On my first visit to Denver to visit my daughter a couple of years ago, I went to the "Hootenanny" at the Swallow Hill folk music center and signed up for the open mike. I was the only one who performed without a guitar, and I think I was well received. I chose a short comic song, and a parody with a singalong chorus. If I had done all 47 verses of "Tam Lin", on the other hand, or a song about how I felt when my first girlfriend broke up with me even though I really tried to give her space and be supportive when she went on a hunger strike to save the marmots...well, the audience might not have been quite as happy.

I agree with Mary...go to a session as an audience member and see what the ambience is like. You should be able to get an idea of whether you'd fit in, and what songs might go over well.

Bravo to you for getting up the courage to do it...and most of all, have fun!

Aloha,
Mark