BE PREPARED!! Advice from MAB.
Well, I went to my usual open mic at Loosey's last night. And, as I always do, I had decided on 3 songs and had been practicing them for about 2 weeks. Now, along with those 3, I have several other songs I will also go through at home. Having those extra songs ready to go also, sure paid off last night. Two of the 3 songs I had planned on playing were kind of folksy. Not ballads, but not "rockers" either. I was going on around 9. At 8, when the open mic started, there weren't that many folks in the bar yet, and it was relatively quiet. BUT, by 8:30, it was a true bar scene, and you could barely hear the performers over the very loud crowd. So, on the spot I decided to change up my set. I led out with a drinking song, followed by a working for a living song, and finished with my beach song. All three upbeat with a more bold delivery. So, I was able to get louder than the crowd. At least I was heard! And, looking around at the crowd, appeared to be getting a little attention.
THANKS MAB for GREAT advice!!!
phil g.