Help! 1st time on stage...

[miles'tone]

Do some nice calming breaths to relax - deep and slow nose inhale as you count to four, hold momentarily, then mouth exhale for four. That will help you get started. Also, hydrate. This will help you avoid cramping up.

Practice your song A LOT. Put the time in so at least you won't be worrying about that. It doesn't really matter if you make a mistake anyway. Everyone makes them.

Remember, everyone there will be right behind you mate. For sure.

So don't worry about them either.

Just go out there and enjoy giving it your best shot. 

Best wishes to all.

 

[Dad3353]

You still have time to invest in a life-size cut-out of three humans and a cat. Prop this up in front of you, on stage; you'll not see the other folk there, just your familiar audience. 

 

...

 

No, seriously, all the tips above work a treat, so you'll be fine. Beware, of course. You may find that you enjoy it all so much you'll want to play 'live', in public, more and more. In that case, start a band. 

Edited 3 hours ago by Dad3353

[Judo Chop]

Lots of good tips here especially the ones regarding practicing the song.

 

In my experience I could never stop the nerves beforehand but once I started to play at my first few gigs I realised the audience aren't actually watching me like hawks and scrutinising my every move like I feared.

 

There's other people on the stage too and they're on your side, and with doing just one song it'll be over before you know it!

 

I hope it goes well for you, the first one is daunting so good on you for getting up there nerves or not.

[Downunderwonder]

I found as a kid that the performances for 3 plus cat translated straight to jumping on stage and performing for all the other kids and their families, no cats.

 

1st night excitement with any new project is still a thing for me but knowing what I can play is key.