House Concerts

What is a House Concert?

A house concert is quite simply a live music performance in someone's home. You invite your friends over to watch a live show. Each of your friends donates a few bucks for the privilege. You then get live music in your home. Your friends get a personalized, environment to hear great music.

What Room Do I Use?

The Space

If you have a room that is 12'x15' you can host a house concert. Move the sofas to the sides of the room, put some folding chairs in the middle, maybe even some through pillows up front for a front row seat. When you set up your room create an aisle so the people can freely and quietly leave the room if needed.

Lighting

The best scenario is for the room to have very low lighting as in concert halls. For stage lighting you can simply use a couple of your lamps, either floor lamps or lamps set on small tables or stools.

Sound System

No sound system needed! As long as your room is no more than 15'x20' the concert will be totally acoustic. If additional sound reinforcement is needed I sometimes use a small acoustic amplifier to enhance the sound. Remember, a House Concert is an acoustic show, not a rock concert.

How Many People Should Be There?

For a nice House Concert there should probably be a minimum of 12 people in attendance, but not more than 25-30. A House Concert is an intimate music setting where you and your guests are up close with the performer.

What Happens During a House Concert?

The Concert

Typically at a House Concert I show up about one hour before your guests arrive. It makes for a nice atmosphere if I can set up my "stage" and a merchandise display before people arrive. That gives me an opportunity to chat with guests before the concert begins. Your guests will begin arriving and you do your usual "magic" when you host get-togethers. I will perform two musical sets, each 45 to 50 min. with a 20 to 25 minute break in-between for your guests to use the "boys and girls" room and grab some munchies.

Food

You may want to provide food yourself; May I suggest that you keep it simple with finger foods and beverages? You may want to consider hosting the event as a covered dish and have your guests bring the munchies. Whatever way you chose, plan on having food and beverages, it makes for a great experience.

Money

I guess you were wondering about this. Typically at a House Concert the host sells tickets in advance. I look to earn $150 to $200 for a House Concert as a general rule. The distance I have to travel will effect that. So, if you have 20 guests you can ask for $8 to $10 per person. I prefer to receive a check (cash is also OK) at the end of the evening.

So there you have it! All you need for a successful House Concert is; a Place, a Performer, and People to come and listen.

I would love to come and perform for your House Concert!

To Book Tom