.... I have a Gig !! (Full Version)

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gj Michelob -> .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 5:18:48)

…. I have a Gig !!

My children’s school in San Francisco will host its annual spring auction party at a Spanish restaurant, on May 3d. The school principal, a fine musician with whom I shared some of my recordings, recommended that I play that night. I accepted: I am extraordinarily excited and definitely rather anxious. With an expected crowd in attendance of about 60/70 parents, this is a significant departure from my typical after dinner performance for a few friends. This is a gig.

As I imagine the chilly San Francisco evening, dark dresses and colorful cocktails in the festively lit outdoor garden, the diffuse sound of conversations fades between my hesitant hands and a single shiny microphone pointing interrogatively at my guitar and …. flocks of butterflies storm my stomach in hostile battle formation. I will think of Ron wearing a Tomatito-like wig snapping me out of taking myself too seriously and of Jim Opfer muttering comforting words of encouragement in his Scottish accent… but then of ToddK not as forgiving of neither compas nor technique, recommending I stay home and review my technical rudiments first. Perhaps Alisa would talk me out of it, and suggest I read a melodic Italian prose from the thirteen century instead.

But I will follow Ricardo’s advice and drink a Sherry to warm up. I will picture Florian in his candid white concert suit, his elegant dancers gracefully pacing his notes, reminding me that playing flamenco is and must be fun. I will think of this Forum and try my best, as did those who took the beginners and intermediate competitions, and hopefully the audience will appreciate my effort as I admired them brave musicians.



Ron.M -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 5:46:26)

LOL!

That great!

I'm sure you'll be fine gj.....you're a good player!

The nerves is the only thing to make an allowance for, so don't play what you feel is your most impressive thing or something that you can just do when really warmed up and in the mood.

Keep it simple and something you've played for a while in your after dinner moments with friends.
Then you can mentally retreat back into the same mindset, knowing that you've played it before in public and there is no reason why you should have problems on this occasion.

It may be 70 people to you, but they feel like 70 individuals to themselves and you are really just playing for one.

Good Luck (and remember to check your flies before walking on! [:D] )

cheers,

Ron



at_leo_87 -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 5:55:58)

good luck and try to get some footage to share with us!



XXX -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 5:58:32)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gj Michelob

As I imagine the chilly San Francisco evening, dark dresses and colorful cocktails in the festively lit outdoor garden, the diffuse sound of conversations fades between my hesitant hands and a single shiny microphone pointing interrogatively at my guitar and …. flocks of butterflies storm my stomach in hostile battle formation. I will think of Ron wearing a Tomatito-like wig snapping me out of taking myself too seriously and of Jim Opfer muttering comforting words of encouragement in his Scottish accent… but then of ToddK not as forgiving of neither compas nor technique, recommending I stay home and review my technical rudiments first. Perhaps Alisa would talk me out of it, and suggest I read a melodic Italian prose from the thirteen century instead.



With these thoughts in mind, nothing can happen to you!
No, im sure you will do great. You are coming off as very passionate about it,
so i think the audience will recognize and appreciate that!
Im just curious: Dont you live in NY? San Francisco is quite a distance isnt it?



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 6:30:10)

quote:

Keep it simple and something you've played for a while in your after dinner moments with friends.
Then you can mentally retreat back into the same mindset, knowing that you've played it before in public and there is no reason why you should have problems on this occasion.


That is good advice, Ron, I will open with something I feel comfortable playing, just hope my hands will respond. I liked your perspective of the audience made of a multiplicity of individuals. I will try to focus on one at the time. My greatest fear is that people won’t care for what I am playing, grow quickly bored… perhaps even yawn… maybe I should just close my eyes and avoid the danger of second-guessing what people are thinking, or worse saying while I play !! After all this is a party, not a concert, I should be prepared to see people coming and going, and chatting about their own thing while a provide “background” noise.

Thank At_Leo: Thank you for the encouragement. I will not ask anyone to record the event, that would be preposterously conceited for this amateur; should anyone film me, however, I hope not to notice the hidden camera, that would make me really edge-of-the-chair nervous.

Deniz: yes with those thoughts I will be a winner... lol [:)] .
I commute (biweekly) between New York (where I practice law and teach) and San Francisco where we relocated our family five years ago… since i spend consitently two weeks on each coast, with that longest six hour flight separating me from my dear ones. I am seriously planning “consolidation” of my affairs somewhere in the nearest future.



Jim Opfer -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 8:00:29)

That's great news. Accepting the invitation was a brave act.

As Ron said, keep it simple and play something you are very comfortable with.
Make sure you go to see the venue and sit there for a while taking it all in, well in advance of the day.
It really helps to do this and run over the performance in your mind. Will it be evening and dark or will it be daylight and bright. What will you wear, will you feel comfortable, don't wear a jacket because that will perhaps feel strange holding your guitar, the buttons will vibrate off the back of your guitar and you won't notice until you have started playing etc. What will the audience be like, will it be formal or casual. If formal, it's really important you visualuize this well in advance. Remember, they will probably not expect too much with their minds on their children, so what you play will be unexpected and go down well.
Make sure and do a sound check and be happy with all the technical things. Nothing worse than playing with the feeling you are not being heard and having to force things out to be heard.

3rd May is my birthday and the best day of the year.

Cheers
Jim.



edguerin -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 8:12:05)

Best wishes!



aleksi -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 8:16:02)

concratulations for getting the gig and good luck.
Im sure it will be enjoyable one for you and to the audience.



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 8:51:29)

Thanks Ed and Aleksi, I look forward to it and to reporting how it will have turned out.

Thank you Jim, those are fine tips. It is an evening and formal affair, no kids; I have seen the venue before and heard other play. It is a sweet outdoor garden (but rain-proof covered) and gets quite dark, I should ask about lighting concerns. I‘ll ask to go and practice there the afternoon, a few hours before the event, and do a sound check.
I will stay clear of buttoned jackets, understandably unfit for the purpose, good point. A sweater however, in case it is the predictable chilly SF night.
My birthday is on May 27th and as an advanced gift I may get myself this amp to use for the gig(s)….

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fishman-SoloAmp-PRO-AMP-SL1-Acoustic-Guitar-Combo-Amp-PA-Amplification-System-104986245-i1401135.gc

My May 3d and first gig ever (possibly the last one in SF county) will be dedicated to your birthday, Jim. It will bring me “Suerte”



DonS -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 10:30:48)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gj Michelob

My birthday is on May 27th and as an advanced gift I may get myself this amp to use for the gig(s)….

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fishman-SoloAmp-PRO-AMP-SL1-Acoustic-Guitar-Combo-Amp-PA-Amplification-System-104986245-i1401135.gc

My May 3d and first gig ever (possibly the last one in SF county) will be dedicated to your birthday, Jim. It will bring me “Suerte”


Good luck with the gig.. I have the Solo Amp and have been using for about 2 months - great amp for flamenco guitar. It sounds great and really simplifies my live setup for smaller performances.

suerte -Don



at_leo_87 -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 11:13:49)

oh, and be sure to enjoy yourself and not worry too, too much about pleasing others. can't forget about yourself or else you may suffer with "performance anxiety" turning yourself "ineffective." just like making love [;)] go with the flow, mi amigo! unless something is really wrong, if you enjoy yourself they will too!



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 11:34:36)

quote:

oh, and be sure to enjoy yourself and not worry too, too much about pleasing others. can't forget about yourself or else you may suffer with "performance anxiety" turning yourself "ineffective." just like making love go with the flow, mi amigo! unless something is really wrong, if you enjoy yourself they will too!


That's it At_Leo, i will memorize your words and mutter them undr my breath -along with a Hail Mary- before each piece "just like making love", how true and how beautiful is that....

Don, I am glad you commented on the amp, i was hoping someone like you -who plays in public- would give me som feedback.

I practiced 5 hours yesterday and 4 today... but now I will have At_Leo's "Mantra" to inspire my evening session[:)]



val -> [Deleted] (Apr. 5 2009 12:25:15)

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Nov. 8 2010 13:21:18



Ailsa -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 15:16:19)

quote:

Perhaps Alisa would talk me out of it, and suggest I read a melodic Italian prose from the thirteen century instead.


Mmm well that is a good thought as I do admire your turn of phrase. I think you should be a poet not a lawyer! But no I wouldn't dream of it. I think your romanticism will shine through whatever medium you choose.

Even if you don't want to upload any of your playing be sure to let us know how it goes.



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 5 2009 16:52:35)

Ah… the formidable encouragement only girls can excite, thank you Val and Alisa.

I will duly report, and however pitiful the result –if recorded on any medium- I will share it as a “case study”.

Practice will relieve some concerns, but it is that initial frigid anxiety I do fear. I don’t suppose there will be a back-stage room or star-trailer for final warm-ups… sherry will have to do the magic!!



HolyEvil -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 6 2009 0:34:22)

Good on you mate. I'm sure you'll be great in it, judging from the soundfiles that you uploaded! Have lots of fun and don't forget to come back and tell us amateurs how it went =)

cheers



edguerin -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 6 2009 2:46:41)

As we discussed in another thread Champagne, Prosecco etc. will do the trick as well ( I personally prefer red wine ...)
[;)][;)][;)]



Jim Opfer -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 6 2009 4:24:26)

quote:

I will duly report, and however pitiful the result –if recorded on any medium- I will share it as a “case study”.


Is it too early to ask.......What will you play?



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 6 2009 10:20:55)

quote:

Is it too early to ask.......What will you play?


I intend the play the short repertory I have been trying to record formally and even post on youtube: my “7 Serenades” for unaccompanied Spanish guitar.

Just like the (quasi) Taranta I posted here, each is more or less a flamenco piece, but have cleared that none genuinely is. Some pieces are challenging for me –after all I try to compose above my level, so that each new piece becomes an educational exercise.



gato -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 6 2009 15:54:26)

gj, just play with passion, and remember that each time that you play it is a cross section of your playing. You don't have to judge it before, while, or after you play. No performer can actually see the rapture that we experiance each time we pick up the guitar, until we first of all see beyond the looming sense of judgement that really isn't there anyway. You've played, you play, and you will play. It's as simple as that. We should know that our own senses and the power of perception vary each time we play. So our own judgement shouldn't get in the way. We always play our music, and that really doesn't change. It's as simple as that. Once you develop a healthy attitude you see this. So get out there and nail it! [:D] And, have a wonderful time, and you know when you play for special people, it's even better, and if all people are special to you, you are quite a performer indeed. 'Great to hear about the Gig! Right on!
Gary



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig !! (Apr. 6 2009 18:57:35)

This is capital support, amigos, I will treasure every word.

Gato, I am grateful for such wonderfully inspiring message.

This evening I performed a couple of pieces at the office, to experience the awkward moment and see when my hands would break the ice. After the furiously focused practice I devoted this weekend … Flawless playing but, as Jim admonished, was afraid the sound was low –after all I am in New York with windows opened over one of the most noisy cities in the world. The warning proved correct, the effort of getting more volume taxed the subtleties and nuances I normally emphasize. Setting the amplification correctly will be a critical element.



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 18 2009 11:47:26)

Oddities:

Two of my foreign students in my NYU class (Fashion Business Management) are form Madrid, working in NY for Spanish garment enterprises. During class yesterday, they explained (while gaining major Brownie Points) that they discovered I had been engaged by the Spain’s council of fashion designers and recently visited with them and local authorities in Madrid. They also announced to the class that their teacher plays Flamenco Guitar, as I had to confess during meeting in Madrid to successfully calm the raised-eyebrows staring at my nails.

I ended up promising that on my last class, april 30th, I will bring in my German Vasquez Rubio and play one or two pieces for my fashionable ladies. It seems a great opportunity to practice playing in public before my May 3d gig, and learn how to make a fool of myself as gracefully as one can….

By the way, this Vasquez Rubio, after the set-up surgery my trusted luthier operated is a dream. Too bad it was a gift from a client/friend I lost all respect for; since, the guitar took to singing so sweetly …

how miraculous that some divine justice washes ashore a fortune from the sinking wreckage of lost loves and friendships.



Escribano -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 18 2009 13:31:30)

quote:

how miraculous that some divine justice washes ashore a fortune from the sinking wreckage of lost loves and friendships.


I usually settle for some tinned food, candles and matches.



Pgh_flamenco -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 18 2009 14:34:01)

quote:

They also announced to the class that their teacher plays Flamenco Guitar, as I had to confess during meeting in Madrid to successfully calm the raised-eyebrows staring at my nails.


A truly captive audience and not a potential heckler among them. They might even be too afraid not to applaud afterward.



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 18 2009 17:15:39)

quote:

They might even be too afraid not to applaud afterward.


well put, Pgh...LOL...
I did not realize this is going to be guaranteed success[:D][:D][:D]



at_leo_87 -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 18 2009 20:37:07)

quote:

Too bad it was a gift from a client/friend I lost all respect for


that's a real shame. i hope it isn't tainted with any negative association for you.

got any pictures?



Pgh_flamenco -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 18 2009 21:03:15)

quote:

I did not realize this is going to be guaranteed success


I think you would do well even if the circumstances were different. I'm sure an audience will enjoy your sensitivity. Good luck and be sure to enjoy yourself as well!



gj Michelob -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 19 2009 4:41:57)

It is a recurrent and sound advice “enjoy yourself when you perform for others” it is indeed key that I hold on to that sentiment, thank you Pgh.

At_leo, you asked a really painful question which I pondered to the verge of disposing of the instrument. Then, with self-serving tailored wisdom I had an epiphany: after all, flamenco is the music of pain and suffering, it is a lamentation, expressing one’s prayers over adversities and anguish. Hence, this instrument -imbued as it is of the aching loss it evokes- has added yet more purity to the “duende” we seek in the scent of cypress and the resonance of thinly cut spruce.

It is exactly the same as the one depicted here, but purchased directly from German Vazquez Rubio and later converted to tuning machines.



Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px



at_leo_87 -> RE: .... I have a Gig (oddities) (Apr. 19 2009 8:54:36)

quote:

At_leo, you asked a really painful question which I pondered to the verge of disposing of the instrument.


yikes! [&:] i'm sorry for asking such a tough question. but i'm also really glad you worked through it. otherwise, it would be an annoying thought that would sit in the back of your head.

the guitar looks lovely. i'd feel very lucky to have such an instrument.



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