[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by bluedog103

Tom you're absolutely right. The musician/band feeds off the audience. I don't think any performer gives a lackluster performance on purpose but you just automatically do a better job when the audience is responding to your work. I've performed for many years and if the audience is having fun the musicians are having fun too, and it shows.

Being a long time musician myself in concert and dance bands, audience participation can really improve a fun evening for all. Different venues can affect results too. Having the 'fixed' audience far away and with all the dancers in between makes for a difficult mix. Some bands can combine both with their performances and others just don't quite have "it". I've always preferred audiences close to the stage so we could interact with them better.