As I try to get myself prepared to venture into the playing out scene again, I was wondering if wearing my Tuxedo & Tie while playing is appropriate anymore. All I see out there in many live venues are people dressing in very shabby stage appearances.
Is it me ? or doesn't anyone care about what the audience sees? I dont want to look like an undertaker when I perform. But I want to look classy & in with the times. What are your suggestions & what are you wearing on stage?

[This message has been edited by John DiLeo (edited 04-17-2008).]

I think it depends on the venue. I do wear a tux sometimes, other times a sport coat, nice shirt and slacks. But then all the waiters wear tuxs where I work, so it is appropriate.
I feel you should always dress as well, or a little better than the audience.
Image is important.
DonM

Very true, Don ...
I wear a tux for more formal events, a tux or a black suit, dress shirt and tie for CC or upscale restaurant gigs/jobs, shirt, dress slacks, vest for more casual stuff, Hawaiian shirt, slacks/shorts for summer outdoor parties ...

t.

Don, Tony, thanx for the replies....
I was thinking along the same lines depending on the venues. I guess you need to fluctuate between different wardrobe scenarios depending on the gig, weather, theme, etc. Stage presence is important & gives the audience & employer a good impression of you. I'm off to Walmart to see what clothes they have today.

You may be interestred in a previous discussion on this subject.
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/014315.html

Regards,

Jerry

Thank You Jerry......great appearance dress info & advice from real pros.

Would occasionally wear one if I could find one with a little "give" that was cooler than the wool ones I have. Anyone know of a source for cooler performers tuxes?


R

(damn, I just admitted I have a tux!).

Mine's full of moth holes. I could send you that.

chas

Dress in whatever makes the audience comfortable...

When they come in and eat in casual attire, having a tuxedoed pianist/entertainer looks intimidating and elitist.

My need is for formal events sponsored by the governor's office. Don't like to do them, but have contrqactual obligations. Other jobs requiring tuxes are formal affairs for University administration, and sometimes, for top horse farms.

R.

For my restaurant gigs I generally wear a black cashmere jacket over a black t-shirt...black casual pants.

Nothing to standoutish.

Ian

In today's society, people will go into the fanciest restaurant in jeans, sneakers, and baseball caps (and not remove the caps while they are eating!!! AAARRRRGGGGGGGHH!!! ) ... If I am working in an upscale room, I'll dress to the room, not necessarily the clientele ...
I'd rather have the person who is paying me like the impression I give for the room ...
t. ...




[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 04-17-2008).]

I like the look, but doesn't the cashmere get 'heavy' and warm?
t.

No shame in that ... c'mon - you're a classy guy ... http://www.etuxedo.com/classic_tuxedos/microfiber_tuxedo.htm

t.

It's 100% pure cashmere, Tony...it is actually perfect for working in an air-conditioned environment...very comfortable and not heavy.

The t-shirt helps to make it look a little less formal...avoiding the over-dressed look...and is also nice and cool.

Ian

For NH and Retirement Home gigs I wear dress slacks, dress shirt, and a music themed tie. I have a large collection of keyboard and music ties, and I don't want a sports coat to block the view.

Beakybird

I always try to dress for the occasion. Summertime, mostly Hawiian shirt, black slacks shiny shoes, but when the venue is formal, a summer tux seems more appropriate.


Spring and fall, it's satin shirts, matching tie, or bow-tie, colorful satin vest, black slacks and shiny shoes.


I would NEVER, NEVER wear jeans, T-shirt and sneakers, even when doing Tiki Bar jobs and Jimmy Buffett music. If you look and act professional, you will have no trouble demanding professional pay scales. If you look like you just crawled out of a wine bottle you can expect non-professional wages--even if you're the best damned musician in the world.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Wow Gary you look great....very professional appearance. No wonder your booked years in advance, you seem to have the total package.

Good Luck to you

Thanks for the complements John.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy