We are waiting for your posts Mike.
If you like, post a song for us to hear. If I understand well, this thought should send shivers up your spine!
Take care,
Theodore

The easiest way I think to get started, at least for me, is to play at retirement centers. They are very happy for you to be there. They will compliment you and it's not very hard to get the gig. Just go speak to the activity director.

Where I live, they tell me that they will pay $50 for just an hour. I tell them I'll play for the $50 but it has to be at least an hour and a half. That just makes them happier. I just started back playing a couple of years ago so, I‘d rather play longer for the experience even if the money isn‘t great. I‘m tired of just fishing all the time. After a few of these type gigs you’ll gain more confidence, which will help you to move on to other venues.

Of course it will help if you know the old standards and some country tunes.

Thanks again for all the advice everyone!
I may take you up on that Theodore. Worst case, I could get some constructive tips. And recording it for people to hear later could be a nice "baby step" toward performing.
I'll see what I can do.
In the meantime, I've made the decision to play a little more at home without the headphones. My three year old son was dancing all around the house to "At the Hop." Hey, if he likes it what else matters! Besides, I want the make sure the kids are surrounded by music and hopefully encourage them to play as well.
Thanks all.
-Mike

Mike: The more opportunities you can find for yourself to perform in public, the easier (and quicker) it will be to get over stage fright. That said, though I'm rarely nervous when performing at my regular venues, when performing in a totally new enviroment & different crowd, or if I know a celebrity or big wig is out there in the crowd, I still get nervous for like the first song. No different than the first time driving a car, or the first day of a new job I suppose. The more experience and exposure to performing in public you have, the faster you'll gain the confidence needed to deliver your best performance. Good luck. - Scott

Mike, Brickboo is 'right on' All you need is about an hour and a half of material to start at a nursing home. Some of the Activity Directors only want you to play for 45 minutes.(depends on the 'group' you are playing for). Remember, for the most part, keep the tempo up. In our area, Swing, Foxtrots, old country & some Celtic seem to please most.