It’d probably help if I took my guitar with me...
Not to be defeated though, I conjured up the energy and packed my guitar into its case ready to head off. I then (literally) got on my bike... leaving said guitar resting gently against the dining room table. As I cycled I listened to the songs I planned to play, mentally rehearsing them and focussing on the parts I had a habit of messing up. For the first half an hour of cycling I was very much in the zone, cycling on autopilot with my mind on the music. Ten minutes or so from the venue it dawned on me that I felt a little light - and that knowing the fingering wasn't going to help without an instrument to play it on! Going back for the guitar wasn’t an option at that point though, so I figured I’d turn up and see if I could borrow one.
Needn’t have worried at all. The moment I introduced myself to host Tony and mentioned my plight, he immediately offered to lend me his guitar - and did the same for quite a few people over the course of the evening :). Relieved that I would be able to play after all, I didn't think to ask Tony when in the evening I might be up - so sat through several acts in somewhat of a mental "no-mans-land", unsure if I'd be next or in several acts' time. After easing into my first couple of open mics knowing exactly when I was playing - and getting it out of the way pretty early - that felt a little more uncomfortable at first. But ultimately I want to feel relaxed about performing in lots of different circumstances, so mini-curveballs like that can be handy.
For the first few songs of the night I propped up the bar, but when I realised I was in competing with important alcohol orders(!), I found a seat next to Katie (in the top picture). It turns out I’m either naturally drawn to sit next to fabulous musicians, or am totally biased to love the performances of the people I’ve been chatting to… either way, Katie’s set was a highlight of the evening! Her sultry voice, cool vibe and fabulous red guitar made for a captivating performance. It didn’t surprise me when I later discovered that she sings professionally. Katie’s just getting started with her original music - we were lucky enough to hear one last night but she's still looking for the right producer for her recordings - so I can't point you to that yet! I also thoroughly enjoyed the *most definitely* under-aged (by at least 10+ years) Ruby. After watching the early acts with her tiny and very fluffy puppy, she went on stage to do a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You", with support from Tony and his bandmate (whose name I've embarrassingly forgotten). Luckily for her I only managed a picture from behind the pop shield (below) :)
Then it was my turn to appreciate a hugely supportive audience. I played a new original song as planned, but shied away from the cover I mentioned - it’s in 6/8 time, and my fingers still didn’t feel quite coordinated enough to pull it off. Note to self, perhaps I should go for a simpler one that I can play with confidence! My originals had a warm reception all the same, and some lovely comments afterwards :). Ruby especially gave me my absolutely favourite piece of feedback. In a quiet moment she caught my eye, obviously wanting to share something. As I leaned in, she whispered in my ear: “I wanted to tell you, you have a lovely singing voice”. Reader, my heart melted! If nothing else comes from this challenge, I’ve impressed a 7-9 (ish?) year old girl wearing a gold hairband adorned with cat ears. What greater achievement could I hope for? 🥰
So there we have it - first week all ticked off (if slightly painfully)! Huge kudos & thanks to anyone who is still reading this!
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