July 2012 Tour: Day 11

Day 11

I returned again to Jacksonville to play one more show at Island Girl Cigar Bar. I had played there once before. I would like to say it was a positive experience, but it was probably, my most awkward show so far on this tour. The last time I played at the cigar bar, I brought out a group of people to watch me play. This time, my friends didn't show up until late into the night. I played the first few hours to about 10 or so people in the bar, none of whom seemed to care that there was live music. There was a man in front of me, who I could tell by his attire, was probably in opposition to most of my lyrics. He did not seem impressed.  I sold no CDs and made no tips. The saving grace of the evening was when my friend, Jay arrived with his friend- they listened, clapped, and appreciated.


Reflecting upon this experience, I realized just how important it is to have some kind of positive crowd response, even if it's just a few people. I can tell when the audience is not into my music. I can feel it, and it brings down my energy and my performance. I just want to crawl inside myself. I want it to be over. I've played quite a few gigs like that- mostly restaurant and bar gigs. I have been trying to book more shows in a listening room, or performance oriented venue where people come to listen to the music. I'm on my way, though, weeding out less appropriate venues here and there, and making connections to better ones.