I suppose the part that came hardest for me was the schmoozing bit. I'm good at it now, but I hated going out there and talking to strangers. Over the years I've developed a lot of conversation-starters, or "lines" that I use.
Last night there were still some people in town from the Independence Bowl. One table was right in front of me and I started talking to them, found they were from Tulsa, which happens to be my home town.
I played Tulsa Time, and Take Me Back To Tulsa, and Oklahoma Hills, etc. The oldest guy came up and told me how much he enjoyed it and put two pictures of Ben Franklin in my jar!
Don as you know shmoozing is a Big part of any performance....when I was a kid 12-13,my dad put me in big bands playing accordion, keyboards, percussion, with 80+ yr old Jewish guys who taught me the ropes and tricks of the trade which I still use today,....you have to be confident and proud of what your doing on stage and know that when you go out there you will only hear praise 99% of the time,...and if not do something to make sure you do. They would always tell me when we take a break don't waste time smoking a cigarette outside, ....instead go out there and give out cards, hug, kiss, shake hands & get more work etc, and don't drink...lol....I still do it today on every break, in a club, dance, restaurant, nursing home, etc,... remember the people can make you or break you, for me only playing only in my living room would never be an option, seeing people happy in the audience because of my music makes me feel so good inside and thats where the magic lies,
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