Gig: Black Tie Gala - What Do You Wear?

[dtripoli]

It's been awhile since we did a Black Tie event.
It's a huge event with cocktails, schmoozing, dinner, speakers and dancing.
I smart enough to know cargo shorts are a no-no even if they are black.
My experience tells me in lieu of tuxes or suits, it'd be ok to perform with black dress shirts, black slacks and black shoes and we should be fine.
Female singer will off set us with an elegant dress.
Do you concur?

 

[Stumbo]

Maybe ask the host? Seems to me it should have been in the contract so there would be no doubts.

 

[elgecko]

If you aren't wearing suits or tuxes, musician blacks would be the next best thing and would help you blend into the background...just avoid aprons or someone might ask you for appetizers and try to hand you their empty glasses.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Black pants, shoes, belt, bow tie. White shirt. Don't mingle.

 

[Nashrakh]

Dress like a 1930s mobster, complete with fedora, appropriately colored mob insignia and a cigar. Add sunglasses for a blues brothers feel.

But seriously OP, I think you're on the right track. Black dress shirt and slacks is what I would wear, but Stumbo makes a good point: if in doubt, ask the host(s).

 

[Ox Boris]

It's been awhile since we did a Black Tie event.
It's a huge event with cocktails, schmoozing, dinner, speakers and dancing.
I smart enough to know cargo shorts are a no-no even if they are black.
My experience tells me in lieu of tuxes or suits, it'd be ok to perform with black dress shirts, black slacks and black shoes and we should be fine.
Female singer will off set us with an elegant dress.
Do you concur?

View attachment 1149664 View attachment 1149665

Dark trousers, leather shoes and pretty much any collared, button-up shirt, as long as it's not to lairy. You're in the band, not a guest. You'll be on a stage, in a performance set, with coloured lights; it sort of makes you a giant TV set. As long as you look like you're on Jools, they'll be happy with the show.
Note: Organisers need to hear this point; otherwise they'll continue with the default position in that you have to as-near-as-damn-it match the guests.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Black pants, shoes, black tie is all that's necessary.
I wear a vest, too.

I'm noticing at these events that people don't care all that much at about what the band is wearing, though I agree cargo shorts are a no go.

 

[fdeck]

The bands that hire me for those events typically ask for tux. You can get a decent used tux at at tux rental shop, and it will last for a lifetime of gigs. Mine is practically worn out.

 

[friskinator]

Maybe ask the host? Seems to me it should have been in the contract so there would be no doubts.

Agreed. If in doubt, ask the client.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Stick with all-Black or Black/White.

Really formal setting....
I've worn Tux/bow tie, but a black suit/black skinny tie/white shirt is fine. Lose the jacket once guys in the crowd start to too.

More Casual setting.....
Lose the coat, loosen your tie, roll up your sleeves (see my avatar) once the dance floor is jumpin'.
Vests have come back in fashion, look very sharp with a slim cut shirt (please, no baggy sleeves!).
Black shirt, black skinny tie always works. Add a Black vest or black jacket for more flair.
I always dress better than the wait-staff.

Masquerade Ball....
No mask required (so far).

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Dress like a 1930s mobster, complete with fedora, appropriately colored mob insignia and a cigar. Add sunglasses for a blues brothers feel.

Hey, I was in a band once and that was our thing. Except, there is no mob insignia. I gotta find some pictures and post them.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Talk with the host - see if they have any requirements. If not, I would go:

1. Black buttondown and nice black pants (get them both pressed).
2. Similar dark suits with simple dark tie.

In an event like this, presentation is very important, and can make a difference whether you fit in, or stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[dtripoli]

Thanks all!
Step 1. Check with event host as to attire expected
Step 2. Go musician black if in doubt
Step 3. Have fun, dine(they will be feeding us) and bank the check.

 

[Stumbo]

I suggest making sure all the band member's outfits have the same shade of black.

 

[MrLenny1]

I sub with a function band.
Black suit, shoes and t-shirt.

 

[devnulljp]

 

[Slevage]

1st choice---- tux---- I need one for some of the work I get that pays good $$$
2nd choice---- black suit----- most big boys eventually have to pay their last respects to a loved one
3rd or 4th choice are interchangeable----- all black (ie "pit black") or suits

 

[two fingers]

Yeah the event organizer is your best bet. If nothing else they make a great scapegoat if your attire is not proper. "But Fred told us what to wear."

Blame Fred.....or Canada.

 

[Rabidhamster]

Suit jackets get all rumpled from guitar straps, so I think that might be a pass to not have a jacket in some situations. Then who's to say what is slacks and what is suit pants. Half the time I was watching Eric Clapton on stage, I was wondering if he dry cleans his Armani suit every night and can get those creases out, or if he just gets a new one each time and doesn't care.
A halfway decent suit costs about what a midrange american bass costs.
If you have horns and keys make them wear a jacket, lol.

 

[Lesfunk]

My band wears tuxes to that type of event unless we are told otherwise