playing barefoot?

[kimberly-rowe]

Wow! We love it here at the HC when a post generates so much interest! This one has
certainly been interesting and informative….I usually try to stay out of these
conversations, but Chris, I just have to comment on Josh Grobin and barefoot violinist: I
played his show at Caesars in Atlantic City a few months ago and I have to tell you, that
violinist offended every professional musician on stage. At the rehearsal, she wore low cut
jeans (you know, the kind with the thong underware poking out) and a half-T shirt that
said “The world is my ashtray.” I am not kidding. I remember it clearly because we were all
just in awe of her bad taste. When she walked out barefoot for the concert, everyone just
looked around and rolled their eyes. We might not have cared so much if it wasn’t for the
fact that her wardrobe was a direct reflection on her attitude and demeanor towards the
rest of the professionals on stage. Casual attire might be acceptable in the music industry,
but bad taste and disrespect, especially on stage, are inexcusable, in my opinion.

I have to side with Jim on this one and say that while Josh and his violinist might be able to
get away with it because they’re the stars, I’m confident that my contractor would not ask
me back if I showed up to play a show at Caesars in bare feet.

Kim at Harp Column

[unknown-user]

PS. I’ve worked with Lucia Micarelli also, and found her absolutely charming.
Yes, very unconventional, but that’s what I admire about her. Very cool
chick….

[victoria-schultz]

I also performed with Lucia Micarelli and Josh Groban.

[unknown-user]

What’s wrong with thong underware?

[unknown-user]

I think now we all have a mission.

[kimberly-rowe]

Jim:

It would be great if this became the longest thread in HC history!!! Our aim is to keep
people coming back for more! But to stay on topic, I think the question is not whether you
can manufacture your own red thong underware, but whether you’d wear it on stage?????

It seems to me like what’s evolving here is the difference between artists who are
individual personalities versus those that play as members of a group. Of course we all
love that Deborah wears a miniskirt, but would I wear one in an orchestra? No, or I
wouldn’t be asked back. Would I like to think I am hired solely on the basis of my
musicianship like Vicki said? Yes, but that’s just not always the reality. I remember one
show at Caesars I did for Tony Bennett where I was on a riser directly behind Tony the
whole night. I think I had maybe three glisses in the whole show. My 13-year old student
could have played this show. I can tell you my job that night was to sit there and look
good and that’s it. Sad, but that’s the reality of being a freelance harpist sometimes.

Alexander originally asked if playing without shoes “looks really stupid.” It seems like from
the input he’s gotten here, the answer is that it depends on where you’re playing. But since
he was playing in an orchestra with other musicians, my answer is Yes, it looks really
stupid if you are the only one sitting there with no shoes on.

KIM

[unknown-user]

um, I can’t resist the pun. Wouldn’t unraveling a pair of undies, become a VERY LONG THREAD?

back to lurksville….
Jane in Montana

[unknown-user]

I think since Alex was the one who started this, he should have to pay some sort of
penalty.

[victoria-schultz]

I am so glad that everyone has indeed voted for red panties.

[kimberly-rowe]

Jim and Vicki:

I’m glad to know you guys have your priorities in the right place!!! I love Jim’s idea. We
could expand it to say that anyone who posts a thread that gets more than 10 responses
has to play the Ginastera concerto. Jim can sell tickets and use the proceeds to outfit all
the responders in red thongs. Love it…..

By the way…..where is Alex? I think he owes it to all of us to at least pipe in and give us
some input since he started this……

KIM

[unknown-user]

I think he is out buying about 100 pairs of shoes…….

[unknown-user]

I just have to jump in here and say that this about the funniest thread I have seen anywhere.

[unknown-user]

When playing a harp, is it wrong / To wear naught but a shocking red thong? / And will it bring woes / To wiggle one’s toes / Sans footwear, when pedalling along?

[unknown-user]

I’m with Kim and Jim…wear shoes for most venues–at least the traditional ones.

[victoria-schultz]

I am realizing that there is a lot of untapped potential in the harp community.

[Author]

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