What is a House Concert?
A house concert is a concert hosted in a house, apartment, or a community room, as opposed to being hosted by a regular public venue (like a bar or coffeehouse). Beyond that broad distinction, there are no hard rules!
I've played many house concerts and hosted house concerts in my home for other artists. I find them to be a very special, intimate experience! It's different from going to see someone perform at a venue with a raised stage, lights, a sound system, etc. The level of connection can feel more human and down-to-earth, for both the audience and the performer.
House concerts are great way to support independent artists like me. They are a space where I have the chance to play for an interested listening audience, and help make touring more financially sustainable for me.
How do I host a house concert?
You need some friends, a medium-to-large indoor or outdoor space, lots of chairs and/or cushions, and a table for "merch" -- CDs, t-shirts, mailing list, etc, and perhaps some space for snacks and drinks. That's it!
Depending on the host and the available space, house concerts range quite a bit in size and scope. Some are as small as 12 people in a small living room. Others are 50 people in the basement. Others are 100 people in a backyard. 20 - 30 people in a largish living room is probably about average. Sound like a lot of people? You'd be surprised how many people can fit into a living room when it's setup theater-style!
Depending on the host and the available space, house concerts range quite a bit in size and scope. Some are as small as 12 people in a small living room. Others are 50 people in the basement. Others are 100 people in a backyard. 20 - 30 people in a largish living room is probably about average. Sound like a lot of people? You'd be surprised how many people can fit into a living room when it's setup theater-style!
How does the evening run?
Eli Conley with Joel Price
This is flexible and up to the preferences of the host. A typical house concert invites people to come over at 7 pm. There's usually some sort of mingling period for 30 - 60 minutes where folks begin arriving and socializing. Some hosts provide snacks and drinks. Others prefer to do things potluck-style. You can handle all that however you are most comfortable.
Whenever there's a critical mass of folks in attendance or "start time" rolls around we'll start the concert. Everyone settles down on chairs, couches or pillows and the music begins. If I am the only act performing I will generally play for about 50 minutes, or if you prefer I can play two 30ish minute sets. Before and after the show everyone gets to enjoy the company of friends and strangers, as well as time with the host and performer.
Whenever there's a critical mass of folks in attendance or "start time" rolls around we'll start the concert. Everyone settles down on chairs, couches or pillows and the music begins. If I am the only act performing I will generally play for about 50 minutes, or if you prefer I can play two 30ish minute sets. Before and after the show everyone gets to enjoy the company of friends and strangers, as well as time with the host and performer.
How do I get people to attend?
Enthusiastic word of mouth is by far the most effective way to get folks to come to a house concert you are hosting! I've got music, photos, quotes, and videos that I will share with you to help you put together an enticing invitation to text or email to your friends and family. If you're excited about the house concert, then your community will be too! It's just your job to make them curious enough to give the music a try.
House concerts can be private or semi-public. If it's private, only people you personally invite will be invited. If it's semi-public, I will post the house concert date on my website and publicize it to my friends and fans in your area, but your address will not be public. That way you stay in control of who you are inviting into your home and how many people you're inviting in. We'll talk about all of this when we have a phone call to set everything up.
One note: It's important to make sure, in the promotional process, that your guests understand that this will be a house concert -- not just a house party that has some music going on in the background. The music is the main event.
House concerts can be private or semi-public. If it's private, only people you personally invite will be invited. If it's semi-public, I will post the house concert date on my website and publicize it to my friends and fans in your area, but your address will not be public. That way you stay in control of who you are inviting into your home and how many people you're inviting in. We'll talk about all of this when we have a phone call to set everything up.
One note: It's important to make sure, in the promotional process, that your guests understand that this will be a house concert -- not just a house party that has some music going on in the background. The music is the main event.
How do I know who's coming?
It's good to have some sort of RSVP system in place to get an idea of how many folks to expect. You can use a Google Form, Evite, or Eventbrite to keep track of your guest list. Here's a couple of examples.
Or if you prefer you can ask people to e-mail you directly to get your address and reserve their "ticket" for the night.
Or if you prefer you can ask people to e-mail you directly to get your address and reserve their "ticket" for the night.
What else do I need to provide, space wise?
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You'll need to have a table or suitable space where I can lay out my CDs, t-shirts, and any other merchandise for sale: The Merch Table! A card table works great for this purpose.
Before the show I'll need a space AKA a “green room” that is tucked away from the performance area where I can warm up my voice, tune my instrument, store my case, prepare the set list, etc. If I'm staying in your guest room, that will work perfectly. Otherwise, you can set me up in any room tucked away with a door that I can close so that I can prepare for the performance. If you plan to provide food or have a potluck, you'll need to organize a space like a kitchen or dining room table separate from the performance room where folks can eat, drink, and chat during the course of the evening. |
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How do we handle the money?
Typically the host will collect a suggested donation from the guests in advance, at the door, or by passing a basket during the performance. I personally like to keep everything sliding scale and say that no one is turned away for lack of funds, because I know that everyone's in a different situation financially. The amount that people suggest tends to be $15 - $30 per person. You know your community best, so we'll talk when we are setting things up about how much you feel is an appropriate amount to ask of your guests.
I know it can be weird to have to be explicit about money, so I've found that it's best to be as up front as possible from the start. For instance, state in any invitations that there's a suggested donation of X amount for attending the concert, so folks know it will be more formal than just "passing the hat to help pay for gas." Having the money basket at the door is a good idea, and generally seems to make things less awkward so people can make a donation right when they come in. Of course, I never begrudge any guests who are unable or choose not to contribute.
I usually receive 100% of the donations from the door. If there are exceptional expenses beyond the normal costs of throwing a party, we can negotiate reimbursement for that prior to the show. It's good to discuss with me if you think the attendance will be smaller than 15 people, because it helps me to decide what other gigs I may or may not accept on that particular tour.
I know it can be weird to have to be explicit about money, so I've found that it's best to be as up front as possible from the start. For instance, state in any invitations that there's a suggested donation of X amount for attending the concert, so folks know it will be more formal than just "passing the hat to help pay for gas." Having the money basket at the door is a good idea, and generally seems to make things less awkward so people can make a donation right when they come in. Of course, I never begrudge any guests who are unable or choose not to contribute.
I usually receive 100% of the donations from the door. If there are exceptional expenses beyond the normal costs of throwing a party, we can negotiate reimbursement for that prior to the show. It's good to discuss with me if you think the attendance will be smaller than 15 people, because it helps me to decide what other gigs I may or may not accept on that particular tour.
What about sound equipment?
More than likely the show won’t need any amplification. This means that the room should be arranged like a small theater, where people can give the music their full attention with few distractions. There is the odd occasion where you may have a super large room or we’re planning a show outdoors that we may need to rent a PA system. We will discuss this on the phone during the booking process.
What other details do I need to know?
There are a few other things that will help make the show go smoothly. Depending on what time I arrive in your town, there is the matter of eating dinner before the show. If you’re amenable to feeding me and the musicians traveling with me, that is always greatly appreciated. A heads up: I am vegan, meaning I don't eat meat, dairy, eggs or honey. If making vegan food is a stretch for you, directions to a local vegan-friendly restaurant is great.
Also, I will likely need accommodations after the show. A guest room in your home or a connection to a friend in the area who can host would be great. We will discuss during the booking process whether it will be just me, or if I'll have side musicians traveling with me.
Also, I will likely need accommodations after the show. A guest room in your home or a connection to a friend in the area who can host would be great. We will discuss during the booking process whether it will be just me, or if I'll have side musicians traveling with me.
Sounds like a lot of work... What's in it for me, the host?
A house concert is a fantastic way to strengthen family, friend and community ties through music. When embraced in the spirit of supporting touring independent artists and original music, such events make for an unforgettable evening.
Thank You!
Thanks for considering hosting a house concert. If you think it sounds like something you want to do, please fill out the form below and we'll setup a time to talk on the phone soon.
Whether or not you're able to host, I highly recommend that you keep your eyes open for some house concerts in your area. I think you'll enjoy it!
Whether or not you're able to host, I highly recommend that you keep your eyes open for some house concerts in your area. I think you'll enjoy it!
More Resources
Check out these tools for house concert hosts from Concerts in Your Home
Thank you to Danny Schmidt and Karyn Ellis for their excellent house concert pages, from which I drew much inspiration for this one.
Thank you to Danny Schmidt and Karyn Ellis for their excellent house concert pages, from which I drew much inspiration for this one.