Well I'm sure tip jar customs vary from country to country and from region to region. I see tip jars frequently around here (Virginia)even in places where there's a cover charge. I don't think putting out a tip jar is begging unless the performer is on stage whining and asking for tips. People know that they CAN put some money in the jar to show their appreciation for a song well done, or sometimes if they've enjoyed the evening they'll put something in the tip jar as a "Thank you" as they're leaving. It isn't like the tip you give the waiter or bartender, which (in the United States) is part of his wage and if you don't tip you've stiffed him/her. Leaving a tip in the performers jar is entirely optional and I think everybody understands that.