Nerves

This last weekend saw my first attendance of the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend, hosted by the folks at the Center for Irish Music in St. Paul.  It's always a humbling experience to go out and play with new (and fantastic!) players.  It makes me remember what a beginner I still am.  One thing that quickly became apparent is how nervous I get playing in front of other people, particularly if I'm by myself, and particularly if they are strangers.

*Quick side note: I'm listening to the Irish playlist I made on randomize....a fiddle tune came on and I thought, this is nice, I should listen to this person more.  So I went to mark it; it's Jesse Smith, who was one of the fiddle teachers at MIM*

I have thought multiple times in the past about going out the park to play on occasion - I think this is something I ought to try to see if it will help me get over some of the nerves I face playing in front of others.  When I'm playing alone at home where no one is really listening, I feel like I'm solid on the tunes and sets I've been working on.  The instance I tried some of those sets, either down at CCC with Pete and everyone, or out in Minnesota, I get caught in the notes and flustered.  And since Cheyenne isn't exactly brimming with gig opportunities, it's something simple I will try, and see how it helps.