EddieOlivas.com

I just finished playing my first open mic tonight at Ron’s Island Grill by the U of O campus. When I walked into the place I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seemed kinda small and like there was hardly anyone there. But I quickly realized this thing they got going on is awesome as hell. A whole bunch of people showed up, artists and friends, everyone crowded around the stage and were totally into it. Not just a bunch of people eating food and not paying attention like I half expected. I would’ve invited people ahead of time to come listen, but it was my first time getting up there by myself and I was pretty freaked out. I figured it’d be easier to look like a nervous fool for a bunch of people I don’t know. But to my surprise I didn’t freak out, I loved it, I’m totally gonna do it again, and you are definitely invited!

So I usually don’t really get nervous about stuff until it’s right upon me and that’s definitely how it went tonight. It took all the willpower I could muster to show up, but I felt mostly ok when I got there. Nerves under control…until the girl announced “So I’ve randomly drawn everyone’s name and the first one up is Eddie Olivas!” GULP oh shit are you serious? Sooooo my first time doing this and I get to go FIRST…as in right now…freaking perfect. Hello nerves. Now this isn’t the first time I’ve performed music for people, I’ve played with my band (though we never played any shows which is one reason I finally quit) and on the streets at Saturday Market, but it’s the first time I’ve gotten up on a stage alone with my guitar and everyone looking right at me. But I figure hey this is what I love to do so it’s about time to man up and cross that line. Well it went completely AWESOME! As soon as I started singing the nerves just melted away (mostly) and I got right into it like always. I got a really good response from everyone and I even managed not to screw it up royally. Man I just love playing music more than anything and to finally play for a bunch of people who were actually into it was just so awesome! I played two of my own songs and Mr. Jones by Counting Crows. I’m so glad I mustered the courage to get out there and do it. After a long time of feeling pretty deflated about music I finally feel inspired again. I’ve just recently written a new song and I’m in the middle of writing another one now. I’ll definitely be playing out again very soon and this time I’ll let you know when and where so you can come out and say hi