What is a house concert?
A house concert is an intimate acoustic experience. It usually happens in a living room, where you get an up-close and personal performance. It’s a great way to bring people together through music and support the arts.
Why should I host a house concert?
This is a great alternative to hearing live music in noisy bars and restaurants. You’ll actually get to hear the words, connect with the stories, and have a more personalized experience. It’s a social event that’s special and different from your average dinner party, and you’ll be supporting a tradition of music that’s centuries old.
What do I need to host?
Hosting is easy! You need:
-A space that can hold 20 or more people* – a living room, community clubhouse, backyard, etc
-Some friends or community members to invite
-Couches and/or chairs (you can ask guests to bring a chair if you’re short)
*Don’t have enough space? See the bottom of the page for how to host a mini-concert.
What’s the schedule for the evening?
Typically, house concerts start around 7:00pm, though it’s up to you. You can ask guests to contribute to a potluck dinner/appetizers/dessert, or you can provide some light snacks and beverages. We set a “doors open” time, usually about half an hour before the show, for people to schmooze and eat. Then everyone gathers for showtime! We can discuss the length of the show, but I usually do two 30-45 minute sets with a 15 minute intermission.
How much does it cost?
Guests usually contribute a $10-20 suggested donation for my show – an affordable price for a fun evening out! You can choose a rate that you’re comfortable with, and it’s a good idea to let guests know about the suggested donation in advance. There’s usually a basket set out with a sign on a visible table where people can donate. I’ll also display my CDs and let the audience know they’re available for sale.
If you’d prefer not to ask your guests for money, we can set a flat fee for the evening.
Sounds great! Let’s do it!
Wonderful! Contact me at amber@amberikeman.com so we can start planning!
Click here for more resources, tips, and ideas for hosting house concerts.
Hosting a mini-concert
If you don’t think you have enough space or aren’t sure you can get that many people to come, a mini-concert is a great option for a smaller, more informal gathering. These are especially great for weeknights, for 8-12 people. Here’s an idea of what we can do:
-A 30 minute, simple dinner & conversation/potluck/happy hour
-30-40 minute concert
-15-20 minutes of hangout time
