1st gig in 20+ years - Any advice?

[Acoustic_Stevo]

So after putting some stuff on Facebook, I've been asked to play at an Acoustic Night raising money for a local children's charity.
The problem is, my last time playing in front of people was over 20 years ago.
I went to the sound-check last week. My Lowden sounded great plugged straight into the PA. I played through a couple of tunes with about 7 people there.
I went to an open mic session today at a bar in town. Was nervous, but it went ok. No talking between tunes and I don't think I even looked up the whole time.
Today I played (all instrumental fingerstyle)
Imagine (Drop D)
Jump (DADGAD)
Sweet Child O Mine (DADGAD)
Layla Outro (DADGAD)
Every Breath You Take (DADGAD)
Retuning the guitar was a faff on, so I'll have to drop Imagine, and just stay in DADGAD.
I've got a 15 - 20 minute slot to fill.
Nerves are my main problem.
Just wondering if anyone has any advice for me.

[Mr. Jelly]

I wouldn't advise jumping off the drum riser and doing the splits for a grand finale. :-)

[animal eater]

Rehearse a set over and over with not only the songs but the banter in between. Think of it as a script that you have to get down and do it till it becomes second nature and borderline boring.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Acoustic_Stevo

...I've been asked to play at an Acoustic Night raising money for a local children's charity. The problem is, my last time playing in front of people was over 20 years ago...Just wondering if anyone has any advice for me.

Just do what you always did.

[HHP]

I just want to call dibs on the groupies without walkers.

[Coastman]

Play the easiest song you have absolutely 100% confidence in first. Should help you shake off some of the initial jitters. Then just let go, don't worry what anyone thinks, play your heart out and most importantly, have fun!

[Acoustic_Stevo]

Thanks guys.
I've played all these tunes for years, so I'm ok with that.
I thought it would be a doddle retuning in between songs, but today it felt like I took ages, so that's why I'm staying in one tuning.
My previous live work was as part of a rock band in the late 80's early 90's, with only 1 solo acoustic outing under my belt, playing Stefan Grossman type stuff.
I'm going to play my set tomorrow and record it so I can listen back (and time it).

[martingitdave]

It sounds to me like you know what you're doing. Manufacture some fake confidence and knock 'em dead.


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[Mandobart]

How long is your set supposed to be? I've found that as a solo performer I spend about 3 minutes per song. So a one hour set for me is 50 minutes playing with a 10 minute break. I need 5 songs for each 15 minute sub-set. In that sub-set I start out with a fast moving, upbeat tune. The next song is a little slower, the third maybe slow and dark, the 4th picks up a little, and the 5th back to upbeat/hard driving. I try to not play back to back tunes with the same beat or in the same key. Keeps things more interesting and varied. Nothing is worse than 4 12 bar blues tunes in E in a row, or 4 bluegrass tunes in the key of A in a row, or 3 melancholy singer/songwriter tunes in a row, or one Nickleback song in a row (heh heh).

Smile and have fun. And you do have to talk to the audience some.

[Godfather]

Two words of advice....

Have Fun!

[KenL]

Don't forget to breathe. Seriously.

In through the nose, deep. Out through the mouth, slowly.

Feed the brain, steady the nerves.

[jgmaute]

Good for you Stevo. It's a children's charity so folks are there for the right reason. You've got a good list and seem to be on top of preparing. One of the big things I noticed when I started playing out again is the change in audiences (some are not as engaged in the music and more interested in their phones and friends). I mention this so you take some time to notice audience situation and culture while others are playing their slot. If it's an acoustic night you can hope it's a "listening" audience, but there may be some who are there for the charity more than the music. Play to those listening, don't take it personally, know you're doing a good thing, and have fun.

[lodi_55]

Congrats! Start the ball rolling with the song you are most comfortable with. Might be a good way to tackle the nerves....

[Napman41]

Yeah, maybe get a new booking agent ?

[Rmz76]

Originally Posted by animal eater

Rehearse a set over and over with not only the songs but the banter in between. Think of it as a script that you have to get down and do it till it becomes second nature and borderline boring.

This is great advice