I tend to start out with "Banks of the Dee", starting at that low, throaty note at the tip of the bowed psaltery then up the side, which sounds rather like a warmup. By the time I'm launching into the melody, I have an audience. Generally, I'm not playing on stage but have found a shady place with slightly comfortable seating.

When I was asked on stage at a Renaissance faire held at Saltpeter Caves in Southern Illinois, I played "Charlie Is My Darling", which, if you crossbow, is sort of flashy and looks more complicated than it is. People LOVE this song!

When I'm in some corner and am uncertain if I'm welcome to play, I start with "Ash Grove", very softly bowing. If it looks like I won't be booted out for playing, I play it through again with more volume then keep going till I'm asked to leave, which only happened once. The woman's employees told me that she had been cranky with everyone all day long. Later, during their break, they tracked me down and asked for more songs. That was sweet.