In a world where music is often consumed in large venues or through tiny earbuds, house concerts offer a refreshing alternative that brings artists and audiences closer together. If you’re a music lover, hosting a house concert series can be not just a fulfilling hobby, but also a way to create community and support independent artists. Here are some compelling reasons to consider starting your own house concert series.

 1. Intimacy and Connection

One of the most significant benefits of house concerts is the intimate atmosphere they offer. Unlike large concert halls, where artists can feel distant from their audience, a house concert allows for a personal connection. Attendees can engage with the performers, ask questions, and share stories. This intimacy fosters a unique bond between the artist and the audience, making the experience memorable for everyone involved.

2. Support for Independent Artists

Many talented musicians struggle to find venues that appreciate their craft. By hosting a house concert series, you offer a platform for these artists to showcase their work, gain exposure, and connect with fans. Your home becomes a launching pad for their careers, and you become an integral part of their journey. Plus, as a host, you get to curate the lineup, ensuring that you feature artists whose music resonates with you and your guests. I have hosted many what I call “I was there shows” where I felt, yeah, this artist is going to break out and be a household name in no time! Cool Feeling!

3. Building Community

House concerts create a sense of community among attendees. Neighbors, friends, and fellow music lovers come together to share an experience that transcends the usual social interactions. This communal atmosphere can lead to lasting friendships and connections. Additionally, it encourages a culture of support for local artists and fosters a love for live music within the community.

4. Affordable Entertainment

In an age where concert tickets can be exorbitantly priced, house concerts provide an affordable alternative. Many artists are willing to perform for a suggested donation, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy live music. As a host, you can help set the tone for a welcoming environment where attendees can enjoy high-quality performances without breaking the bank. Oh, and I TOTALLY recommend Potlucks for a really good time!

5. Creative Freedom

House concerts allow for a diverse range of musical genres and performance styles. As a host, you have the freedom to curate your series according to your tastes, whether that’s folk, jazz, classical, or even spoken word. This creative control means you can experiment with different formats, such as themed nights, open mics, or collaborative performances, keeping the series exciting and fresh.

6. A Unique Experience

Each house concert is unique, shaped by the space, the audience, and the artist’s personality. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement to the experience. Attendees know they’re part of something special and exclusive, which enhances their enjoyment and appreciation of the music.

7. Personal Growth and Skills Development

Hosting a house concert series can also be a fantastic opportunity for personal growth. You’ll develop skills in event planning, promotion, and hospitality. Managing logistics such as seating, sound equipment, and refreshments can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to create a welcoming environment for others.

8. Creating Lasting Memories

The moments shared during a house concert can become cherished memories for both the host and the attendees. The laughter, the music, and the shared experiences create a tapestry of memories that can last a lifetime. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the connections and the fun that come with it.

Getting Started

If you’re inspired to start your own house concert series, here are a few tips:

– Choose Your Space: Make sure your home can comfortably accommodate guests. Consider seating arrangements and acoustics.
– Set a Schedule: Decide how often you want to host concerts—monthly, quarterly, or seasonally.
– Promote Your Series: Use social media, community boards, and word of mouth to spread the word. Create an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to bring friends.
– Curate Your Lineup: Reach out to local artists or use platforms like social media and music forums to find talent. Attend other house concerts to get inspired. To get really involved and to network with regular house concert performers, you can find many house concert host networks through Facebook, and sites like The Listening Room Network features many touring artists who are looking for shows across the nation. House concert hosts are some of the most amazing people to know! They all believe that we can save the world through music!
– Prepare for the Event: Set up seating, sound equipment, and refreshments. Make sure to communicate guidelines to your guests, such as donation amounts or seating arrangements.

A word about money…. The host community that I have met through hosting house concerts will all say, “100% of the proceeds SHOULD go to the artist” and I happen to agree with that 100%! Please realize that these shows often help these touring artists get to the next gig, and supplement and fund the miles traveled. Be sure to word “ticket prices” as “suggested donations” and recommend an amount that you feel is reasonable based on the experience you plan to create. Before the day of the show, make sure you have a way to share the link to the artist’s payment options like Paypal, Zell or Venmo with a QR code or payment ID. Many of the artists that I have workes with already have these available. A good practice is to have these scattered around the room and make the links easily accessible to your guests. Give instructions on how to contribute in your preshow promotions, when you introduce the artist before the show, and during any breaks or intermissions. A typical “suggested donation” range that I have used successfully in my shows is between $15 and $25 per person. Create a cool Tip Jar and point it out for those who want to give cash. I have had shows that were so good, that the jar was STUFFED even after the suggested donation. You get the idea. Also make sure to offer an area for the artist to display merch for sale and encourage your guests to purchase these as well!

Conclusion

Starting a house concert series is a rewarding effort that brings music into your life and the lives of others. By creating an intimate space for artists to play, you foster community, support independent musicians, and cultivate a love for live music. So, gather your friends, clear some space, and get ready to make some magical memories through the magic of music! I will cover best practices and ideas more in detail as we continue this conversation. Happy Hosting!