HOUSE CONCERTS are rapidly gaining in popularity all across the country by fans
of independent singer/songwriters.
These mini-concerts are up-close and personal shows with a songwriter (or sometimes two or
three) where he or she talks about how the songs were written and shares stories about the music
in a listening room atmosphere.

SETTING: Shows are normally a seated, listening event that can be set up just about
anywhere; a living room or back yard, deck, clubroom, community center, or restaurant banquet
room, your imagination is the limit. The key is to provide your guests an opportunity to interact
with the artist and get a chance to really hear the lyrics and stories behind the songs.

HOSTING: The host is normally someone who wants to help promote the songwriter to
other people that would also enjoy the music. It can be a private invitation event or promoted to
the Host's neighbors, friends, co-workers and any fan-base the artist has in the area.

House Concerts can be designed around any theme or special event. Guests usually arrive 30 to
45 minutes before show time; many Hosts have found that appetizers or a light pot luck before
the show works well as an ice-breaker opportunity for their guests to get to know each other and
the Artist a bit. The first set typically runs between 60-90 minutes. Then an intermission break
for dessert, refresh drinks etc, and then another short 30-60 minute set. This intermission gives
the Artist an opportunity to autograph CD's, chat with folks, and get to know new fans and
friends.

PROMOTING the show is a joint effort between the Host and the Songwriter. If you
would like to open up the event to people you haven't met yet, the Songwriter can email their fan
base in the area and let them know the event is taking place and list you as the contact person.
The Host can print flyers covering the details (who the Artist is, date, time, location, contact info
to RSVP or purchase tickets, directions etc.) which serves as an invitation. Remember your
college days; standing on a corner on campus handing out flyers to your dorm/frat/sorority
party...you get the picture! The hope is to have as many guests as your space will allow. A good
goal is 40+ folks; this brings in enough revenue for the artist to cover their expenses
Because these are usually early show, ending normally by 9:00pm to prevent noise problems with
neighbors, weeknight evenings work great. Sunday afternoons are also great times for shows,
and a wonderful way to cap off a perfect weekend.

TICKET prices are usually determined by one of two ways; a pre-determined Performance
Fee, or Guarantee Against the Door.
With a preset Performance Fee you simply divide the fee by the number of invited guests and set
the ticket price accordingly.

Many Artists will accept a "Guarantee Against the Door" agreement. In this case, the Host
collects a "Voluntary Donation" at the door on behalf of the Artist. At the end of the event the
Artist receives the money and the Host makes up any difference if the door receipts are below
the Artist Performance Fee.

Micheal absolutely lovesHouse Concerts...if you are interested in setting up a show, or you just
have some questions, please feel free to email Cathy.


Home