House Shows
Hosting a
Show is Easy!
There is even this handy guide to help you along the way! First let me say that I am honored you are even considering hosting me for a show. In my experience, as both a performer and audience member, house concerts are the most enjoyable, rewarding, and memorable musical endeavors that I have been a part of. It’s not even close. And we get to enjoy this together! Simply put, it’s a little bit magical.
The Venue
Size only matters in regards to the number of people you can invite. Successful shows happen in all kinds of places, homes, backyards, wineries, galleries, patios, etc. Really anywhere 20 or more people can gather. All I really need is shelter from the elements and electricity, and of course for my audience to have some level of comfort as well.
The Guests
We will work with you to pick a date for you to host your concert. This can be both exciting and hectic. The hardest dates to schedule are often the beginning of the week. But think of it this way, a house concert is a lot like having a few friends over for a dinner. Often times, the duration of the show from the start of the music is only 2-3 hours We’ll make it really easy for you! And with juggling sometimes dozens of hosts’ schedules, everyone’s flexibility is very much appreciated. Thank you!!
The Invitation
Invite a bunch of your friends! Let them know in your invitation, that this will be donation based concert. That means they will be asked to donate what they want for the show on the night of the concert. You may want to let them know that you will provide snacks and drinks if that is the case, or perhaps you would like everyone to bring a little something to share.We would ask that you not put a suggested donation amount. In our experience, we do better financially when people can donate what they are moved to in the moment without preconceived expectations. Just let people know that you’ll be asking for donations after the performance and leave it at that. And above all else, if you have a friend who is financially challenged, we want them to be able to enjoy the evening without feeling pressured. While it’s true that this is how we make our living, sharing the music with people is the most important thing. Once in a while we have a host who does not feel comfortable with asking their guests for money and would rather have a flat door charge. That is fine as well, just let us know and we can discuss the fee structure with you.
The Concert
A couple of additional notes about the evening
We will arrive two hours before show time, to set up and get things squared away.
It’s really important to us that these events are as easy as possible so that anyone can host or attend one, and the way we do that is to make them donation-based events.
We will help coach the hosts with their donation announcement if needed. In fact, I will make a point of going over it with you beforehand. We’ve found that the success of the donations has direct ties to the enthusiasm of the host’s donation announcement at the end of the concert. And guests really enjoy being a part of supporting this unique and memorable event that they will have just been a part of.
