For many of the events that a lot of us play, period costuming is expected and even encouraged. When this is the case, I think it's worth spending a bit of money and time in order to err on the side of authenticity. Nothing is tackier than a chintzy costume -- Nogahide "mountain man shirts" with curtain fringe come to mind. And for Pete's sake, take off your wristwatch and plastic glasses!

For just regular shows I figured a long time ago that it's best to copy the style of the masters. There's a reason Bill Monroe put his guys in suits. Enough people think we're all just a bunch of crackers as it is.

Doc Watson, from a player's standpoint, is about as clean and pure and genuine and brilliant as it gets, and Doc always has a neat haircut, nice looking slacks and a quiet, conservative open collared shirt.

He plays like God and he looks like a professional. My own playing is a ways off from that sort of apotheosis, but I figure I owe it to the audience to at least look like I'm proud they showed up.