"I've known some terrible singers who could hold an audience in the palm of their hand and some perfect singers who bored their audience rigid. The ability to "perform" is probably more important."

And, imo, the ability to communicate even more important than that. I have known some great singers/guitarists/performers/communicators. When people take to the stage, they tend, through a Darwinian process, to find what works and what doesn't. I think that people who "just show up" with an instrument in hand who have never supported that club before are kinda asking for lots.

Open mikes are what I see as 'training grounds' for young performers. A place to develop some stage skills and to interact with folks who have more experience. Others may perceive that stuff differently as is their right. I ain't lookin' for arguments with anyone because mostly I have a two-word response, no offence intended.

I have worked audiences from one to 30,000. Some with greater success than others. Such is life in the music business.

Best wishes to all of you writers, singers, performers, story tellers, etc. Until people have been there, they usually don't know what you go through. Bless y'all.