rotation so I played "Long Black Veil" and felt very comfortable doing it. I then decided I would go for a second song on the next go round and did "My Old Yellow Car" (made somewhat popular by Dan Seals but written by Thom Schuyler, also the writer of 16th Avenue and made popular by Lacy J. Dalton. All in all a very good experience with no major flubs and very happy to have finally gotten up there and faced that fear. I am sure that I will be doing this again. Just wanted to share with all the good folks on the forum that are so encouraging.

My favorite line in this whole post - sounds EXACTLY like I would think

Congratulations. I need to do the same

scapular46 · #9 09-29-2014, 11:51 AM

well done . Keep at it

Carmelo

Antipodean Ed · #10 10-01-2014, 12:47 AM

Well done! I have a similar session coming up this Sunday (about my fourth try), and it does get easier after that first big one, but still brings on the nerves. Keep at it -it's very rewarding!

Mbroady · #11 10-01-2014, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyAxe

That's great, and I'm glad you had a positive experience. There will be a time when it won't be, but don't let it get you down. Control the things you can ... use the best gear you can afford, know your material, keep a positive attitude on stage (no matter what's going on!). Go back again and again. Your playing will almost magically improve just from participating.

Hey phxguy:
Thanks for sharing your story, and the un plugged vibe of this open stage sounds like the perfect first open stage. What RusyAxe stated above is kinda true, especially in places were you plug in. The sound might not be to your liking and that can throw you off. But the rewards I found are worth the risk.

Congrats

Kerbie · #12 10-01-2014, 06:47 AM

That's great to hear… congratulations! Hope there are many more open mics in your future.

phxguy · #13 10-01-2014, 07:14 AM

Thanks everyone for the positive and encouraging comments. I went back the next week and did Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" and Fred Neil's version of "Shake Sugaree" titled "I've Got a Secret (shake sugaree)" a great song if you've never heard it. They both went over well and it was another very positive experience. I'm working on a couple more songs and plan to give those a go after a bit more polishing.

slowesthand · #14 10-01-2014, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxguy

Thanks everyone for the positive and encouraging comments. I went back the next week and did Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" and Fred Neil's version of "Shake Sugaree" titled "I've Got a Secret (shake sugaree)" a great song if you've never heard it. They both went over well and it was another very positive experience. I'm working on a couple more songs and plan to give those a go after a bit more polishing.

Phxguy, I'm also in the valley and have tried my hand at open mics. Would you be comfortable naming the venue you play at? If not what side of town?

I have given up most of the open mics now,( just wasn't comfortable at it) but do play at the library acoustic jams.

slewis · #15 10-04-2014, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxguy

Thanks everyone for the positive and encouraging comments. I went back the next week and did Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" and Fred Neil's version of "Shake Sugaree" titled "I've Got a Secret (shake sugaree)" a great song if you've never heard it. They both went over well and it was another very positive experience. I'm working on a couple more songs and plan to give those a go after a bit more polishing.

Sounds like you're hooked, pal.... Have fun!