John Mark McMillan And Josh Garrels Teach Stage Presence

Happiness is contagious. So is every other emotion. That’s why it’s so critical to have a good stage presence as an artist.

I got to see Josh Garrels and John Mark McMillan in concert recently. Both were great live, but one of them, I think, was objectively more entertaining to watch.

I went to this concert to see Josh Garrels. I even helped run his merch table.

But as it turned out, McMillan was much more entertaining to watch live. From the moment he and his band walked on stage, they were all moving around, interacting with each other, having fun, and smiling. Something Garrels and co. didn’t do a whole lot of.

Don’t get me wrong, Garrels was very good in concert. It’s just that McMillan was more energetic, and if that’s what sets your pants on fire, then I suggest you see McMillan perform.

The fun he and his band were having spilled out over the crowd. He talked with us, laughed at stuff people were saying from the audience, and he even got us singing for a couple songs.

For example, McMillan got half of the audience to sing “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison and the other half to sing “King Of My Heart” by Sarah McMillan, his wife.

John Mark McMillan - song mashup

The Takeaway

Here’s my point: stage presence is crucial to your success as a performing musician.

Playing shows doesn’t automatically mean you’ll gain new fans or strengthen your relationship with current fans.

It has to be an entertaining show. You can’t blow this chance.

You’ve got to earn people’s attention with fantastic stage presence.