House Concerts/Living Room Gigs
Over the last three years I have performed lots of house concerts, both in the UK, Europe and some in the USA. I enjoy giving these intimate performances - meeting fans and making new ones. As quite a few people have asked me how to put on a house concert, this is how it works.
How do I host a House Concert?
All you need is some good friends, an indoor space, (or a covered outdoor space in the summer,) a few chairs, bean bags and cushions (that can accommodate 15+ people).
Hosts usually accommodate me overnight (or arrange somewhere for me to stay with other friends if space is an issue). I am happy to play solo, duo (or upwards) depending on how much space you have and the size of your audience.
What about sound equipment?
You won’t need to hire a PA system or amplification, as I will bring whatever amplification may be needed.
But won’t everyone be drinking and talking?
Bear in mind that these performances are ‘house concerts’ not ‘house parties’. This is an important distinction. House concerts often turn into parties when the show is finished, but the actual concert is attended with the same intention that would be had when going to a theatre.
Can kids come?
Kids are welcome if they are happy to listen, rather than jump around.
What happens before and after the concert?
I am happy to meet and chat to your friends before, during and after the concert, depending on what time everyone arrives and what time you want them to leave. If someone wants to ask a question between songs, that is absolutely fine with me - in fact I like it to be interactive.
How does the evening run?
A typical house concert opens its doors for friends and fans at say 7 or 7.30pm, when people arrive with their snacks, mingle, have a drink with the artists and get comfy in the performance space.
There are usually 2 sets of music, each running for about 35-45 minutes. During the interval and after the show everyone gets to enjoy the musical company of friends and strangers as well as time with the host and artists.
How much will it cost?
This is either a straight fee (negotiable) paid by the host or made up of donations from guests of around £10-15/$20/€15 a head but people can be as generous as they wish. These nights are very much in the spirit of the “soirées” in the past when musicians performed in intimate home surroundings under the patronage of members of society who wished to support and share great art and performance.
And finally…
A house concert is a fantastic way to strengthen family, friend and community ties through music. When embraced in the spirit of supporting touring independent artists and original music, such events make for an extraordinary and unforgettable evening.
Afterwards, people often come up to me and ask “how do we hold a house concert for next time you tour?” The answer is just send me an email and let's find a date and a line-up that works for both sides: [email protected]
How do I host a House Concert?
All you need is some good friends, an indoor space, (or a covered outdoor space in the summer,) a few chairs, bean bags and cushions (that can accommodate 15+ people).
Hosts usually accommodate me overnight (or arrange somewhere for me to stay with other friends if space is an issue). I am happy to play solo, duo (or upwards) depending on how much space you have and the size of your audience.
What about sound equipment?
You won’t need to hire a PA system or amplification, as I will bring whatever amplification may be needed.
But won’t everyone be drinking and talking?
Bear in mind that these performances are ‘house concerts’ not ‘house parties’. This is an important distinction. House concerts often turn into parties when the show is finished, but the actual concert is attended with the same intention that would be had when going to a theatre.
Can kids come?
Kids are welcome if they are happy to listen, rather than jump around.
What happens before and after the concert?
I am happy to meet and chat to your friends before, during and after the concert, depending on what time everyone arrives and what time you want them to leave. If someone wants to ask a question between songs, that is absolutely fine with me - in fact I like it to be interactive.
How does the evening run?
A typical house concert opens its doors for friends and fans at say 7 or 7.30pm, when people arrive with their snacks, mingle, have a drink with the artists and get comfy in the performance space.
There are usually 2 sets of music, each running for about 35-45 minutes. During the interval and after the show everyone gets to enjoy the musical company of friends and strangers as well as time with the host and artists.
How much will it cost?
This is either a straight fee (negotiable) paid by the host or made up of donations from guests of around £10-15/$20/€15 a head but people can be as generous as they wish. These nights are very much in the spirit of the “soirées” in the past when musicians performed in intimate home surroundings under the patronage of members of society who wished to support and share great art and performance.
And finally…
A house concert is a fantastic way to strengthen family, friend and community ties through music. When embraced in the spirit of supporting touring independent artists and original music, such events make for an extraordinary and unforgettable evening.
Afterwards, people often come up to me and ask “how do we hold a house concert for next time you tour?” The answer is just send me an email and let's find a date and a line-up that works for both sides: [email protected]
