2nd gig/ Snowday

Hi everyone,
Fingers were crossed last night in hopes of a huge snowstorm and mother nature did not disappoint. It started here last night at the stroke of midnight. Like an ominous sign from above, only a few flakes fell at first. And in the blink of an eye...whiteout. I know this because that was about the time Lisa and I left the bar last night. I had my second 25 minute set with Lucas and Kenny at The Bar Next Door. I went to work early yesterday so I could get some practice time in. I found it helpful to sing with a mic set up in front of me so I could get used to what that feels like. I think part of my problem last week was, singing live and amplified is a whole nother animal. You have to be conscious of so many little things like, volume, knowing when to back away from the mic and being aware of the audience as well. My friend Ryan and I arrived around 8:30 to a sparsely populated bar, Kenny and Lucas were just finished setting up and they greeted me warmly with High-fives and half-hugs. I set my guitar on stage this time instead of by the back door where the draft could have an adverse affect on my instrument. I sipped on a tumbler of Whisky to loosen thing up. (I have a cold right now, I'm a bit phlegmy) We sat and listened to them play and waited for Lisa and her friend Caitlin to show-up. The both were working but, on their way. I basically did all of the same songs except for one. Instead of "Leave", I closed with another song from Once called " Say it to me now". I was still a little nervous about this performance but I felt way more relaxed this time and I think people could tell. I actually had a good time on stage. I felt like I connected with the audience, I had a little playful banter and even when my string broke, I handled it with grace. Fortunately, both of the guys offered their guitar but, I ended up using Lucas's guitar which needed to be adjusted to fit my stature. I'll admit, the first few songs were a bit shaky but the last two went very well. After I was finished, I got more compliments on my performance than I did on the week previous. We stayed to the end of the show, right as the snow started to fall. I was asked to play again on Jan 1st! I'm really grateful for the experience this is giving me and I feel like I have improved so much from week one. Listen to me, I sound like I'm on some reality show and I just made it through to the next round. But, that's kinda what it feels like. Except, I'm the only contestant. Love, Joe

First gig in 7 years

I had my first gig last night in a very long time. I played the set break for Lucas Cates and Kenny, which was an honor. I just recently had my guitar installed with a pickup( thanks to Dad) and so I was very excited to show that off. Ever since I saw "Once" I picked up my guitar again and haven't really put it down since. We arrived at The Bar Next Door around 8:30, Lisa had invited a few of our friends, Kaitlin and Justin to come and watch me play so they rode with us. On the way we listened to a CD of the band we were going to see. I was tense and anxious about performing for this crowd, especially when they are used to the consumate performances of Lucas and Kenny. When we arrived, my posse headed for the bar and I glad-handed with the boys who were just finishing sound-checking. I was to play in about an hour, so I stood and watched the guys play, counting down the minutes to when I was to perform. I was a bit nervous so I sipped on some whiskey and water for about an hour. Just one drink, anymore and I probably would have regreted it. I don't know how some people can perform drunk. It's beyond my skill-set. I have to be sober to do well. Standing near the bar, I got on the conversation of guitar lessons with my friend Justin, who has a passion for music jst as I do and really wants to learn how to play. While talking to him, I overhear Lucas saying, " were going to play one more and then we have a special guest tonight, Joe Anderson will be playing some tunes for y'all". My nerves heighten... The duo finished and it's time for my big debut! Now I have barely ever played amplified before, let alone perfromed in this kind of setting in a long time. I grabbed my guitar, it was way out of tune because it was near the back door and there must have been a draft so it was pretty cold. I plugged in and was a bit disoriented with the lights and the cords and pedals on the floor. I used Lucas's side of the stage, he just had one pedal which was a tuner and also added a little bit of reverb. I didn't really know how to use it but he stood there and guided me through tuning. After my guitar was in tune, it was time to play. I started off my introducing myself in a rather timid fashion and began playing. a bit shaky, I made it through the first song , messed up the ending but I don't think anyone noticed. The rest of the songs went well. My voice sounded great, guitar playing was O.K. I got to the last song, "Shine" wich is in Open E tuning, different than standard, so I had to use that dreaded pedal tuner again which was awkward. So awkward in fact that when I thought I was ready to play, I wasn't exactly in tune and I started the song and had to restart because it sounded awful. But, I got it in tune again and played the song well. I think I must have looked pretty amateurish and scared( which I was) up there against the backdrop of polished performers. I did the best I could and plan on doing it again next week with a bit more confidence and expierience under my belt. At least I know how to use that damn tuner now!