What could be better than talented artists performing for you and your friends in the comfort of your home?
House concerts create a wonderful opportunity for music fans to experience the music in an inviting and intimate environment. For less than you'd pay at your multiplex, you and your friends can organize personal concerts you'll remember for a lifetime.
Planning
Coordinate date and time with Nicolas. Based on the amount of space you have and the number of guests you anticipate, you and Nicolas can decide how many musicians should perform.
Our experience shows that Saturday nights are best, but other nights can work out well if things like rush hour, and early next work days are taken into account when it comes to deciding start times.
We've found that providing light snacks and beverages at intermission and after the performance while people talk and socialize works best. Some people like to organize a potluck following the concert. The food can be simple and inexpensive - the focus should be the music.
Inviting guests
The most important factor is that the show is promoting the event as a "house concert", rather than a party.
Make a list of your closest friends and family and their contact information. Then make a list of another 50 people you know who you'd welcome into your house who you think might want enjoy this kind of music. This may sound like a lot of people, but only a portion of those invited will be available to attend your house concert.
Send your event invitation out 3 weeks in advance (two weeks in advance at the latest!) to the 100-150 people on the list. Getting the invitation into the homes of your friends with enough time to plan to attend is the most important aspect of promoting the house concert!
You can use a variety of methods to invite your friends: email, evite, facebook event (Facebook RSVPs are less reliable), or send a postcard or one-page letter in the mail.
Sample invitation
Create your own message in your own words!
You are cordially invited to a House Concert featuring
Nicolas Carter, Latin American harpist
Saturday, April 10, 2010
7:30 - 9:00pm (doors open at 7:00)
at the home of
John and Mary Hosts
123 Main Street
Your City
Light refreshments will be provided.
There is no cover charge, but we will pass the hat to support the talented musicians. $10-20 per person is suggested. (More if you can, less if you can't)
Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Name at (xxx) xxx-xxxx and let us know how many will be in your party. For more information about the performer Nicolas Carter, visit www.nicolascarter.com
Creating a stage
Create a stage in the corner of the living room. If you need extra chairs, you may be able to borrow chairs from an organization or church you are affiliated with, rent folding chairs, or you can simply request that people bring folding chairs or pillows to sit on.
Requesting financial contributions for the musicians
In our experience, most house concert hosts request a suggested donation instead of charging their guests. The amount of the suggested donation depends on your network of friends, but is typically around $15-20 per person.
In the invitation suggest a donation amount (more if you can, less if you can’t). This welcomes all people who may appreciate the music, and everyone can participate at the level they feel comfortable with.
Prior to the last song before intermission, the host (You!) should thank people for coming, make your guests aware that Nicolas Carter is an independent musician that lives by sharing his music. Ask your guests to generously support Nicolas (and/or the band) by making a financial contribution.
A “hat” (jar, basket or box) can be passed during the last song of the first set. After collecting initial contributions, leave the hat or jar placed strategically for stragglers, people who need change, and check writers.
Most hosts also provide a place for the artist to sell their CDs during intermission and after the performance and sometimes encourage their guests to sign up for Nicolas Carter’s email list.
After the concert, enjoy good food and conversation!
