Some of you may remember that I asked for input for songs to play at an open mic opportunity in a Hamilton coffeehouse. For various reasons, I put off that event. I am planning to do it this summer though. However you might like to know that I did play in front of an interesting crowd. I played for a group of about 50 teachers during their year end luncheon. I played IYCRMM since I thought that it would be easily recognized. Then, in celebration of the upcoming July 1st holiday in Canada, I played the Canadian Railroad Trilogy on my 12 string guitar. I was nervous, but by the time I got to the Canadian Railroad Trilogy, I was also having a lot of fun. The songs were very well received.
I noticed one man singing quietly along with me for the entire CRT. You should have seen the look on his face. He seemed to be experiencing a little bit of heaven. He enjoyed every minute of it. I talked to him afterward. He told me that it took him back to his younger days. He loved Gordon Lightfoot and loved that song. He was so pleased that I had played it for them. He said that now that he had been reminded of how much he enjoyed Gordon Lightfoot, he would go out and buy a CD. I gave him my recommendations. There's another sale!
I was also very pleased to hear a few people say that I sounded like Gord (similar intonations and technique). How's that for a compliment! At the end of the day, I felt more confident about my abilities (I've always lacked some self-confidence, especially singing in front of people), and I was excited to do something people enjoyed. I will take this positive experience with me to the coffeehouse and hopefully do a good job. Thanks for your support when I asked for suggestions.
