So Ive been playing music around town for a little over a year now. I have really enjoyed playing music on the strip in Waikiki. Its been a fun and memorable ride so far. For almost a year I have played music somewhere almost every night of the week... a lot of playing on the street and open mics and have been blessed to have played gigs at some fun venues and for some cool private events. I really wanted to get my fear of performing taken care of this first year. I think one of the biggest take-aways for me playing on the street was that I have had to make people hear me. Everything is so rush rush rush in Waikiki and at times the place can be flooded with street-performers sharing and displaying some insane talent. I found out pretty quick that I needed to be loud, and be good for anyone to stop and hear me. I think that set-me up well for when I made the move into trying to play at local venues. I know Im at the bottom of the pile of amazing musical talent here in Hawaii and I accept that, but I have been able to build a solid confidence not only in my potential but my current abilities and talents and I don't think its arrogant or wrong to feel a sense of accomplishment in the first steps. I have made a lot of solid connections and awesome relationships in the last year and am really optimistic for what the future has. Jam on.