Yesterday I went to a village party in Germany. This was organised by a pensioners' group and everyone had a great time. We all paid 8€ each (plus a voluntary contribution) and there was lots to eat, all washed down with beer and plenty of local wine.
They'd engaged a keyboard player who sang old hits (Schlager) and traditional German songs that they all knew – everyone joined in. He was a pro and there was no way that I'd have attempted to have a go … although I did secretly hope that someone might say, "And how about an English song from our guest?" If thus invited I'd have given a rendition of 'There was I waiting at the church' and left it at that.
Anyway, this got me thinking about how pros react to a show-off in the audience who wants to impress his friends by trying to take over. It would seem very bad form to me but does this often (ever) happen? And how do you react?
It would be interesting to read comments and recollections of such things.
M
They'd engaged a keyboard player who sang old hits (Schlager) and traditional German songs that they all knew – everyone joined in. He was a pro and there was no way that I'd have attempted to have a go … although I did secretly hope that someone might say, "And how about an English song from our guest?" If thus invited I'd have given a rendition of 'There was I waiting at the church' and left it at that.
Anyway, this got me thinking about how pros react to a show-off in the audience who wants to impress his friends by trying to take over. It would seem very bad form to me but does this often (ever) happen? And how do you react?
It would be interesting to read comments and recollections of such things.
M