Open Mic's and Performing Solo

I've played several open mics with just an acoustic guitar before, and last night I played the first in several months. I was allowed to use my preferred electric guitar and an amp, and a mic. My guitar playing was up to par but my singing was not. I was hoping this would be a satisfying experience, and it was, but not as much as I hoped. I hoped I would dominate and be great, but I was just alright, in my personal opinion. But I think it was definitely better that I went and performed instead of not going, and just considering it an insignificant event not worth my time.

I plan on going to three more open mics this week and hopefully I improve with each performance.

I am used to playing with a full band, and being the frontman, but playing by yourself is much different and there is much less room to hide mistakes. I hope practicing, preparing for and performing at these little tiny shows makes me a better performer and musician. I am trying to assemble a band to play my music but it's hard to find reliable people who are willing to travel to practice as often as is needed to be a serious band. Everyone has careers or a family now, or they are drug addicts. I am preparing a set using a ton of backing tracks that I plan to put on my iPod, play them through the PA, and just solo over with my guitar, and do some basic stripped down songs with vocals as well. It will be challenging and people have been discouraging about the idea, but I'll give it my best shot.