Correct shirt for semi-formal (aka, back tie)?

[TheVintageLibertine]

In modern times, we have terms like “smart casual” and “cocktail attire” which are so subjective as to be meaningless.

Historically, terms like “formal” (white tie in the U.S.), “semi-formal” (black tie in the U.S.), and casual (meaning suits) had specific, objective meanings.

I, too, have seen some guidance on the internet saying diced hose should only be worn by veterans. However, I do not agree. That seems to be merely the opinion of random internet sources. Historical and reliable contemporary authorities all suggest diced or tartan hose as correct and appropriate for formal and semi-formal evening attire.

[DCampbell16B]

This is what I thought as well. Incorrect information put out there as authoritative.

[OC Richard]

[QUOTE=Jock Scot;1413380]

They may be" lifelong kilt-wearers" but they are/were showmen as well!

Sorry, no, top-level Highland solo piping competitions aren't "shows". The audiences are quite small and mostly consist of other pipers. They events don't get much attention from the General Public and they generate little or no income for the organisations which host the events.

So all the definitions of a "show" are absent. Rather, the performers, the people hosting, and the few people in attendance are there for the love of the music and for that alone.

Some are ex-army and I doubt that soldiers consider themselves "showmen" though it's true that many military have participated in the Edinburgh Tattoo, which is indeed is a "show".

There are bagpipers who are entertainers, who are "showmen", and their dress is entirely different to the gents I've posted photos of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Op...&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnVjkE87FDY

[cessna152towser]

Sorry, no, top-level Highland solo piping competitions aren't "shows". The audiences are quite small and mostly consist of other pipers.

I'd agree with that.
The Pipe Band competitions are definitely a highlight of Highland Gatherings, which people pay to come and watch.
As a past Highland Games secretary and treasurer, I recall we never held solo piping competitions and I can only recall three such events where I was even aware of a solo piping competition, one each in Scotland, England and USA, and I only went along to the solo piping section for a brief look and listen and in one case I was the sole spectator.

[PiperPadre]

I'd agree with that.
The Pipe Band competitions are definitely a highlight of Highland Gatherings, which people pay to come and watch.
As a past Highland Games secretary and treasurer, I recall we never held solo piping competitions and I can only recall three such events where I was even aware of a solo piping competition, one each in Scotland, England and USA, and I only went along to the solo piping section for a brief look and listen and in one case I was the sole spectator.

When the flame in my heart was lit for learning the pipes, I was probably 8 or 9. I remember feeling like an intruder as I watched a top piper playing piobaireachd for a lone judge and me at the Highland Games. Moving into my adolescence, it escaped me why the solo competitions, which I considered - and still do - the heart of Highland Games were so ignored. Even today, if a modest gaggle gathers to hear a solo piper in his competition, that's an oddity.

[geomick]

they would perhaps get more listeners if there was something resembling shade in the area where the competition happens

I think it also starts before the main gate opens to the public (not that I am enough of a morning person to be there when the gates open)

[kilted redleg]

As a piper though at age 70 not a competitor, let me start off with BRAVO to OC for attempting to explain just what a piping competition is and to geomick no truer words were ever spoken, seems that every highland game I attended the piping was never in a shaded area. Part of the problem with "games piping" is that there are some games that are so small no solo piper wants to contend, so the ruling board cancels solo piping events due to lack of participation on the part of pipers or only four pipers show up and are all in four different classes so this becomes just a practice session.
The other problem at times is space, which is why the competition is usually in a sun baked corner of a park. I remember being at a game and being the only one attending a piobaireachd competition. After the competition I remember speaking to the judge who told me she was judging earlier the MSR [march, strathspey, reel] and had to practically had to lean over her desk to hear the competitor because some nitwit was ten feet off to her left tuning his pipes.

[Jock Scot]

[QUOTE=OC Richard;1413730][QUOTE=Jock Scot;1413380]

Ooops! Sorry, dual post. Now deleted.

[Jock Scot]

[QUOTE=Jock Scot;1413756][QUOTE=OC Richard;1413730]

I am sorry to disagree with you OCR, but, in my humble opinion "entertainers", including performing musicians, are most certainly "showmen", or, "show-women" . It goes with the job so to speak,

[OC Richard]

Well Jock if solo piping is meant to be a show it fails.

Above we had people chiming in about being the only one listening besides the judge.

In fact, at California's two largest Highland Games, Pleasanton and Costa Mesa, the higher-level solo piping isn't even held the day of the Games! The games begin Saturday but the higher-level solos are held on Friday.

At Costa Mesa they're at the same venue, the County Fairgrounds. There's no entrance fee because the only people there are the competitors and the judges.

At Pleasanton they're not even held at the same venue, but at a hotel several miles away. The upper levels of pipers compete on the grass outside the hotel and once again there's nobody there save for the competitors and judges.

What's nice is that the highest level, Open, is held indoors, in one of the ballrooms. The acoustics are great and it's one of the few times that the pipes can be heard to full advantage. The Open in the ballroom does have seating for around 30 people but as usual these are all fellow pipers, not the General Public, and there's no fee.

So again there's none of the elements of a show, that is, something to attract the General Public in order to make money.