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The Performer's Circle
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15 contributions to The Performer's Circle
4d •
Lasting the distance
Hi community :) I'm not a trained singer and I'm keen to find out what you do - on the day of, or in the moment - if you have to sing for 2-3 hours to make sure you don't lose your voice or over-strain it. Any tips and tricks would be amazing.
1 like • 3d
@Robyn Kamira I take a very quick "bio break" if needed, but if gig is only 2 hours I often go straight thru. I saw a guy who switched to his pre-recorded songs while on break.
1 like • 1d
I am thinking of making a break playlist that is just instrumentals
5d •
Patience
I am struggling with my need to be patient with myself as I improve my skills to the point where I can perform and play my guitar. I sing well, but my playing ability is still "in development." I regret all the years I tinkered with the guitar, got frustrated and stopped playing. Had I kept going then, I would be so much further along now. Today I tell myself to have faith in the process. Even though it might not seem like I'm improving, hopefully I actually am. I see all the wonderful things that I could do with my guitar, all the beautiful songs I could share with others and the positive energy and joy I could bring, and I just sigh. I know I have to keep plugging along and one day I'll get there. I'm so inspired by Chris and so many others in this community who are actively playing, and I'm grateful to Chris for making a space for us all. I wonder if, out of the 50 or so other members here, is there anyone else who can relate? I would love to hear what you have to say. 💕
4 likes • 4d
The folks will not scrutinize your guitar playing. We musicians are our own worst critics! Some songs I have been playing for decades, and I still learn ways to improve or embellish.
1 like • 4d
@Marc Hoogstad expanding that thought, one skill many musicians aren't taught is not losing rhythm or tempo when you do have a glitch. If you are singing AND playing, something inside has a tape playing and if there is a mistake you need to get to where you're supposed to be and keep moving.
Jun 2 •
How do you prepare your setlist at shows?
I'm curious what everyone uses when referencing a setlist during shows? I go completely from memory and don't rely on anything and I'm wondering if anyone else does this?
Poll
16 members have voted
0 likes • 6d
@Edward Stowers I love the Guilds, almost bought a 412 some years back, but am really a Martin guy. I was pretty amazed by the J16e 12 (Martins answer to a jumbo) and that's what I use on my JD songs. I can capo the J16E with almost no effect on tuning. Try a Shubb - that's all I use. I am trying to set up a legacy show around Oct (anniversary of his death). I also am not quite there on the high notes and yodelling. But am getting better. On Rocky Mt High, I do in concert pitch. I don't do the the octave jump for the last "high" but do add the high "doo de doo" at the end. Claypso and Eagle and the Hawk are biggest challenges. Check out my Annie's Song, on the J16e, https://youtu.be/1ld0XzFolJs?is=feYG0xeChlD0V1WT
0 likes • 6d
I wanted to add that Bandhelper scrolls lyrics, which I find helpful. Many of my songs are memorized but I do appreciate having the tablet if I have a mind fart or get a request for something I haven't played in a while. Here is a screen shot of Brown-Eyed Girl. I put the tabs of the intro in the chord window also. I have 10 unique 1-hour sets that I rotate through. BH let's me shuffle the order to freshen things up. I also have some specialty sets - love songs, patriotic songs, Cowboy, beach vibe, seasonal (Irish, Christmas). Bandhelper also lets you transpose with a click.
Aug 5 •
Invoice?
I would love to see a sample of someone's Invoice to use as a template. Also any tips about the process of delivery/follow up/timing would help greatly. Thanks
0 likes • 17d
How much time do you have? Lol. I deal with clients that use at least 3 different invoicing systems. Things like Vendor Cafe. You log in and enter the info and in a week or 2 there's a check or a direct deposit. Be prepared for whatever the customer wants. I also use Square app that lets me take a credit card payment over the phone. For the normal invoice process I have a template on my spreadsheet tracker. I enter the client and date, and it auto fills address, rate, etc. I print as a PDF and send to the client. Sensitive info whited out.
19d •
Checking In
Chris, one of your recent videos mentioned sending an email the day of the show to confirm. I have not done this- I have been emailing 3-4 days prior. Yesterday morning I sent the "I'll see you later today" reminder & was so happy to get a reply from the Activities Director asking if I needed anything. She was hired since the last time I was there - so I was able to meet her yesterday & she let me into the building & got to watch the show. We had a great connection & she said we'd look at 2027 dates in the next few weeks. I really appreciated your post about reminders- I will change the timing of these from now on!!!!
3 likes • 17d
Email the day of the show is not the best, especially if it's any distance bc planners don't necessarily check their mail. Make a phone call. Even if the planner is occupied the receptionist can check the calendar.
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@pete-hill-1528
Lifelong musician delivering intricate guitar and smooth vocals of Beatles, Eagles, John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Gordon Lightfoot, and more.
Active 1d ago
Joined Jun 4, 2026