Set list at Dry Dock open mic

Tim and Ellie hosting this evening -- as I said in an introduction, they have the three key attributes for open mic: ruthless efficiency, relentless positivity and (most important of all), they show up.

Some excellent performances, Serena on top form, Judy giving me a lot to follow, Mick with some smashing punky covers, and Charles embodying Lennon. I think the thing that made it a great night for me was that we fell over ourselves to make everyone feel welcome. I love being part of a community like that.

Oh yeah, I sang songs:

• Pancho And Lefty (here's Townes van Zandt's "medley of his hit")
• Snapdragon Avenue
• The Host Of The Evening
• Heidi

I think I did a good job of explaining that Host Of The Evening is from a place of love, respect and mild annoyance rather than spite. Snapdragon Avenue went nicely, and Heidi has gone from "new song" to "mainstay" in record time. I meant to switch up her story -- last week, Heidi told the child she was a conjurer's assistant / but the guillotine went wrong at the Variety in Leeds -- but I didn't have the brain in the moment to remember the new version so I played it safe. Maybe next time!

I've said before that there's something magical about songwriting. None of my three originals existed this time last month, even as an idea, and people are going home humming them.