[Dixielandjazz] Straw hats, Garters, Vests, Etc.

[Larry Walton Entertainment]

Thanks for the comments Bob.  My band wears vests and sometimes straw 
hats.  This is sort of the outfit that we all have.  For many years the 
union had a rule that the leader couldn't require special clothing 
unless he paid for it.  I'm pretty sure that is out the window but I 
guess as an employer I still pretty much adhere to that somewhat.  As a 
result all union bands and a lot of others in St. Louis wear Tuxes.  the 
second standard uniform is Blue blazer with gray pants.

The dixieland guys here all have straw hats and vests if you don't want 
to pay for outfits.  This outfit is easy to maintain and carry.

Personally I dislike wearing coats when I play.  I just get too hot and 
it's uncomfortable.  With the vests we don't have to wear ties either 
all the time.  I bought vests that are nice and all the guys look like a 
band rather than just a throw together.  I don't have the bucks to buy 
coats for everyone that I might use.  With pickup musicians you would 
need about 15 coats and it's not necessary.

I understand that if you have a Co op band or the group has been 
established for a long time then other outfits may be OK if the group is 
stable and you can talk the guys into buying outfits. One of the bands 
just have blue polo shirts and they seem do very well.

The other reason is that the people (especially those who hire us) 
around here seem to like us dressed that way.  I like for the guys to 
wear tux shirts and pants too.
I guess I'm not with it.
Larry Walton
St. Louis

Robert S. Ringwald wrote:
> This talk off & on for the past several years about Jazz bands who 
> wear straw hats, garters, etc is a bit tiresome.
>
> IMHO- There is a time and place for everything.
>
> If I am playing a Jazz festival or an event where people are actually 
> there to hear the Jazz, chances are we will dress accordingly, to what 
> the situation calls for.  It might be short sleeve shirts or might be 
> a tux.
>
> However, if we are playing for a "Roaring 20s" party or perhaps "Gay 
> 90s" & are part of the atmosphere, we will dress in the period of the 
> party.
>
> Putting down bands who wear period costumes is about as silly as 
> expecting an actor who is appearing in a play, film or TV show, not to 
> dress the part.
>
> My daughter who is an actress, when doing a period piece, would not be 
> in the business for very long if she refused to wear clothes 
> appropriate to the role that she is hired to play.
>
> By the same token, if a client is paying me to provide atmosphere for 
> his/her event, that is exactly what I will do.
>
> Instead of the negative comments (snickering behind our hands) on the 
> List, at bands who choose to wear period costumes, let's get on with 
> the positive side of listening to, learning about and playing Jazz?
>
> --Bob Ringwald K6YBV
> The Fulton Street Jazz Band
> The Boondockers (Jazz and Comedy)
> 530/642-9551
>
>
>
>
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