What did I get myself into?

Sure it will be scary, Kenny, but once you get through that one, everything will seem easier.  I get a little scared at first, but usually once I am through the first song, I am raring to go after that.  You will feel better about yourself after you do this.  Go man.  We are with you.  TYhe best of luck to you.

I agree with the others and say go for it Ken, the person in charge must think your stuff is good enough and that you can handle it. I've been playing in church every week and some other places for years and I still feel that way. Practice up your stuff so you have it down and go out there and giter done.

Bob

Hi kap good too see you are back,have not heard from you in some time,guys above have said basic things I would. I get anxiety attacks also ,doctor told me too carry a small bag with me and breath into it. It Works!! Paper or plastic, I use sandwich plastic bags.

Just tell your self the mandolin is drowning me out anyway so if i make a mistake no one will hear it! Seriously though I think you should give it whirl. If you let the nerves stop you now you may never shake them. Good wishes to ya.

hey Kenny!  I used to have serious anxiety issues when in crowded places (and still have a twinge of clausterphobia).  I was taught how to breathe into my hands in the event a paper bag wasn't available and above all else to continue going to the places where I was uncomfortable and learn how to deal with it.  To this day I sleep on the side of the bed near the door, must sit in the isle seat in an auditorium, etc... but I can handle crowds without a panic attack, and know when to walk out of one seemly calm without going over the edge.  Being nervous in crowds tends to make one start to appear nervous in public in general.  The good news is, on stage it'll just be you and a couple other folks... the crowd will be far enough away that they won't all be bumping into you!    Yes, they'll be watching... but only because they WANT to see and hear how awesome you are.  Take some controlled deep slow breaths before heading out there and do as everyone here has said and I have faith that you'll make it though and do an awesome job!  I like Roger's idea especially of picking just one person to sing to... or perhaps just one THING (some post or light or something off in the distance to focus on and just let them all think you're looking at the audience).  Good luck!!

Kenny, we worked together once (if you remember?) and I have no doubt in my mind that you can carry this off with no sweat at all. The demons are in your mind, and once you get through that most difficult part, which is walking onto that stage and playing the first verse, you'll settle back and love it. You will come off the stage (if the audience let you off!) and you'll want to get back on and do it again, even if it means playing the same three songs!

Performing to an appriciative audience is more addictive than heroin. It happens to me all the time...I wish!

Dont fret it my friend, just enjoy the experience

Phill

PS, not too many sherbets before you hit the boards!

hey agian kap,I have read several bio's on rock n roll stars, they all suffer this malady too some extent,my last one was on the rolling stones and ron woods and keith richards get sick alot!!

Thanks Dino and Geo
I did manage to face my fears and head to the open mic for a taste of what I'm gonna face...I shook so bad I thought I was gonna fall off the stage I think that playing for the first time and hearing my voice/guitar come out of the monitor screwed me up the most, but none the less I did it and as I thought, the crowd was appreciative and polite as I received a nice applause (probably cause they seen how scared I was). I only had to start over twice
Any how I now have a mic, stand and a small peavy amp that I will be doing lots of practice with.

Geo...if I can do it I gotta believe you can too.

Cheers

Ken

practicing into a mic is an EXCELLENT idea!  If I had a few extra bucks, I'd go buy myself a mic and try that.  I bet it will help a LOT!

I've been seriously considering getting me a mic and using my present stereo system for an amp, but just never quite get around to it. I need to get off my butt. Way to go ken.

Hey Kenny
Serious respect for standing up and facing your fears my friend.
No way was that easy..
Well done
ark