So… about a month ago I was invited to play a 30-minute set at the Tel Aviv Folk Club, for an audience made up mostly of local senior Americans.
I took it very seriously and prepared as much as I could. I played through the set list every day — in performance mode, in practice mode, fast, slow, and in fragments. I streamed on Facebook for a private group of kind people who agreed to watch. I played a couple of impromptu gigs in front of live audiences. I did online open mics and a Zoom session with about 10 people watching. I even played at a friend’s bar mitzvah. 
And I’m sure all of that helped.
Still, during the first 10 minutes of the concert, the usual stage-adrenaline symptoms showed up: shaking hands, memory slips, and a few moments where getting my fingers onto the right strings took more effort than it should have.
But first, the setting.
I was supposed to close the show, with three performances before me: first, the organizer with some warm-up songs; then a singing guitarist; then a bluegrass duo with guitar, violin, harmonica, and vocals.
When I arrived, the first guitarist was already there, and within five minutes I realized he plays fingerstyle at a very high level.
During the first two sets, the crowd was happily singing along with the performers.
By then I was acutely aware that maybe I should have been opening the show, not closing it.
Next came the duo, with an awesome bluegrass repertoire — three instruments, two beautiful voices, smiles, dancing, the whole thing.
And then I had to follow that with 30 minutes of solo instrumental guitar…
The first part of the set was physically rough. My hands were shaking badly enough that by the third song, getting my fingers onto the right strings took real effort. I also completely forgot to play one song from the set.
And still, the reception was incredible.
The crowd was warm, attentive, and generous — without a doubt, the best live audience I’ve ever played to. I even got to play an encore at the end. After the performance I received a lot of kind feedback, and maybe even a possible gig with a touring professional gospel ensemble. We’ll see.
Anyway, here is the video.
Of course, I cut out the worst mistakes. 
They say we are our own worst critics, but you have nothing to worry about. I’m sure you were as good as all the others. The audience must have enjoyed a nice variety show. Loved your performance!
