I am a relatively new Banjo picker myself.
My advice is to just KEEP GOING! I mean… that was a great experience for you which I am certain will pay dividends moving forward. You have that first one under your belt, right? It can’t get any worse as you will acclamate to them.
Listen, I WISH I had that chance… although I did have a picking session with a Mandolinist and a guitarist (my 15-year-old rocker son who dislikes Bluegrass in general) and a guy who plays Uke and harmonica. We found a “common voice” with some Beatles, Amazing Grace and Blues.
In the end, it was just some harmless fun. Nobody was recording, right? In my view MUSIC is a LANGUAGE… and some music is always better than NO MUSIC. Just as in conversation, everyone’s voice contributes to the whole… and each voice is what makes it a conversation, right? Eloquent or basic, simple or complex… loud and soft…
Also… see if you can pair off with the players one day here, another day there… maybe… before the next porch event and just keep practicing and playing. It is expected but good that they were courteous and encouraging with you.
Another thought… Enjoy the SUCCESS of having those bright spots where your practice tabs “came to life” to fuel and give you courage to make MORE musical moments at the next porch pickin’ party. Don’t dwell on the negatives, ENJOY the positives! KNOW that the next adventure will be better because you will be more prepared and have a much better idea what to expect next time.
Try to commit the songs to memory… not that tabs are bad… but for the sake of chord structures and song format for changes… and always listen to yourself and others…
Get back up on that horse… and RIDE… RIDE like the wind to your next opportunity to collaborate… and never look back.
That’s my humble 2 cents.
Now, we both will read what the more experienced players have to say… what input they can share… but know this… as you represented for us… your fellow Banjo Ben members… I know I am not alone in saying we are proud of you.
Imagine… without Banjo Ben, you would have been silent… well ‘cept for singin’… but certainly without your Mando in tow!
GOOD JOB K-MAN!