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Some of the best shows you have ever experienced have been in an intimate setting. Now you can create your own (with my help).
A house concert is a wonderful alternative to concert halls and coffeehouses. It's a great way for the audience to meet the musician "up close and personal" in a comfortable, informal setting. This is the stuff that memories are made of, folks.
These concerts are real easy to set-up, and I've never been at one that hasn't been a blast. Nothing better than traveling through an area and meeting new friends that I get to entertain.
WHEN:
Get an idea of when you would like to have me over to perform. Are you looking for a spring date? Want it to coincide with a special event or holiday? Have a few ideas in mind. Next click HERE so we can find the date that's best.
WHERE:
You do not need to own a mansion to produce a house concert! Most homes have all the space they need for an intimate show. A living room, den, finished basement, even outdoors under a canopy works. Figure a minimum of 20-30 guests in order to make it truly special. Seating can be a combination of sofas and chairs, oversized floor cushions, folding chairs, whatever) Many homes are two-story, and have a stairway leading into the living room. I’ve seen folks sit on the stairs where they had a perfect birdseye view.
HOW:
Even easier. No fancy stage or equipment is needed. One of the beautiful things about a house concert is that it can usually be purely acoustic without any form of amplification. It doesn't get any warmer or intimate than that, folks! Place a couple of lamps or adjust track lighting in a good spot for my 'stage' and we're pretty much done.
REFRESHMENTS:
Some house concerts are preceded by a potluck supper -- all the guests bring something for everyone to share. You could make it a dessert party -- all the guests bring their favorite dessert, and you provide the coffee and tea. Or just keep it simple and offer cookies, brownies, cakes and pastries and seasonal beverages. A wine-tasting party prior to the performance would make for an interesting evening all around.... Be creative! Do whatever works best for your entertaining style, and in the space you have.
WHO:
Most folks invite friends and family. Other musicians you know would probably love to attend. Remember that this is a VERY special afternoon or evening, and you'll want to share it with people that are special to you. Trust me - you'll ALL be talking about the show for a LONG time.
And the other part of WHO is, of course, ME! I'll be there much earlier to help work out any 'bugs' or concerns (we'll talk before hand anyway), maybe have a bite together, and talk music. I get to meet a lot of great people doing this.
INVITATIONS:
Make them fun and simple. An eMail, personal phone call, or even those little printed invitation cards you used for Grandma's 90th birthday part will work.
Just make sure you include date, time, if you want anyone to bring anything (BYOB, dessert, or whatever), and the door charge. (Some people charge a door fee to cover the cost of my performance, others may 'co-opt' with the door as a gift to their guests - it all depends. We'll discuss this before hand.)
Please make sure you include an RSVP with your call or invite. Nothing worse than expecting 25 people and seeing 140 show up at your door!
Please feel free to contact my agent to set up this excitng event.
The idea for the above text - rewritten by Johnny Spots and Carol Lehrman - was graciously borrowed from my friend and fellow musican, Orrin Star. Orrin is a Fabulous performer who you should by all means check out.
And he gives INCREDIBLE house concerts as well!!!
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