Probably a good idea to change the title, Joe.

I guess the experience of playing in bars depends on how you look at it. Mostly, I played slower nights or smaller places and it wasn't too bad. Sometimes I could get the crowd (or some of them) to listen. Other times it was just not going to happen and I would go into the "play whatever I want and practice songs" mode. If you have a fragile ego that is going to be devastated if people ignore you better not play in a bar or pub.   If you want to really be able to 'work a room' (I wouldn't consider myself to be an expert on that) take a look at some of the people around who do it well. Our own Seamus Kennedy comes to mind. It takes a quick wit and a good sense of humor, and a lot of self confidence. Not many people can do it.