HOUSE CONCERTS
WHAT'S A HOUSE CONCERT?
In the days of chamber music, 200 or 300 years ago, people would gather in their drawing rooms or salons to listen to live musicians. It was a way to get together with friends and, at the same time, to be introduced to artists and their work. It was a time when involvement in the arts was a part of everyday life. Today, most of us are accustomed to concerts where the performer is inaccessible, so the experience of a private concert in an intimate setting provides a refreshing contrast. House Concerts are unique events. The audience is close enough to see the details of the artist’s performance – the nuances of a facial expression – or hear the artist’s fingers attack the strings before they hear the sound of the notes. Not only can the guests see the performance better, they also have multiple opportunities to meet and mingle with the performer.
WHY ARE HOUSE CONCERTS SO GREAT?
House Concerts are fun, and they take a common social gathering to a whole new level. Since most people have never been to a private concert in someone’s home, your guests feel they are part of something special. The concert provides a unique focus to the evening with plenty of time to socialize. The intimacy and warmth of the experience enchant most people who attend. Many hosts find that House Concerts are a tangible way in which they can support the arts in their community. Your guests don't have to dress formally or make large contributions. They simply get to enjoy the artistry of a new talent in the gracious setting of your home.
The growing popularity of House Concerts has given independent artists opportunities to build grass-roots audiences. By hosting a House Concert and sharing this unique opportunity with those in your intimate circle, you are making a significant contribution to an artist’s career. Festivals and larger venues are great but only give you a "taste" of the musician's artistry. House Concerts are up close and personal and the difference between a House Concert performance and a short performance in a larger environment can be like night and day.
HOW DO I DO A HOUSE CONCERT?
You can contact the artist directly by email or phone. If you see them at a festival and like their music, then talk to them there.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO DO A HOUSE CONCERT?
Not at all. Often at no personal cost, the House Concert host becomes an impresario, introducing friends, family, neighbors, and business associates to the music of an accomplished artist. The host has the privilege to hand-pick the guests for this unique social gathering. The performer’s fee is often based on the number of people in attendance. Typical attendance at a House Concert is 25 - 60 or more people. You invite whom YOU want. Tickets usually range from $10 - $15, (or up to $60) and each invited guest pays for a ticket.
HOW CAN I CHARGE PEOPLE TO COME INTO MY HOME?
If you are concerned about asking people to pay, let them know that all proceeds from ticket sales go to the artist. This is a way for you and your guests to directly support a touring performer, and to have a memorable and unique evening at a reasonable price. By hosting a private concert at your home, you are simply providing a venue for the performance. For a special occasion or celebration in your life, you might want to invite your guests and pay for the entertainment yourself.
IS MY HOUSE BIG ENOUGH?
Most people are surprised at how many people can be seated comfortably in a living room. Using concert-style row seating, with kitchen or dining room chairs and some furniture rearranging, an average 12 X 18 living room can
comfortably seat 35 people. Often you can borrow stacking chairs from a local church or school, use patio chairs, or ask friends and neighbors to bring a chair or two. If your home is absolutely too small, consider hosting the concert jointly with a friend who has a larger home, or even at a local coffee bar, in your condominium common room, or in the boardroom at your office. In warm weather, you might prefer to hold your concerts outdoors in a backyard or on a deck. (Be sure to arrange an alternative rain site.)
WHO TO INVITE?
Invite everyone you know who would enjoy this unique experience: friends, relatives, neighbors, business associates.
HOW LONG IS A HOUSE CONCERT?
Two 45-minute sets, or one set of 45 minutes, and one of 30 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission are typical. This format can be tailored to each individual situation.
DO I NEED SPECIAL INVITATIONS?
Word of mouth is the best promotional method ever developed. We have small flyers which you can then reproduce very inexpensively if you wish and use as handouts - give some to your friends to pass out at school, civic meetings, etc. - you can also send out notice of your upcoming Concert to friends on your own email list (nothing nicer than having family and friends over for a very intimate and personal concert with a great artist). Or you can call and invite them in person. The artist may also provide tickets for you to sell in advance, so you'll know how many people plan to attend. If you're new to House Concerts, by all means talk with the artist as to their suggestions, ideas, etc. as they've likely done a lot of House Concerts and will be happy to share their ideas and experiences with you - above all it should be FUN for everyone!
SHALL I PROVIDE REFRESHMENTS?
Coffee and tea with cake or cookies is very common. How about WINE & CHEESE! More elaborate refreshments are not expected or required, and are totally at the host’s discretion. Many hosts provide some sort of mini-bar area, as well. Some hosts ask their guests to bring a dish or dessert to add to the festivities. Make sure that the refreshments area will not interfere with the concert area - you don't want folks getting up to get something and interfering with the performance by walking in front of the performer, etc. - normally refreshments/socializing are before the performance and during intermission, but there may be instances in which someone will need a drink of water or something during a performance, so plan accordingly - ditto for restroom facilities - try and set up your room so someone going to the restroom during a performance does not detract from the performance.
IS THERE A NEED FOR SOUND OR LIGHTING?
This is primarily an acoustic concert. The artist will likely bring his own sound equipment, CD accompaniment, etc. Lighting can really create a mood and ambiance that makes for a much improved concert but is often overlooked. It needn't be complex - a few simple lights with some colored filters, or, better, yet, candles make for a very enjoyable evening.
The artist will also need a table to display CDs and tapes. Other than the basic tenets of good hospitality, have FUN!
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Email: highlandlaura@hotmail.com
