What to eat before a performance

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I sometimes take a glass of wine or a shot or two of hard liquor

Get relaxed

[opus43]

I sometimes take a glass of wine or a shot or two of hard liquor

Get relaxed

Before a performance of Prokofiev's 2nd Concerto, maybe some vodka (but I'm underrage)

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Before a performance of Prokofiev's 2nd Concerto, maybe some vodka (but I'm underrage)

PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHH WHO CARES IF YOU'RE UNDERAGED???

You think the cops are gonna write you a ticket while you're on stage?

[pianorahrah]

I would suggest bananas and bread. I recently had a competition and I was so nervous I couldn't really eat the chinese takeout my dad bought (lol) so I ate a banana and then i was fine
bananas have potassium which somehow makes your brain work better?
bread is just a filler honestly there's nothing really good about it

[stevensk]

I sometimes take a glass of wine or a shot or two of hard liquor

Get relaxed

-Me too! The good thing about this is that  I don' t give a sh*t what the orchestra is playing!

[tinyking12345]

Before I perform, I have to eat quite a lot, otherwise I feel really drowsy and light-headed during the performance. I always have a supply of pork pies backstage for emergencies!

[opus43]

i really like chicken alfredo

[jason_sioco]

Eat protein before a performance. Protein is good for strengthening the muscles of your hands.

[billyfisher100]

Lots of water, but make sure you use the toilet beforehand! I have been caught short in a performance before and it is a horrid experience 

Also, I would eat quite a bit of fibre, especially if you get very nervous. I would avoid heavy meals as it makes you drowsy, but perhaps something like fish & salad??

[j_tour]

Studies show that glucose aids self-control tasks.

Personally, I find that (i) caffeine among the nootropics and (ii) if it's a dance band job, just drink a sh*t-load of beer and have fun afterwards.

[Bob]

[dcstudio]

Depends on the gig...as to what's on the menu...but I have to say I don't really give it much thought.  I will advise you to be prudent at wedding receptions and don't chow down on the buffet because there are few things more grueling than playing a 45 minute set with an upset stomach. I sing too and that is nearly impossible to do after eating certain foods.  So usually I have a big glass of cabernet sauvignon on a relatively empty stomach.  
Now if I am accompanying or it's a formal setting I refrain from reeking of alcohal...but not everyone does. I have played many a Sunday morning with horn players blowing "Dragon breath" out of their instruments. It can be nauseating.. so empty stomach is best. It's one of the things they don't tell you about in music school.

[j_tour]

Now if I am accompanying or it's a formal setting I refrain from reeking of alcohal...

Pretty good advice in general!  Lol.  I know just what you mean, though:  playing in a bar, having a little beer/whiskey breath probably doesn't register among all the other ... interesting ... smells in the place, but there's something about the way alcohol is metabolized that, if you take a lot of it (depending on personal chemistry, maybe like....I don't know what the limit is) it's just a foul odor.  

Doesn't really even smell like booze or wine -- it's just a nasty smell that sort of gives away your game from a mile down the street.

I can't preach because I enjoy a drink in my spare time -- everyone needs hobbies! -- but more than a few (socializing, mostly -- or to put a more "professional" spin on it, let's call it "networking"!) just doesn't work for me because of (a) it gives the wrong idea to bandmates/club owners/potential future employers (no comment if it's as bad or worse than permanently announcing your presence by a cloud of pot smoke like some jazz/funk "musicians" I know!) (b) screws up my rhythm (c) needing to hit the toilet every few minutes to urinate is kind of lame.    

[dcstudio]

.it's just a foul odor. 

Doesn't really even smell like booze or wine -- it's just a nasty smell that sort of gives away your game from a mile down the street.

Yes it certainly is. Now imagine a drunk, hung over group, that just ate lasagna with too much garlic all blowing hot foul air from their bells right behind you as you all  play Pachebel's Cannon, or Sleeper's Wake ... it's hard to keep from turning green... sometimes it makes my eyes water.  lol.  I politely offer mints...breath strips... They help, a little. 

[j_tour]

Yes it certainly is. Now imagine a drunk, hung over group, that just ate lasagna with too much garlic all blowing hot foul air from their bells right behind you as you all  play Pachebel's Cannon, or Sleeper's Wake ... it's hard to keep from turning green... sometimes it makes my eyes water.  lol.  I politely offer mints...breath strips... They help, a little. 

You're cracking me up, man.  That is too much!

[dcstudio]

You're cracking me up, man.  That is too much!

Well thanks 
Just keeping it real... people tend to think that each performance is ethereal and spiritual and some really are...but sometimes it's also pretty ugly.  Lol. I pass the time by trying to calculate exactly how much I am being paid per note struck...or exactly how I will spend the money once this hell is over.

[minhogang]

I'm not sure if this was said in this thread but eating bananas help reduce stage fright. Not just before a performance, but almost daily.

[chopinlover01]

I wonder what Alistair might have to say about Sorabji performers who have to control whatever bodily functions for several hours performing Opus Clav.....

[kobrowsky]

I would have to recommend beans and other gassy foods so you often have to stand up a bit (to fart) during performance thus play more energetic and with more emotion.