Guy in a Tux?
Posted by stevenc on January 20th 2008 in Gigs
A booking agent called, said his client is looking for something special on New Years Eve. “We need a …. You know… a guy in a tux at the piano.” Yet another gig for Steven C. For over 20 years I have been “lucky” to be one of those “guys in a tux,” performing at country clubs, dinner parties, weddings and a few strange events such as divorce party.
Careful with that knife, Steve!
How did I get my start you ask? When I was an 18 year old punk salad chef at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins MN, I would play the wonderful piano on my Saturday morning breaks. The club’s manager was unexpectedly in and asked, “Who is playing that beautiful music ?” he found me in my funny white outfit (including the tall hat) at the piano. “You should be at the piano, not creating Cobb salads. How much do you charge?” he asked. I had no idea so I called my mom and she agreed to help me on my first gig the next Saturday… We made $50 for 3 hours.. (not sure if I paid my mom) I played the club for another 10 years and still get back for private parties.
Enjoy a music sample from “The Guy in a Tux” 
After playing thousands of “gigs,” I’ve heard a few lines and questions.
TOP 20 LINES HEARD AT GIGS
1. Is this what you “do?”
2. I used to play
3. Do you give lessons?
4. Do you have day job?
5. Do you know Lorie Line ?
6. Do you know (insert any name) ?
He/she plays the piano too
7. Can you make a living doing this?
8. Do you tune these ?
9. I always wished I could play
10. Is this your piano ?
11. Do you take requests ?
12. Do you know “Bring Over the Clowns?”
13. Can I sit in with you sometime?
14. I should have married you!
15. Didn’t I see you playing a Byerly’s grocery store
(yes….will play for food)
16. Do you read notes ?
17. I know no one is listening, but we are.
18. Can I download you ?
19. Do you have perfect pitch ?
20. Sorry, I left the checkbook at home.
