Just played out for the first time

About Steel Guitarists and their Music

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Mike Preuss
Posts: 60
Joined: 3 Apr 2021 11:22 am
Location: Mount Vernon, Washington, USA

Just played out for the first time

Post by Mike Preuss »

I did it! After a few years of playing I decided to make a setlist to perform. I made backing tracks in Ableton, practiced daily for a year, pitched myself, got a date, got in front of a crowd and entertained them by myself for a solid 45 minutes. I was inspired by forum member Paul King after watching him play in a nursing home. That was a really good idea right there.

Now I know I can do it too. And by the response I received, I'll be doing it again soon. They want me back! It was a truly magical experience. During a few particularly special moments of playing I felt overcome with emotions stirred up by the song and the moment. It felt like I was putting those emotions into the music I was making and sharing them with the audience. Like I said... Magical.

Many, no, most of the residents had never seen a pedal steel guitar before. I thought practicing in my room was a hoot. Making someone's day playing a song they love is icing on the cake. Gotta love this instrument, there's just nothing like it.
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Sonny Jenkins
Posts: 4376
Joined: 19 Sep 2000 12:01 am
Location: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

Post by Sonny Jenkins »

Now Michael,,,that is the most positive, and encouraging and positive "testimony" I've seen on this forum in the 20+ years I've been a member!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! KEEP AT IT!!!
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K Maul
Posts: 1869
Joined: 14 Feb 2000 1:01 am
Location: Hadley, NY/Hobe Sound, FL
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Post by K Maul »

You never forget your “first time”, they say. But actually… I have forgotten! Haha. I do still feel that magic after 40 or so years of playing.
Kevin Maul: Airline, Beard, Clinesmith, Decophonic, Evans, Excel, Fender, Fluger, Gibson, Hilton, Ibanez, Justice, K+K, Live Strings, MOYO, National, Oahu, Peterson, Quilter, Rickenbacher, Sho~Bud, Supro, TC, Ultimate, VHT, Webb, X-otic, Yamaha, ZKing.
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Erv Niehaus
Posts: 26797
Joined: 10 Aug 2001 12:01 am
Location: Litchfield, MN, USA

Post by Erv Niehaus »

I remember the 1st time I played out, I was SO nervous I had to take my foot off the foot volume control, as my foot was bobbing up and down! :whoa:
Erv
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David Rattray
Posts: 177
Joined: 13 Feb 2014 8:32 am
Location: Ontario, Canada

Great News

Post by David Rattray »

Awesome Micheal watching Paul King would inspire any one he is simply one of the best around ...give it a little time and hang on your journey has only begun...all the best and for lifting our spirits up as well...David...
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Joe Krumel
Posts: 1282
Joined: 5 Feb 2008 12:34 pm
Location: Hermitage, Tn.

Playing out

Post by Joe Krumel »

Good post Michael. There's no turnin back now!
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Dave Hopping
Posts: 2221
Joined: 28 Jul 2008 4:18 pm
Location: Aurora, Colorado
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Post by Dave Hopping »

The most appropriate bit of performance wisdom I ever heard went like this:

"A hot band and a full house is the most fun you can have standing up!" ;-)
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Mike Preuss
Posts: 60
Joined: 3 Apr 2021 11:22 am
Location: Mount Vernon, Washington, USA

Post by Mike Preuss »

Thank you all for the encouragement, anecdotes and humor!
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