Wondering about preshow moments

[mm]

Hi Ellis
What I always wonder is whether you get nervous or antsy right before you go on stage, especially since to the outside world, you appear so calm all the time. Is the time just prior to a performance for you sacred/private/getting into the zone/butterflies....anything like that? What are those moments like for you? Has that changed over the years?
Thanks!
Monica

[EllisPaul]

monica--
tha back stage moments before a show are something of a state secret. I have three cups of chamomile tea. I read Shakespeare, usually King Lear. I do tantric yoga excercises. I heat the room to 102 degrees.

I yodel.

I usually perform some kind of animal sacrifice. A cricket. Or whatever's available.

seriously. I do get a little nervous, but generally it's just to get started, and that abates over time.

My only mental practice is to think about the first four songs and change my strings. i have to stretch the strings and play them in... and this becomes a practice of sorts before every show and has a way of easing nervousness. Like knitting.

Thanks for asking...
Ellis