Open Mic - 411 Coffeehouse - 2025 05 31



Last night I performed my new song for the first time at an open mic. It is a very difficult situation to perform in because I didn't know when I would be playing, and there is no time to warm up or get ready before the nerves hit and I am in front of an audience. The people in the room are the best. Warm, supportive, interested, curious. Non-judgemental. 

I didn't have the right guitar with me. I left everything too late to get on the road last evening. When I went to find the guitar case for my full size classical guitar it wasn't handy in the hall closet. I had put it away somewhere and could not find it immediately at hand. So I settled for my small steel string guitar. I hadn't played this song on that particular guitar before.

Leaving late meant that I got to the venue with the list of performers for the open mic already working on a second column of names. I put my name down, but I didn't know if I would have a chance to play. I did tune my guitar before the program started, just in case.

As we neared the end of the first third of the program, one the hosts came up beside me and whispered, "You are going on after the next person." My heart immediately started thudding in my chest. I started checking for my glasses, my iPad, my guitar, my path to the stage, breathing to calm my nerves.

The arrangement of this song is also a new experiment for me. The guitar is being used as a percussive instrument instead of harmonic and rhythmic support. I'm not used to playing it that way. Also, the chords I am playing, while simple in their structure, are new to me and I am learning where to put my fingers.

Singing this song is also a challenge. I am singing acapella, which, normally isn't a problem. However, the song wants to be sung quietly, an understated performance. When I get up in front of an audience, my compulsion is to try to impress with volume and energy. I was conscious of trying to dial down my expression, but it was hard, standing up there, alone, to allow myself to just let the song speak for itself.

Overall, I am pleased with my progress. I'm going to try again tonight at another open mic. I will practice today to get ready. Practice does help. : )


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