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

[Dave Hanson]

The Union has NEVER had any bylaw that required a special uniform for performance. It has always been up to the leader, but no bylaw.

You might have worked for a leader that was a Union member, but in no way would reflect on any Union rule. 


Dave Hanson
Trombone
Atlanta



 Message ----- 
  From: Larry Walton Entertainment 
  To: Robert S. Ringwald 
  Cc: DJML 
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 7:51 PM
  Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Straw hats, Garters, Vests, Etc.


  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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  > Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
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  >

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