Are they really a thing?

They’ve been around for years. A house concert is exactly what it sounds like: a fun, hosted social event that’s built around a musician playing music in your home or yard for your invited family and friends. They’re fun, intimate, interactive and will make you the envy of the neighborhood for hosting such a unique event! It’s also a great evening or afternoon event for a family reunion, mountain vacation, etc.

So it’s a party with a musician playing music?

No, not at all! It’s an actual concert with a program, seating, start time, stop time, etc. There’s socializing and typically refreshments before and/or after—some hosts ask their guests to bring a covered dish—but when it’s concert time, the host ensures everyone is seated. Seating can be indoors or outdoors.

How is the musician paid?

The neat thing about a house concert is that it needn’t cost the host anything. House concerts are donor-supported, which means the musician will be “tipped” in appreciation for his or her performance by your guests! I generally play two 40-minute sets with a 15-minute break. At the end, the host literally passes the hat/tip jar.

How do invitations work?

I suggest sending your invitations—printed or emailed—at least thirty days out and planning on a strong phone follow-up routine since no one seems to abide by R.S.V.P. protocols nowadays. Be creative, have fun and be sure to include these points:
- You’re hosting a house concert at your home and you want them to come!
- House concerts are donor supported, which means, please be prepared to tip the musician if you enjoy his efforts. Let them know that you’ll be passing the hat!
- (Fill in the blank) will be provided!
- Please plan to bring (folding chair, covered dish, beer, nothing, etc.).
Remember, not everyone you invite can attend and not everyone who says they will attend will actually do so. Ideal audience size to make it worthwhile and feel like the event it is, is anywhere from 20 to 50 attendees. You’ll need to provide seating for the concert if you don’t ask people to bring their own!

How do I get started?

First, click on the “Contact” link at the top of this page and send me a message that you’re considering hosting a house concert. I’ll give you a call, we’ll talk and if you decide to move forward, I’ll typically make an appointment to come see you in person, see the space, answer questions and set a date. And in the meantime, I’ll also email you two house concert host guides I bought from Amazon that will tell you all about hosting and give you some great tips, leading to a much better house concert!

So let’s get going! Top of the page, click on “Contact.” See you!