Costumes and set length

[Lee]

I've done a little busking, but plan to get more serious.

I generally dress like a typical folkie - jeans, shirt, cap, but wonder if more of a costume is in order. Any suggestions?

My standard set includes a few originals, some older folk/pop stuff, with a few early 70s songs tossed in. - Country Roads, Never Ending Song of Love, Hello Marylou. I've generally prepared about 10 songs. I go through them, then, figuring anyone who might have heard them earlier is already gone, I start over, maybe adding one or dropping one. I play stuff that I like, not necessarily waht is currently popular.

Should I have more songs? Prepare different material? Toss in some contemporary folk/pop?

Suggestions, advice, cracks over the head welcome.

[scot]

if you have a wacky costume, people will appreciate your commitment more and they'll tip you just for photos.

[newyorkstreetdean]

I think you should have a costume, if it fits what you are doing but wearing something just for the sake of doing might come off as contrived. What is more important for a person playing the guitar like yourself is to look professional- not dirty- A lot of times people use the worn down look to try and get sympathy- I don't think that works-

As for as length, it depends... If people want more, have more. You probably won't have anybody listen to you for more than 10 songs (thanks Seasame Street) so 10 songs should be fine. Then again, you might get bored with that so it might be good for yourself to have a larger repertoire.

Good luck to you!