Hi Abby,

Don't worry....be Abby!

I had a similar experience years ago in a song circle of the Houston Folklore Society. The founding member of the Society was John Lomax Jr. And he would occassionally sing an acapello song an was always well received. I am a decent singer and wasn't very good on the guitar yet, so I decided to sing a song unaccompanied. It was the "Hunters of Kentucky". As I was singing I noticed the disinterest in the "audience" and let it dampen my confidence and enthusiasm. I made it through and did get a couple of token compliments, BUT I thought to myself: What a BIG mistake! I'll NEVER do that again.

Then, like yourself, I critiqued myself and tried to analyze the situation and I concluded: 1. I did not introduce the song and tell anything about it. The Lomaxes, and most popular folksingers from Leadbelly to Ramblin' Jack tell a little about the song and perhaps explain any unsual aspects of the words, characters, events, etc. 2. I did not exude the enthusiasm and love that I had for the song. I was too concerned about singing well. 3. Timing. I sang it near the end of the last round before the break and people were getting antsy. 4. I honestly didn't think that it was me or the song.

Now I realize that the best thing to do is relax, be yourself, rear back and sing like you would in the shower. And don't worry about the audience. If you like it and you sing it well....as in anything else...some will like it, too. And some will not.

Hang in there. Ray