I have spoken with a lot of pro musicians and the answers are different every time. For example some of them are stressing out that you should be more focus on the crowd and their reactions others are advising me that I should be 100% focus on my performance ignoring all the distractions related to stage events... This is really confusing so I would love to hear some field experience from you guys.
Over time i always focus on my audience, cos their reactions matters alot, never leave your audience behind, always carry them along, i guess that has really worked well for me so far.
As a singer/guitarist, I had always focused my attention on the performance. The added pleasure comes in between the songs, when you can relate to your audience. Agree with all of the comments above too! :d
Focus on the performance and keep the audience connected
The real key is to lead your show. Be prepared and ready for your show so that your focus can be on focusing to connect with your audience without losing on the performance itself. Be in charge and bring your audience where you want to instead of adapting to them. Think of it like a good movie or a good book. Set up the moods, connect them to you, trigger emotions and bring them them in your journey. Just lead the path...
I think it's more about enjoying yourself, somethimes a hype you get from the crowd affects your performance.
Agree with Purple Horns. I would add, you should consider the kind of venue you're about to perform in, as well. If it's open space, then you should be more active and "present" your self better. Distance might be a tricky factor. In any case, you should have to improvise accordingly, keeping all the above in your mind...
Focus on your performance first, and after a song, you'll have the chance to mind the crowd and interact with them. If you've mastered your performance, you will play smoothly and you can enjoy the moment with the audience.
I think you should maybe focus on your performance and your movement around the stage.
I think the perfect and of course the hardest solution is to split you attention between both...