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