Well, for me before I perform in front of a audience, I find a great quiet place to tune my guitar, and then after that take out the 2 songs that I am going to play, play them through a few times, and when I feel confident, I wait my turn to go up on stage.

Well, the stage fright will always be with some people. Some people that have performed a number of years will feel comfortable on the stage. And some people like myself will always will be very nervous. But when you get on the stage, I find myself in a "zone", where you are with your guitar, a mic, and you are in the spotlight, and all you want to do is song your heart out. And after those songs you play, the audience response is well worth the time to play.

So practice your songs, be confident in what you are playing, and have a great time. After years of experience you will love playing music in public. For me it took me 18 years to start playing in public, and I love it. And it was actually the Mudcatters on this site help me out on performing.

Anyway, got to go

Steven G.