I still get nervous after being on stage in some way shape or form for more than 20 years. I get paid, I love it, I get excited, I crave it, but I still get the butterflies as well.

So, the thing I do now is focus on the other things...the pay, the love of it, the excitement, the yearning, and I let the butterfiles take care of themselves.

One thing that definitely helps is to screw up, and screw up big, and then laugh it off. Once you have a big gaff (and you will, anyone who stands on a stage is gonna mess up eventually), and survive it, it will not seem like such a big deal ever again. When the pangs of fear go away, so do many of the gaffs, as it really is a self fulfilling prophecy. If you're nervous about messing up, the nerves will make you mess up.

Play at least the first few times in front of a crowd you feel close to, and can trust. Maybe you should intentionally screw the pooch in front of said crowd so they can laugh it off with you. Nothing like laughing with friends to make one relaxed.

Good luck!