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Are shorts ever okay?

#24
I live and gig in Florida. Maybe the rules are a little different here. But in the summer, at any daytime outdoor gig shorts are fine. I wear Chucks with knee length shorts. A comfortable T and I’ve never felt unprofessional. Indoors we always wear long pants. Night gigs, even outdoors, we wear long pants. Basically if it’s hot as all hell, which happens daily in Florida, we are gonna rock some shorts.

We do all agree or disagree on the band group text before hand so one of doesn’t show up in shorts and get “the look” from the rest of the band.
 
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#25
drumwagon said:
I’m in a cover band that plays a fair number of outdoor gigs in southern PA: first Fridays festivals, etc. The band rule is we never-ever wear shorts to gigs, I’m usually all in with that dress code.

But, we have an afternoon gig coming up at a tennis/swim club, as much as you can plan for weather, figure 90 degree at gig time, standard 3 hr gig, next to a pool-picnic area. We are bringing a tent so there will be limited shade.

I’m of the opinion that we should make an exception for this gig regarding the ‘no shorts rule’. IMHO nice shorts, collared shirts, and Sandals or dock shoes, would be just fine for this venue.

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Only when wearing socks and flops, and being the main event in a death metal show

Experience talking :)
 
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#29
The absolute primo player in my area - I mean, the guy is a GREAT all around musician and dude in general- regularly gigs outdoors in summer in shorts and sandals. Northern Wisconsin - so we never really acclimate to truly hot weather... Does that mean I’m worthy? Probably not. But - if conditions really call for it, I WILL ditch the jeans and go for shorts...
 
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#34
drumwagon said:
I’m in a cover band that plays a fair number of outdoor gigs in southern PA: first Fridays festivals, etc. The band rule is we never-ever wear shorts to gigs, I’m usually all in with that dress code.

But, we have an afternoon gig coming up at a tennis/swim club, as much as you can plan for weather, figure 90 degree at gig time, standard 3 hr gig, next to a pool-picnic area. We are bringing a tent so there will be limited shade.

I’m of the opinion that we should make an exception for this gig regarding the ‘no shorts rule’. IMHO nice shorts, collared shirts, and Sandals or dock shoes, would be just fine for this venue.

Help me build my case, or shut it down?
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No. No shorts. You can't stand in 90 degrees for three hours with pants on? Give me a break; that's pathetic. Either toughen the hell up, or just check yourself in to hospice care now and let somebody stronger have the gig.

Additionally, the idea that shorts is going to make such conditions (which aren't even tough IMO/IME) a whole lot better is flawed anyhow. Shorts don't make THAT much of a difference in hot weather.

But seriously, if it's really that big a deal, just wear appropriate pants rather than shorts. If going to the extreme, try a seersucker suit. This is exactly the situation for which seersucker exists (hot/humid weather, yet a certain level of formality/professionalism is desired).
 
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#40
drumwagon said:
I’m in a cover band that plays a fair number of outdoor gigs in southern PA: first Fridays festivals, etc. The band rule is we never-ever wear shorts to gigs, I’m usually all in with that dress code.

But, we have an afternoon gig coming up at a tennis/swim club, as much as you can plan for weather, figure 90 degree at gig time, standard 3 hr gig, next to a pool-picnic area. We are bringing a tent so there will be limited shade.

I’m of the opinion that we should make an exception for this gig regarding the ‘no shorts rule’. IMHO nice shorts, collared shirts, and Sandals or dock shoes, would be just fine for this venue.

Help me build my case, or shut it down?
Click to expand...

AC/DC still lets Angus Young sport his shorts. But..............he always wears a jacket and tie, too.
 
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