As a performer I am always looking for ways to improve the show that I do either as a single act or as a member of The Flyin' Column. As a single, the stage is al mine and I have a great degree of latitude in what I sing, say, and even how I dress.

Volumes can be written on the art of stage presence. How its done. When to do something. What to avoid doing. I'd like to compole anote book of the tricks that we employ and why employ them in our stage acts. I hope to get useful information for me and my band and I hope to supply the same for others who are now performing and others who are just stepping out.

I am going to assume that a degree of compitence is already attained here. We know enough not sing in three keys at once. Dead strings are not allowed. And we aren't taking the "Come for to Sing" binder up on stage with us.

I want to start with clothes. Is it important to have an identity based on how we dress? Is it enough to take the stage clean and comfortably dressed or should we dress in a manner similar to our music style? Utah Phillips in his hobo kit for instance or Leon Redbone in his suit and Panama Hat? Lately I've paid serious money to hear bands that looks like they have their good clothes stuck in customs and are wearing gardening duds. Is it important for band members to all dress the same? Band uniforms. The Kingston Trios Chinos and stripped shirts or the Chili Peppers lack of clothes period. Should the bands identity be in the music and not in the clothes?

"That band sound just OK but boy are they snappy dressers!"

Opinions?