Another OM this evening. Did six songs (two groups of three as there weren't that many acts so we got to go round twice).
My intention this evening, thinking I was only going to play three songs, was to test out two new tunes. They both went well / okay-ish - but there was a huge difference with song # 3, which I've played live maybe a dozen times. It just goes to show that one can practice and practice at home, but playing live is a different thing altogether and there's just no substitute for it.
For the second three I tried another original which I'd only played once before, but it was an easier song - no fingerpicking! - and thus I was able to relax into it. I then played a John Prine song, and finished with I Learned To Walk, which always goes down well.
Had a chat with a fellow afterwards who's opinion I respect and he made a couple of suggestions about keys and tempos, but said he loves what I do. Some other positive comments, too.
So the intent was met - I got to try out a couple of originals in a safe environment, learned a few things, and took some advice home with me.
Tomorrow night I'm meeting up with a fellow player who I met at the last gig. Not sure where it's going to lead, hopefully a good contact that can help find some acoustic gigs.
Another step on the long trail.