Reminds me of a funny thing that used to happen playing in pubs... When we do concerts in halls or festivals, you get used to applause, however, sometimes in bars, folks treat you like a jutbox. I cure this by waiting a moment in the silence, and saying, "Thanks for holding your applause till our break, we have a ton of music to get through..." at which time folks laugh and applaud, and keep clapping after each tune. Wake's em up, reminds them that your live.
Cheers
Larry