The country’s most popular new concert venue is… your living room.
HOUSE CONCERT FAQ
What’s a House Concert?
A house concert is one of the easiest, most enjoyable, and most intimate
ways to experience music. Rather than traveling to a concert, you invite the
artist to your home to perform for a gathering of friends, neighbors,
Why a House Concert?
The seats are all great, everyone has a backstage pass, and the food and
drink are guaranteed to satisfy. You and your guests enjoy quality music and
get a chance to meet artists one on one, in a casual, friendly setting that you
will never find in any other venue. The real question is- Why NOT a house
concert?
How does it work?
House Concerts are fun! Instead of fighting traffic, paying for parking,
cover charge or drink minimum, and sitting among strangers, you stay at home
and share the concert with invited guests. The atmosphere is casual- often
people will gather beforehand for a potluck, or to share some wine. It’s up to
you. House concerts are private parties, and can take any form the host wishes.
But the gathering is built around a concert. This is not background music. You
and your guests relax and enjoy a full program of quality entertainment,
created by artists you love.
Is it expensive?
No! The artist’s fees are shared by the guests, who make donations at an
agreed upon amount. The host may choose to provide some refreshment, or the
gathering can be BYO. It’s completely up to you. Unlike the price of a regular
concert ticket, the donations benefit the artists directly- there are no venue
expenses and fees to cover. And you and your guests can skip the numerous
hidden costs of an evening out. House concerts are a great value.
Is my home too small?
Probably not. If your home is big enough for a party, it is most likely big enough for a concert. A full house just adds to the intimate feeling that can be desirable at a house concert. Your home determines what’s comfortable. Or perhaps you can partner with someone you know, who’s home is perfect for a concert…After all, people have been gathering in houses to hear music for thousands of years. Such gatherings are arguably one of the original purposes for which living rooms were invented.
Would I be opening my home to a public event?
No! House concerts are private parties, by invitation only. Of course, you can choose to let people know at your workplace, club, or school via email bulletins, fliers or posters. But you are in control. Because it is a private party, you do not have to go through any bureaucratic procedures or obtain any permits. The guests do not buy tickets. Instead, they offer donations at an agreed upon level. They are not customers- they are your guests. Likewise, since no alcohol is sold on the premises, no special licenses are required.
Can you help me fill my house?
Yes. I no doubt have many fans in your area, and would be happy to invite them to your concert, if you don't mind meeting a few strangers. My fans are very nice people ;-)
I've never heard of such a thing. Are other people doing this?
Yes! House concerts are booming. The declining economy, and ongoing collapse of the music industry are combining with current consumer trends toward personalized products and handmade quality to create a "perfect storm" for house concerts. Audiences are seeking a more genuine connection with performers, and rejecting the mass produced "product" offered by the music industry, turning for meaning and beauty to independent artists who create music that speaks personally to them. And performers are seeking the same connection. I have been doing house concerts for over 20 years, and I am amazed how they have caught fire in the last 18 months. This is a fantastic development for performers and audience alike.
