BOSTON -- That headline is a direct quote from Keith Garde, Rockapella manager, Aerosmith consultant, and all-around Dynamic Person. "This is what I tell Rockapella all the time", says Garde. Its part of a discussion about presentation in performance. The idea is that if a band, like Rockapella, is charging $50 per ticket (as they do), then they should dress accordingly. But I would suggest that it doesn't really matter what one's cover charge actually is, one should always dress, on stage, like a $50 ticket.

Many musicians, and often a cappella singers who aren't used to thinking of themselves in "band" terms, tend to neglect what Garde believes is just as important as a band's sound: what a band looks like.

"You need to offer a visual as well as an aural spectacle. Its all part of the package." As a lifetime fashion-watcher, performer, and audience member, I couldn't agree more. The bands I love that move me musically AND look cool doing it - they're presenting the whole package. The preparation doesn't begin and end at the rehearsal.

Many a cappella groups/vocal bands fall into the tired clothing cliches that are often throwbacks to their college groups (though many current college groups have now given themselves the freedom to funk up, and I applaud them!). Use of coordinated color themes (especially jewel tones: just say no!) often just looks tired, though identical costumes work for some types of groups, like barbershop or choral. Other visual cliches I'd like to see go: short-sleeved shirt, open over a t-shirt (guys); guys with matching khakis; contemporary groups dressing in conservative choral attire (all black); groups that have one "performance outfit" and don't vary it; pleather pants.

How we dress on stage is how we're perceived before we even open up our mouths. If we're getting up on stage to begin with and putting so much effort and work into getting the gig, the natural extension should be to add the visual to the musical. Our stage-wear should not be the same as our walking-down-the-street wear, or our corporate-wear. Bring out your inner rock star (or jazz star, or funk star, or whatever type of star is appropriate to your group), get a friend to be the group stylist or hire one, coordinate your sound with your look (age-appropriate, of course). I acknowledge that none of us most likely has the budget or staff of an Aerosmith, or even of Rockpella, but its fairly easy to look good inexpensively. Even most malls are chock-full of stores with such pieces.

We respect and acknowledge the audience not only by working hard on our music, but by dressing up in thoughtful, visually interesting, fun and fresh ways. Now get out there...I hear there are some good sales this week!