Hi Cuckoo,
I had the same fears when I first started attending AA. Long and short - they're there for the same reasons as you. Would I rather someone see me at an AA meeting or out seeing me perform? Or worse still hear about me dying!? That's what is came down to for me, my life or what others thought. No choice really.
Those who judge don't matter and those who matter don't judge.
Best decision of my life.
Peace