A GUIDE TO HOSTING A CONCERT
HELLO!
So, you’re interested in having me perform a concert at your home, in your backyard or in a ‘non-traditional’ space like a cool warehouse, an old farm shed and the like. That’s awesome! These types of shows are my favourite way of connecting with the audience, sharing music authentically and nurturing communities of music-lovers. It’s one of the most truly connected experiences for both the performer and the audience. I want to make it as easy and straightforward as possible for you, so I have put together this quick guide to answer some of your initial questions.
THE SPACE
House concerts don’t have to take place in houses! Any space you have access to that can seat a minimum of 20 adults can work. Cozy floor seating or asking guests to bring a fold-out chair or cushion is fine. The most important thing to consider is that everyone is gathered close and is comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the concert. If you’re planning to host outdoors, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
EQUIPMENT / GEAR
If I am driving to you, I can supply everything that’s needed. If I need to travel by plane etc, I may need to borrow or hire some equipment and would appreciate your help in sourcing it. Between the two of us, we can generally find this by loaning from a friend or contact, but sometimes we will need to pay for equipment hire. In general, I need a small PA system (mixing desk and speakers) and a microphone stand. Nothing we can't sort out.
THE GUESTS
It’s important that there are a minimum of 20-30 adults in attendance. Twenty seems to be the magic minimum number where the event becomes a special experience for everyone involved. Also, it’s necessary in order to make the event financially viable. If you aren’t sure you’ll be able to get at least 20 adults to come on your own, feel free to “co-host” the event with a friend who also has a group of people to invite.
20-30 is in no way the attendance cap. If you’ve got the space and want to host more people, you can! The more the merrier!
TICKETS
Ticket prices are usually around $15-30 pending costs I need to cover (travel etc).
It’s always best to sell tickets in advance as it helps to get a commitment from people and enhances the ‘special occasion’ feel. I can set up an online ticket option for guests, or I am also happy to take a step of faith for people wish to pay cash or with card on the day of the show.
Occasionally, I have a host who prefers not to ask their guests to buy tickets and opts to pay an up-front guarantee for the show. If this interests you, let me know, and we can work out a fee structure that works for us both.
THE INVITATION
Once your concert date and time is confirmed, I will send you an email with links to buying tickets, photos, videos, music and some suggested language that you can use to craft your personalised invitations to your guests. Feel free to invite your guests by phone, by text, by email, on Facebook, or with hand-written invitations - whatever feels best for you and your guests. I have found that the best turnout comes from a diversity of approaches, often the more personal the invitation the better. (Whatever you do, don’t rely on posting to Facebook alone!).
It’s also good to send a few reminders and start promoting a minimum of one month out, but preferably 6 weeks or 2 months out. Don't panic if we are doing a short notice show, we can find a way to make it work as best as possible. Typically, about 50% of the people invited end up actually attending, so plan on inviting double the number of people you’d like to have at the concert (i.e. invite 60 people and 30 people will come).
I tend to leave the invitations and promotion up to the host, because it’s a private concert just for your friends and family. But, if you’re having trouble I am happy to give you some ideas and advice - just contact me asap to discuss options. If any part of this sounds confusing or overwhelming to you, don’t worry! Just let me know if you need help. I’m happy to help you make a flyer, draft an email and/or anything else that may come up.
Some Key Points to address in your invitation:
THE CONCERT
I’ll arrive at least 1 hour before the guests (90 minutes before the music begins) in order to set up and sound check.
Guests arrive. We all hang out for a 30 minutes or so. Just before the show starts, guests find their seats and settle in.
Showtime! I do 2 sets of around 50 minutes each with a 20 minute break between them.
After that, we all hang out some more, swap stories and become lifelong friends.
A FEW MORE THINGS
HOSTING ME
Most of the time, I would plan If I am travelling a fair distance for the performance and you are one of the wonderfully generous people who wants to host me overnight on the evening of our concert, I would be so appreciative!
A LISTENING ENVIRONMENT
You have likely gathered by now that these concerts will be a special, intimate exchange between the performer and the audience. It probably goes without saying, but if you’re looking for background music or a cover band for a house party, this will not be a good fit for either of us. I am most happy for you to choose to celebrate your birthday or special occasion by hosting a concert, but please be aware that guests will be expected to listen and participate.
KIDS
I love having people of all ages at shows and I think it’s so important to expose kids to music from a young age. If you’re inviting families with children who may get restless, please ensure they have a spot out of earshot to play and a grownup to watch them. A bit of noise won’t bother me, but a lot of noise will make it hard for others to enjoy the show.
SO… WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
If all of this sounds good to you and you'd like to host a House Concert, please email me on [email protected] and voice your interest and we can have a chat.
HELLO!
So, you’re interested in having me perform a concert at your home, in your backyard or in a ‘non-traditional’ space like a cool warehouse, an old farm shed and the like. That’s awesome! These types of shows are my favourite way of connecting with the audience, sharing music authentically and nurturing communities of music-lovers. It’s one of the most truly connected experiences for both the performer and the audience. I want to make it as easy and straightforward as possible for you, so I have put together this quick guide to answer some of your initial questions.
THE SPACE
House concerts don’t have to take place in houses! Any space you have access to that can seat a minimum of 20 adults can work. Cozy floor seating or asking guests to bring a fold-out chair or cushion is fine. The most important thing to consider is that everyone is gathered close and is comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the concert. If you’re planning to host outdoors, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
EQUIPMENT / GEAR
If I am driving to you, I can supply everything that’s needed. If I need to travel by plane etc, I may need to borrow or hire some equipment and would appreciate your help in sourcing it. Between the two of us, we can generally find this by loaning from a friend or contact, but sometimes we will need to pay for equipment hire. In general, I need a small PA system (mixing desk and speakers) and a microphone stand. Nothing we can't sort out.
THE GUESTS
It’s important that there are a minimum of 20-30 adults in attendance. Twenty seems to be the magic minimum number where the event becomes a special experience for everyone involved. Also, it’s necessary in order to make the event financially viable. If you aren’t sure you’ll be able to get at least 20 adults to come on your own, feel free to “co-host” the event with a friend who also has a group of people to invite.
20-30 is in no way the attendance cap. If you’ve got the space and want to host more people, you can! The more the merrier!
TICKETS
Ticket prices are usually around $15-30 pending costs I need to cover (travel etc).
It’s always best to sell tickets in advance as it helps to get a commitment from people and enhances the ‘special occasion’ feel. I can set up an online ticket option for guests, or I am also happy to take a step of faith for people wish to pay cash or with card on the day of the show.
Occasionally, I have a host who prefers not to ask their guests to buy tickets and opts to pay an up-front guarantee for the show. If this interests you, let me know, and we can work out a fee structure that works for us both.
THE INVITATION
Once your concert date and time is confirmed, I will send you an email with links to buying tickets, photos, videos, music and some suggested language that you can use to craft your personalised invitations to your guests. Feel free to invite your guests by phone, by text, by email, on Facebook, or with hand-written invitations - whatever feels best for you and your guests. I have found that the best turnout comes from a diversity of approaches, often the more personal the invitation the better. (Whatever you do, don’t rely on posting to Facebook alone!).
It’s also good to send a few reminders and start promoting a minimum of one month out, but preferably 6 weeks or 2 months out. Don't panic if we are doing a short notice show, we can find a way to make it work as best as possible. Typically, about 50% of the people invited end up actually attending, so plan on inviting double the number of people you’d like to have at the concert (i.e. invite 60 people and 30 people will come).
I tend to leave the invitations and promotion up to the host, because it’s a private concert just for your friends and family. But, if you’re having trouble I am happy to give you some ideas and advice - just contact me asap to discuss options. If any part of this sounds confusing or overwhelming to you, don’t worry! Just let me know if you need help. I’m happy to help you make a flyer, draft an email and/or anything else that may come up.
Some Key Points to address in your invitation:
- Guests should arrive about 30 minutes before the concert begins. (i.e. Please arrive at 630pm. The music will begin promptly at 7pm)
- Let guests know the ticket price and how to make a booking.
- Let guests know if you’ll be providing snacks + drinks. This isn’t a requirement for hosting! I’ve had lovely potluck shows, shows where hosts provide food + drink, and shows without food and drink. It’s totally up to you.
- Let guests know that there will be Merch for sale too - including CD's, USB's (all my albums on one stick
THE CONCERT
I’ll arrive at least 1 hour before the guests (90 minutes before the music begins) in order to set up and sound check.
Guests arrive. We all hang out for a 30 minutes or so. Just before the show starts, guests find their seats and settle in.
Showtime! I do 2 sets of around 50 minutes each with a 20 minute break between them.
After that, we all hang out some more, swap stories and become lifelong friends.
A FEW MORE THINGS
HOSTING ME
Most of the time, I would plan If I am travelling a fair distance for the performance and you are one of the wonderfully generous people who wants to host me overnight on the evening of our concert, I would be so appreciative!
A LISTENING ENVIRONMENT
You have likely gathered by now that these concerts will be a special, intimate exchange between the performer and the audience. It probably goes without saying, but if you’re looking for background music or a cover band for a house party, this will not be a good fit for either of us. I am most happy for you to choose to celebrate your birthday or special occasion by hosting a concert, but please be aware that guests will be expected to listen and participate.
KIDS
I love having people of all ages at shows and I think it’s so important to expose kids to music from a young age. If you’re inviting families with children who may get restless, please ensure they have a spot out of earshot to play and a grownup to watch them. A bit of noise won’t bother me, but a lot of noise will make it hard for others to enjoy the show.
SO… WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
If all of this sounds good to you and you'd like to host a House Concert, please email me on [email protected] and voice your interest and we can have a chat.