It is interesting in that I have found the opposite occurs, well maybe not all the time. I will not bore anyone with the technicalities of working an audience cos a) I am still learning b) most of the people reading this know far more than me about it. (that is to do with schpeil versus music) I will echo some of the points already made about the audience being more receptive for whatever reason but the most dissapointing thing from a performance and listening perspective is the sound reproduction, we have been lucky and privileged enough to sing at some venues with great sound systems but too many are dire. It isn't really the sound technicians fault but more the venue. For my money the Creme de la Creme of venues is The National Centre for Early Music, try doing an acoustic set in there, you can hear the individual voices and the chord coming back it is bliss and yet some acts that are amplified sound dreadful. I hasten to add, not all. I think ambience plays a big part and also less scrutiny than in smaller venues............hiya Andy how's it going?