Something to think about when you are in a noisy environment.

Once you are set up and singing, never try to out shout a noisy crowd. You can't win!

What always seems to work for me is to perform a really good song at very low volume.

I find that some of the audience become aware that they can't hear me very well, and they start shushing others until the noise level dies away.

If I've chosen the song well, I've usually got an attentive and moderately quiet crowd for the rest of the set.

If nothing works, just put it down to experience and don't lose heart. Next week's crowd may be totally different.

It often is hard work, but sooner or later you'll get that silent pause after a song, followed by genuinely enthusiastic applause, and there's no better buzz than that.

Don T.