Gimme The Mic

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.

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