House Concerts - anyone done one?

iMADEtheBBC

http://www.trritchie.com/hctext.htm

HOUSE CONCERT (hows KAWN sert) n.

[font=verdana, arial, san serif]1/ A live performance before an assemblage of music enthusiasts by a musical artist or artists in a private residence or equivalent setting, sometimes held in conjunction with other festivities, i.e. potluck supper, song circle or jam session. [/font]
[font=verdana, arial, san serif]2/ A unique opportunity to experience a favorite performer, up close and personal, without musical amplification or other artificial barriers between the performer and listener. [/font]
[font=verdana, arial, san serif]3/ A superior alternative to those noisome, crowded, hard-to-get-to venues downtown. [/font]
[font=verdana, arial, san serif]4/ In rural and/or suburban communities, sometimes the only option [/font]
[font=verdana, arial, san serif]for hearing live music locally at all. [/font]
[font=verdana, arial, san serif]5/ An interesting addition to the itinerary of the touring musician. [font=verdana, arial, san serif]6/ A lively, economical antidote for NEHAH's (Nothing Ever Happens Around Here) Syndrome.[/font]

http://www3.telus.net/oldfolk/housecon.htm

Have you ever attended/run/played at one of these ?

I'm in touch with a touring American singer-songwriter and I'm thinking of organizing one in September. Would be great to get the benefit of someone else's experience in doing this.

inisboffin

I am pals with a musician in the States who does a fair amount of these. He has quite a folkie following and plays internationally too.
I have been at a couple..

It may be a cultural thing, but over the sea, folks seem to appreciate them more than we would. I suspect it's because we have house 'sessions' all the time here as a nation. I was surprised how little live music is played after a pub or at a party in a lot of areas of the US. There are lovely exceptions of course.

If you set it up as a 'thing' I am sure it could do ok. Generally there's a bit of snack food supplied by the host, often soft drinks or wine, byob is fine too. There is sometimes a 'cover' of a fiver or tenner, or else it is pass the hat.
All dosh goes to the performer (or minus expenses I'd say if the host is not loaded). Personally I like them, but it really depends on the artist. Works great for Americana type stuff.

iMADEtheBBC

You make a good point - as I read about these I thought to myself : sure don't we do that whenever there's half an excuse ?

I might organize one and bring in an American artist I've been in contact with and see what happens. Would be a chance to play myself too I suppose.

inisboffin

Yeah. If you can make it 'special' in some way...persuade a mate with a nice posh gaff, get some sponsorship for wine. Do a little internet marketing.
I think house concerts are quite nice and intimate. You probably wouldn't get away with charging 10 or 15 quid here without adding some extras, but I actually think it is something to encourage. Nice one.