House Concerts
It's simple. Invite some friends — perhaps 10-15 couples — over for dinner or a potluck, and we'll perform two sets with a 20 minute intermission, about two hours total. We'll perform harmonies from the CDs, guitar instrumentals, and rousing sing-alongs. If you have favorites from our albums, let us know and we will be sure you get them all in the show. We also will have brand new 'premieres' and stuff so fresh we haven't even recorded it yet! You can ask your guests for donations (suggested, as folks value what they have invested themselves in), or you can choose to pay us directly and provide an evening of music free for your guests.
What A House Concert Is
A house concert is a personal concert for you and your friends in a private space. Smaller house concerts might have about twenty-five folks-- but others are regular events at large homes that hold a hundred friends and friends-of-friends. The house concert movement (yes, it's becoming that popular) is a response to the desire to hear live acoustic music in a personal setting – where folks really get some quality time with their favorite artists. It is tailored to be what YOU want, and is usually as unlike a club as your home is unlike a club.
What A House Concert Is Not
A house concert is not meant as background music, so it's not a good choice for a party where people will want to chat during the music.
Do I Need A Sound System?
No, we'll bring a small, unobtrusive system with us. In smaller rooms, we may even do it unplugged! If your house concert is on the other side of the country or the world (that is, if we take a plane ride to get to you), we have most of our equipment with us, but will need a couple of mic stands and an amplifier to plug our mixer into. We can talk about it — just get in touch.
How Do I Start?
You can always call or email — we can talk you through it. If you google 'how to host a house concert', you'll get a million links. Remember that these articles are written by folks who have their own opinions — take what you like and leave the rest.
Here are a few basics from our end of things:
25 or more people (rough number — more is better, or course)
$500 (minimum) for the act. This is almost always gotten from audience donations of about $25 per person, so our pay is determined by how many folks attend.
To avoid legal issues with the city, make sure that it's a ‘private party’, not a business. That's why 100% of the donations go to the artists (unlike a business), and that's why it's a 'donation' rather than admission fee.
House concert hosts LOVE music, and love putting on a party in their house or in the back yard (if the main room of house is small). Like any party, the best ones have a theme (in this case, 'a concert in our home'). Like any party, it takes effort. House party hosts are deeply appreciated by their friends and loved ones. And for us musicians — house concerts are among the favorite gigs we do!
I find the tricky bits for many hosts are these two:
Getting a big enough crowd that not only promises to come, but actually arrives. Like any party, the hosts need to confirm and double-confirm as the day approaches.
Not being shy or embarrassed about collecting $ for the artists-- many of us can feel queasy asking for money from our friends. Make sure your friends understand in advance that their donation goes to support professional, lifetime musicians. In my experience, attendees are more than willing to donate, but get confused as to how to do it. One excellent way (there are other ways too) is to ask a trusted friend with an envelope (not the host) to go around to each guest as they arrive and collect donations.
Remember: Your house concert is really about what YOU want — articles on the web are just a guide. You can use some of the pointers, or make it up your own way. Feel free to contact us, and we'll give you plenty of support.
