Heather’s back from NewSong, and has shown me what she learned. A whole lot of it is in the form of confidence.
Last night we headed out to Jammin Java to play one of the best open mics in the area. Jammin Java’s open mic (though “open” is perhaps not the best term for a stage that requires more than a month ahead for sign-up) has slowly become one of the premier networking spots for travelling artists in the Northern Virginia/DC/Maryland area. Last night we encountered a woman from Chicago (Sandy Andina on her way home from playing Wilmington, NC), and Patti Witten of Ithaca, New York (one of the clearest, most beautiful voices and cleanest guitar styles, not to mention a beautiful guitar). We encountered a guy who’d wandered here from California, but was on his way to Georgia, and Daniel Lee showed up as well. An amazing night.
And an amazing night for US, as well. Heather has returned from NewSong with thoughts and hints and advice, and above all, a new aura of competence and charisma and confidence. She played beautifully, worked the crowd, said funny things, and after we got off the stage, continued to work the crowd, wandering from person to person, selling CDs, flashing the mailing list around. We did very well for ourselves – and left the room in awe.
A very good night.
