Shawn MacIntyre

Q: So what's a House Concert?

A: It's an intimate concert that you host in the safety and comfort of your own home.

 

Q: Who attends a House Concert?

A: Your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. They're people you know. You don't have strangers coming to your home. You have friends over for a party.

 

Q: Do I need a sound system?

A: No, However, please ask guests to be respectful during the performance by keeping talking to a minimum and placing telephone on silent mode.

 

Q: How do I set up my house for a House Concert?

A: Pick one of the larger rooms in your home and choose an area for the performer. Decide where you want the "stage" to be. Choose an area that is viewable from most of the room, and that will be away from the lanes of traffic. Arrange couches and chairs (depending on how many guests you expect) so that everyone will naturally face the performer. You may need to move some tables and other furniture into another room. Arrange chairs to accommodate entrance and exits, lighting, and sight lines to the artist etc.

 

Q: What about that "stage" thing you mention?

A: An area 4x8 foot is preferred, though not absolutely necessary. Leave enough room for the musician to move around a bit.

 

Q: What about lighting?

A: Normal room lighting is fine, no need to worry about extensive lighting for a nice night with friends.

 

Q: Do I charge the guests for the House Concert?

A: It's a private party, not a business. We suggest you ask for a donation (usually $5 -$10), which goes to the artist. The host collects the donations and presents the money to the performer at the close of the show. Some hosts like to collect as guests enter, but many prefer to wait until everyone is seated, and collect donations shortly before the start of the show.

 

Q: Is there food and drink at a House Concert?

A: Yes. And like all aspects of a House Concert the particulars are up to the host. Some hosts provide simple soft drinks, chips and veggie platters during intermission. Some ask the guests to BYOB alcoholic beverages. Some host an extensive BBQ or pot luck buffet before the concert. It's entirely up to you, the host.

 

Q: What if no one shows up for the concert?

A: You will usually know, well ahead of time how many guests to expect. We recommend RSVP'ing for exactly that reason. But in the event that you end up with very few or no guests, then you'll get a very intimate, private concert.

 

Q: How long does the concert last?

A: Typically, a performance is two sets, 30- 45 minutes long. There will be an intermission between the two sets to allow guests to stretch, grab a snack, use the restroom etc. This is also an opportunity for the performer to sell merchandise.

 

Q: Can children attend the House Concert?

A: We recommend against bringing kids under the age of about 14 years. Children have a shorter attention span, and distractions can really impair an intimate concert