Well I'm definately no pro, but have played a bit for crowds, so I'll take a shot.
This thread reminded me of an instance last year in Arlington. There were many people in the room and several of those were not connected to LTG. I was right in the middle of a song and the audience was so good that you could literally have heard a pin drop. Then Scratch decided to open a bottle of wine....POP! It was the loudest damned wine bottle opening I've ever heard and for a split second, I thought about stopping and starting over and going to a different song........but I didn't. I looked back at Scratch and he had a very guilty look on his face and a very sheepish grin........everyone laughed.....I smiled and continued, finished the song and it's a very cherished memory.
And this is just one of the many unexpected moments that has taken place while I've played for a group of people.
Do relax and don't let the unexpected trip you up too bad. I do like a glass of wine before I play.....but never overdo it. Expect to make mistakes, but try to minimize them. And get it planted in your head that those mistakes will inevitably happen and that when they do, you'll continue.
I've got a bad habit of closing my eyes when I play. Not that I don't want to look at the people, but so that I can get lost in a song.....for some strange reason it makes it easier for me to concentrate........very bad habit. I personally think I play better with my eyes closed but definately don't recommend it. In fact, there may be a picture or two of me playing with my eyes closed here on the Guild site.......I think it looks a bit silly myself, but can't seem to help it. I think it would be best to engage the audience and try and make them part of your performance and when I'm conscious of my closed eyes, try and keep them open.
The other end of the spectrum here at LTG is RussD. Russ, aside from from being a fabulous singer and player, is truly an entertainer. Russ has this uncanny knack for involving the audience in his performance. Russ also does the little things that make a big difference. I've seen him make mistakes and blow right through them.....never phased, never rattled. He not only looks at his audience, but keeps a fabulous smile on his face while he performs and almost entices you to love what he's doing......very engaging.........he's good. Russ has been playing for folks for a long time.
West
