These last posts about intimacy with the audience have been an eye opener for me. I started out in front of audiences with solo voice because that was all I had. It never occurred to me to ask why the audience became so still when I was singing. Or, in the case of some of the sadder, more emotional songs, it took a few seconds for the applause to start.

I understand what is being said about United Statesians and our discomfort with displays of intense emotion. I guess that makes me realize now, for I didn't realize it before, what a risk I take climbing up on that stage to sing. I hope I can forget that before I go back up there!*BG*