Laurie McClain: Blog

You Can Host A House Concert!  

What is a House concert?

'House Concerts' are the hippest, most viable and rewarding venue option for folk musicians today and you can host one in your living room! 

How do I do it?

It's simple, you just invite 25-35 (or more) friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, mailman and whoever else, to a concert at your home.

Round up all your chairs (patio furniture, etc.) and arrange them concert style. You may need to move stuff around a bit to make it work. Might borrow a few from neighbors or have guest each bring one. Cozy is good, it's nice to be real close and intimate.

 I can't charge my friends money!

No problem! Although many house concerts have a door person to collect fees, some hosts are uncomfortable charging their friends, especially for a first concert, until they understand the process. For these folks we suggest they simply place a jar by the entry with a visable sign that says:

 Maybe a mention of the donation concept during the welcome and introduction of the concert as a reminder. This combination of tactics assures that all the folks contribute to the 'jar' while keeping the host out of the money collecting responsibility.

 What's in it for me?

A house concert is a unique and magical experince. Everyone walks away happy and it is a win/win situation. Your guests are thrilled to be part of a 'happening' and you look great for being a 'trendsetter' and bringing everyone together for such an exciting new experience.

There is little or no cost to you, unlike throwing a party. A pot of coffee and some cookies is sufficient, although some folks ask guests to bring goodies, pot-luck style. By having a house concert, you can be the hostess with the mostest!

 How long do you play?

I normally play a 45 min. listening set (house concerts are not parties, folks really sit and listen, up close and personal) and then take a 15-20 minute break for socializing, selling CD's and refreshments. Then, one more 45 min. set and that's a wrap. 

Where do I sign up for one?

If this sounds interesting to you, it is possible that I could work you into a tour when I am heading through your area. Let me know and we'll see if I can make it fit into my tour. Often it works well to host one on a week night (usually folks have their weekends filled to the brim but spend weeknights in front of the T.V.) We find that folks love an alternative to sitcoms during the week, especially if the concert begins a 7 p.m. and is over by 9ish!!! This helps us fill in week nights when I am traveling long distances to a week end festival or gig.

Click here for contact me at lauriemcclainmusic@gmail DOT com... (just really type in a dot (.)...

By hosting a house concert you are supporting the arts and helping to keep the folk tradition alive and thriving and us folk musicians fed and watered!!!! Thanks for your consideration.

 blessings, Laurie