Olddude
Oh yes I have been frightened before a performance
The racing heart the stomach turned to water and the mind a complete blank. Happens even now and I have been doing it a while.
The best way I have found has been given by Don Firth and Stallion and others. Prepare and practice and if you have done it right then for the first few minutes your technique will carry you through. After that you should settle down and your performance will be fine.
Good luck

Deckman you are a very very hard man and I disagree with the selfishness bit (though I see your point).
The rest of your post is right, once you have decided to get up in front of an audience you are at work screw up your courage and get on with it.

Fantum