Acoustic Roof House Concerts
We'd like to share a link with you - http://www.acousticroof.ca. This is a fabulous organisation that has become the driving force behind house concerts in Canada. There's lots and lots of info and videos on the site that you might find useful and entertaining. Don't be put off by the fact they they are based in Canada and you might be based in the UK.....Get in touch with Paula via the site and she might be able to put you in touch with musicians who need be touring in the UK and need to fill a night or two!
Host a Breeze & Wilson House Concert
House concerts are a fairly new thing for us (and for many other folks too) but....we've tried them and WE LIKE THEM....Whatsmore......we think that you will too. If you have a living room big enough to seat 20 or so people (mainly your friends!) then why not talk to us about hosting a house concert?
There's some info about House Concerts here and you can watch a full hour and a half of our last House Concert in Holmfirth here in our MEMBERS AREA (you'll need to join the mailing list first to get access to this area).
Here's a quote from the host of that concert:
Hi Toby, Graham, Sam and Megan
At risk of saying ‘thank-you’ too many times – I would just like to say a huge Thank You one last time for the house concert – it really was superb and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. We really appreciate the time and effort that you made coming over to our neck of the woods and we will spread the word about you to all far and wide. You are all really talented musicians / performers / entertainers (and really nice people as well!) and you were such a pleasure to watch.
I went down to Open Mike last night and everyone was still buzzing about it! And if any of you are interested in performing at the Holmfirth Festival of Folk next year (usually beginning of May) – let us know…………!!
Thought you might like to see some of the texts I have had from the people who came:
“thanks for such a great evening, great music, great people!”
“Brilliant experience last night – still buzzing!”
“What a lovely night…so relaxing. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Remember to invite me if you do it again!"
“Thank you so much for the fantastic evening……We both feel very privileged to have been a part of such a mega event. It is difficult to explain to people who weren’t there how unique & amazing it was”
Must go now – still got a few glasses to wash up that I couldn’t be bothered to do yesterday! Take care and thanks again (last time – honest!) Sophie, Adrian, Alasdair, Nathan (& Maisy) x
House Concerts FAQ
What is a house concert?
It's the hippest, most viable and rewarding venue option for folk/roots musicians today - and you can host one in your living room! A house concert is a chance to experience music in a warm and intimate environment. It's when someone opens up their home and invites you into their living room to share in a performance by one of their favourite musicians. It's a chance to meet the performers and get them to sign their CD. A house concert is also a great social evening for friends and neighbors.? You can be a House Concert host! It's simple, you just invite 10-20 (or more) friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, the postman and whoever else, to a concert at your home.
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 entrance with a visible sign that says: SUGGESTED DONATION £10 each THANKS (you and the artist set this together beforehand) House concerts are a great way to support talented, independent artists - directly. A mention of the donation concept during the welcome and introduction of the concert can serve as a reminder. This combination of tactics assures that everyone contributes 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 experience. Everyone walks away happy and it's 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 munchies is sufficient, although some folks ask guests to bring goodies, food and drink, etc.
How long do artists play?
Artists normally play a 45 minute 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 CDs and refreshments. Then, one more 45 minute set and that's a wrap.