Re: [Harp-L] Stage Presence

[pdxharpdog@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I really liked Iceman's comments on stage presence.  I think he's right on the money.  

I used to get very self conscious onstage and look down or away from the crowd alot when I played.  most of that stemmed from a lack of confidence - worried about screwups, equipment issues, sound, monitors, etc. not that I feel like I'm a great player now, but I am way more confident in what i'm going to be playing now with a couple hundred gigs under my belt.  I strive to "own" what I play regardless of how good or bad it is.  

Now, I force myself to look at and play out to the crowd and smile as much as possible.  I also acknowlege the crowd's approval of the songs a lot more than I used to with a simple tip of my hat, and use my hat to fan off a bandmate who's smokin' solo has the crowd going. 

For me, the most important thing about stage presence is to just have fun.  I camp around with our fiddle-player (female) alot when we're not playing solos and when we do, I often direct my solos towards her in a kind of call and response challenge.  We dance up there and truly enjoy the music when we're not trading eights. Crowds like to see you enjoying yourself up there, so the best advice is to love what you're playing and show the crowd that you're having a great time.  

They will forgive almost any screwup - I have made tons as I guess we all have.  Our last gig, the monitors weren't working very well and I couldn't hear myself on a loud song so I started out the song in the wrong key harp for a measure or two - jeez I hate when that happens - no one even noticed.  Later in the show I stepped on my cord and unplugged myself - was gesturing to the sound man like it was his problem and after a while realized I had buggered myself.  That cost me a beer for the sound guy after the show.  There is always something at every gig that goes wrong for a period.  I think each of my bandmates would say the same thing about their instrument setup or playing.

Music is supposed to be fun. I try to just focus on the fun now.  I truly believe that performing is a rare privilege that we musicians have.  I am just grateful to have the opportunity to try to make people happy through the music I'm a part of.  

I still hate it though when I see a video clip of me on stage. I suspect that's pretty normal.    

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Rick <rickmccallen2000@xxxxxxxxx> 

> 
> Thanks to all who are responding to this thread. As usual, some great advice 
> and experience from this list. 
> 
> 
> Rick in TX. 
> 
> 
> 
> Rick wrote: 
> For those just starting to play out in public, have someone video record your 
> performance. My wife video recorded some of my first gigs and I didn't realize 
> how bad my stage presence was until I watched the recordings. I had the habit of 
> looking down while I was playing, but that wasn't where the audience was. Also, 
> If there was a break in the song where I didn't play, I would just stand 
> motionless, both physical and music wise. Can anyone else comment on the 
> importance of good stage presence ? 
> 
> Rick in TX. 
> 
> 
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