Two days to prepare for a gig, and I HAVE TO SING! Wish me luck friends, please!

[Toril S]

Oh my oh my! I have a gig Thursday. I have prepared for it for weeks, but there are new plans. I was preparing to play what I call background music, and play for some dancing. But they suddenly decided they wanted a song evening. I have been handed a booklet with all the songs they want to sing, with ME as the song leader! I know some of the melodies, but not all the lyrics, because I never sing on gigs. I have played for this group for 20 years, and not one note has been emitted from my throat in all that time. BUT, in October I promised myself to learn some songs and now "I met myself in the doorway" as we say in Norway.

SO, I have decided that I will do my best and meet their expectations. I tested and found that the Genos is the best keyboard to take out for this, because the sound on the microphone is fairy well balanced without me fiddling with the settings. No time for that. There will be little dog walking and sleep until Thursday, and I am as nervous as can be, but I must do this, so please wish me luck. This is way out of my confort zone, but I can't disappoint these people. And I don't blame them for asking this of me, they trust that I am an experienced musician. So I take the challenge!

[Duurduur]

Your audience must understand that an experienced musician is not (always) an experienced  singer.
Good luck any way.

Ruud

[mikf]

Quite a big step for you Toril. The trick is to get them to sing, just lead a bit. Push them into it. An old fashioned sing song rather than a concert. You can get quite funny /aggressive - use lines like suddenly stop playing and say 'if this is the best you can do, I'm going home'. Or an old performer I used to know would start playing, then suddenly bawl out 'SING' at the top of his voice. It always got a laugh and they always started to sing. You can also spot the most enthusiastic singers and get them on the mic leading. Pick songs where they will know the words.
Good luck!!
Mike

[ton37]

Hi @Toril S, 'Break a leg' 

[Gloria]

Hi Toril,

(Quote)  "Your audience must understand that an experienced musician is not (always) an experienced  singer; they are completely different from each other!
  It looks like you have gotten some excellent advice from PSR Members & good luck with your gig.

Regards, Gloria

[Toril S]

Thanks everyone! I am putting together the show now and despite all having great fun doing it. This group is my meighbours, senior club, so I know some of them. Not always an advantage, but they also know me, and I will get them to sing, and we will all have some fun
The biggist challenge for me is remembering the lyrics, since I can't read lyrics and play at the same time due to little eyesight. So I have to memorize the lyrics beforehand and rely on my aging memory to hold up. As for the singing, these are not difficult songs for the voice, and I can transpose them to a comfortable level for me.

[Toril S]

Hello Mike, Duurduur, Ton and Gloria.
The gig went very well!
I did as Mike suggested, provided a microphone on a stand and encouraged a lady to sing with me. Everyone had a good time, and mo one fell ill due to hearing my voice No issues with the Genos. everything went according to plans.

Only thing is, Genos is a big lump! But the sound is great, and it is easy to operate while gigging, at least for me. I don't have so many complicated settings. The microphone came through clear and strong. I am struggling with my S975, i crank up everything but still not satisfied. No such issues with Genos.

So I broke a barrier today, singing on a gig. Now it will be easy to do it again. I also played my instrumentals, as always. Thanks for all support friends

[KeyboardEd]

Toril, That's great, congrats!

Performing for friends and family always seems to generate a lot of extra anxiety. I'm happy for you that all went well. -Ed

[Afton72]

  Hi Toril,    Isn't it a good feeling next day after you have a good result.
Knowing your abilities & having your friends in the crowd joining in, is a big help.
   Congratulations & enjoy,
                               Alan

[Toril S]

Thanks, Ed and Alan! 😀

[mikf]

Great - you have added another string to your bow.
Mike

[beykock]

Congratulations, Toril.

I admire your courage and your perseverance.

You are a hero, a winner and a champion !

Take care, Babette

[Toril S]

Mike and Babette. Thank you for your kind words!

[Toril S]

Thanks Abby! It went well😀

[Pianoman]

That's cool Toril and I'm happy that it went well.
I had deleted my post, thinking that my comment came too late.

Best Regards,

Abby.

[Toril S]

Preparing for another gig friday, this time with my S975. There will be some sing along activity, so I have to sing a little again.

[TyrIA]

H i !

I have played for this group for 20 years, and not one note has been emitted from my throat in all that time.
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This sounds very strange for me , since I ve been playing and singing last 40 years, so it s the leatest time to start singing for you.
Good luck ,
TyrIA.

[Toril S]

Better late than sorry😀😀