This week, open mic night at Yancy’s Jazz club was well worth my time and energy. I made it there in time to touch the stage. The host for the night, Brett Chambers, told me that I’d arrived just in time.

All week, I’ve been singing songs that I thought the band would be able to play behind me. I had high hopes for FEVER, SMOOTH OPERATOR, AND THE WAY (that’s a Jill Scott number).

Brett told me right away that someone earlier in the evening had already performed THE WAY.. and the musicians nodded with approval, when he asked them about the other songs.

I swallowed a glass of water, and waited my turn. I was to follow a young soulful singer. It was after midnight and there weren’t many jazz lovers left in the club, but they were an enthusiastic bunch, so I felt pretty good about how I’d be received.

When Brett called my name, I was just overcome with excitement… so happy. I thanked the audience, and told the musicians that I was ready. They, by the way, were great. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to sing just one song on stage. I told the audience I was torn between SMOOTH OPERATOR AND FEVER. They yelled back to me, “sing both of ‘em”!

I made it through SMOOTH OPERATOR and felt pretty good about the performance. The chorus of that song can go on and on, so I was happy that the musicians and I found a nice way to end it. I’d made eye contact with the keyboard player and we put a nice finish to the song.

For FEVER, I lifted the microphone from the stand and moved around the stage a little more. This tune has a faster groove and it’s a fun song to perform. I noticed that some of the folks at Yancy’s were singing along with me and moving their heads to the music. Right on! That’s a very good sign. One musician standing by near the bar with his saxophone starting playing along with me.

We found a nice way to button up FEVER, too.

I left Yancy’s with a few business cards Wednesday night. I am hoping to start some new business relationships and expand my sources for gig opportunities.

One thing for sure…. I have a new place to go on Wednesday night.

Uh… that phrase does NOT describe Raleigh. Not on any given week day, anyway.

Last week I was giddy with excitement as I had made plans to touch the stage at Yancy’s Jazz Club for open mic night. I saw it as another great opportunity to get out there and perform, and network with people in the Triangle music community.

So, at about 11:40pm on Wednesday night, I grabbed my keys, purse, and briefcase and rushed from the news studio to Fayetteville Street downtown.

Inside Yancy’s, I saw a young woman on stage. She was killing an old Smoky Robinson song. Open Mic was in session!

Here’s the thing: That young lady was the last performer for the evening. The House Band had taken over and the crowd had grown thin.

I connected with the leader of the House Band. He is surprisingly a musician I know. I explained to him that I wanted to practice some of my songs and work on my performance style. I mentioned a few songs that perhaps the house band could perform with me: MISTY, FEVER, FUNNY VALENTINE, GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE.

It seems it wasn’t a good night for the standards. I was told the keyboardist who knew those songs was not working that night.

What’s the old saying about not succeeding at first? You bet, I’m going to try, try again!

I’ll be back at Yancy’s this Wednesday night just before closing time. This woman’s gotta sing!