I didn't start playing guitar until I was thirty and about age thirty three went to an open mic The Starvation Cafe,in Fontana Calif. A great little venue for all kinds of music. Patrick who I become good friends with, was running the impromtu cafe and believed it was essential to have an open mic. I am forever grateful for him and The Starvation Cafe, it was there I got my first center stage experience at playing and singing the "Moonshiner" song. My hands were shaking so bad I could'nt control my flat pick, I got dry mouth and swear I stopped breathing for the duration of the song. Patrick was an encouragement in explaining everyone goes through the first fright thing. From there it was a matter of getting back up there time and time again and building a confidence level. Scared breathless is what I remember most.
Mj