Hosting a House Concert
What is a house concert?
A house concert is a small concert that is typically hosted in someone’s home, barn, apartment, or community room, as an alternative to a traditional public venue like a bar or coffeehouse. Outside of that, there are no hard and fast rules. These concerts tend to be special live musical experiences between friends and like-minded individuals.
House concerts are an excellent way of supporting independent non-mainstream artists, like me. It’s an opportunity for me to play for an interested audience and helps touring more financially sustainable.
How to host a house concert?
It’s quite easy. You’ll some friends, a medium-large indoor/outdoor space, adequate seating for a comfy experience, and a spot for a merch table. House concerts can range in size from 10 people in a living room, to 50+ on a backyard deck, barn or community space.
How does the evening run?
This can be flexible, and specifics are up to the host. I host a concert series in my own home/studio, and the itinerary generally looks something like this:
Doors open at 7pm. Enjoy some snacks, refreshments, and conversation.
Music starts at 7:45pm.
Set 1 - Host - or local act (30 min set)
15 min intermission - freshen up.
Set 2 - Touring Artist (30-40 min set)
Q&A Hangs.
Wrapped by 9:30/10pm.
How do I get people to attend?
Word of mouth is absolutely the most effective way to get friends, family, co-workers to come to your house concert. If you are excited about your house concert, your community will be too... and it’s your job to make them curious enough to give the music a try!
House Concerts can be private, or semi-public. If it’s a private concert, only people you invite will be in attendance. If it is semi-public, then I will list the concert on my website, and publicize to my friends/fans in your area. However, your address will never be made public. We’ll discuss this prior to the event to make sure you are in control of who is invited and attending.
A very important note: This is a concert, first and foremost. During the promotional process, your guests should understand that this is not a ‘house party’ with live music in the background. The music is the main event, and there will be opportunities to socialize throughout the night.
How do I know who is coming?
It’s a good idea to have some sort of RSVP system in place to have a good idea of how many guests to expect. There are several digital systems designed for this: Google Form, Evite, or Eventbrite. Or simply ask people to email you directly for your address and to reserve their “ticket” for the night.
What else do I need?
Nothing, really. If you plan on providing snacks, refreshments, you’ll need an area separate from the performance space where people can eat, drink, and converse.
What about the money?
Typically, the host will oversee the collecting of donations, either in advance or at the door. I usually suggest a $10 donation, but more is always welcome. Being up front about money with your guests, for example in the invitations, can help it feel less awkward.
The donations generally all go to the touring artist.
What about sound equipment?
You do not need to provide any sound equipment; I have everything I need to provide a great sounding concert.
What’s in it for the host?
The host gets a front row seat to a concert in their living room! You will be the envy of all your friends and guests. You will be supporting the arts and connecting people with an experience that they would not likely see elsewhere. Your house concert will be a special night, and an intimate concert that your friends will remember forever – and YOU put it together for them!
Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in hosting a house concert! If this sounds like something you would like to do, please send me an email (bubbafontaine1@gmail.com) – let’s talk!
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More Resources
Check out these tools for house concert hosts from Concerts in Your Home
Thank you to Eli Conley and the Listening Room Network for their excellent house concert pages.