Mousetrap: Yes you're right they are easier than you'd imagine.
The first time I ever went to a deaf club I couldn't sign at all, and they had a disco on (thats why I went!)
There were groups of teenagers all signing away and I was fascinated, it was like they were sign dancing! Then years later when I learned sign I found out how great it was.
What always amazes me is the volume of noise in deaf clubs! I think I expected them to be quiet places, but was I wrong! Sing & sign nights are noisier, but its never really quiet.
Do you go regularly? I used to until I moved but they don't have a local one here that I know of.