These mini-concerts are up close and personal shows with a songwriter (or sometimes two or three) where the songwriter talks about how the songs were written and shares stories about his music & career etc. It is an intimate, seated, theater type listening event in a living room or back yard, deck, club room, community center, or restaurant banquet room etc. It is a chance to really hear the lyrics and background behind the songs.  It can be a private invitation event but usually it is promoted to the Host’s neighbors, friends, co-workers and any fan-base the artist has in the area. An email with the description of the House Concert, contact info to RSVP or purchase tickets, directions etc is sent out by the artist and or by others. The hope is to have at least between 50 guests depending on the space available. It’s also a chance to meet the artist and make new friends in a non-bar atmosphere.  People typically bring pot-luck and their own drinks, sometimes the Host provides a food or drink. People arrive and eat during Pre-Show time and then settle down to listen for 60-90 minutes – then a break to sell and autograph CDs, maybe have a dessert, refresh drinks etc and then another short set maybe 30-60 minutes and close.

 The ticket fee is usually around $20.and is listed as a 'Recommended Voluntary Donation' to the artist. Folks attending for the first time usually feel like it is a bargain and one of the coolest things they have been to. It can happen on a weeknight, to accommodate the routing of a traveling singer/songwriter’s schedule, or a Friday or Sat evening ending before say 9 or 10 PM to prevent noise problems with neighbors or Sunday afternoon/early evening is a great time for shows. People are usually eager to purchase and have the artist sign the CDs of the songs they have listened to. This also helps to build the fan-base of the artist as well as supporting his craft of writing, recording his music, and traveling to perform.  A good goal is 40+ folks which brings in enough revenue for the artist to cover his travel expenses and to earn a living doing what he loves to do. Some artists set a minimum fee others don’t.

It’s a simple concept that someone finally realized, if they can’t hear the lyrics- they won’t purchase the CDs and become real fans of the music. This allows the artist to concentrate on performing his own music and investing in building his career instead of playing cover songs in a noisy bar where people are not there to listen. It's a fantastic way to see and hear a show.

If you are interested in discussing this, or if you have any questions, maybe even talk with someone who has hosted a House-Concert just email me.

Thanks for all your efforts to help support independent artists.

Gary