What is a House Concert?
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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 hosted house concerts in my home for other artists, and 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. |
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How do I host a house concert?
You need some friends, a largish indoor space, lots of chairs and/or cushions, some space for snacks and drinks, and a table for "merch" -- CDs, t-shirts, mailing list, etc. That's it!
Depending on the available space (and the comfort level of the host), 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 available space (and the comfort level of the host), 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, but 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. Many hosts provide snacks and drinks. Others prefer to do things potluck-style. You can handle all that however you are most comfortable.
Whenever there seems to be a critical mass of folks in attendance or whenever "start time" rolls around, the concert starts. Everyone settles down on chairs, couches and pillows and the music begins. If I am the only performer, I will generally play two 45 minute sets. During the intermission 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 seems to be a critical mass of folks in attendance or whenever "start time" rolls around, the concert starts. Everyone settles down on chairs, couches and pillows and the music begins. If I am the only performer, I will generally play two 45 minute sets. During the intermission 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. Share my music around among your friends. Talk it up big and urge folks to visit my website and check out some more tunes and videos. I've got lots of promotional materials available (photos, quotes, videos) that I will share with you to help you put together an enticing invitation to email to your friends, family and coworkers.
If you're excited about the house concert, then spread that excitement among your friends! They'll be intrigued, at least. It's my job to win them over. It's just your job to make them curious enough to give the music a try. 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.
If you're excited about the house concert, then spread that excitement among your friends! They'll be intrigued, at least. It's my job to win them over. It's just your job to make them curious enough to give the music a try. 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 usually a good idea to have some sort of RSVP system in place to get an idea of how many folks to expect. Some folks use Evite or Eventbrite to keep track of their guest list. Others prefer to ask people to e-mail them directly to reserve their spot for the night.
If you're comfortable with it, I will post the house concert date on my website and ask folks to RSVP to you to get the address. 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 are setting everything up.
If you're comfortable with it, I will post the house concert date on my website and ask folks to RSVP to you to get the address. 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 are setting everything up.
What else do I need to provide, space wise?
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Hosts need to organize a space like a kitchen or dining room table separate from the performance room where folks can eat, drink, and chat with the musicians during the course of the evening.
Also, hosts need to have another 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. Finally, before the show we also need a space AKA a “green room” that is tucked away from the performance area where we can warm up our voices, tune our instruments, store our cases, prepare the set list, etc. If I'm staying in your guest room, that will work perfectly. Otherwise, you can set us up in any room tucked away with a door that we can close so that we can prepare for the performance. |
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How do we handle the money?
Typically the host will collect a suggested donation from the guests either 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 around $20 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. 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. 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 you may need to rent a PA system. We will discuss this 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 would be wonderful. 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 would be most appreciated.
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 contact me and we'll go from there.
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!
Thank you also to Danny Schmidt and Karyn Ellis for their excellent house concert pages, from which I drew much inspiration for this one.
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!
Thank you also to Danny Schmidt and Karyn Ellis for their excellent house concert pages, from which I drew much inspiration for this one.