Interested in hosting a house concert? Slightly puzzled about what that actually means?! Fear not…
What is a House Concert?
Put simply, a house concert is ‘an invitation-only concert in someone’s home, presented by a host who does not profit from the event’. The event itself is ideally without a PA system and is centred around the music in a listening room environment.
A good house concert is dependent on a great host, a friendly crowd and a good songwriter all working together on a unique evening. No two house concerts are ever the same!
For a great detailed insight, check out this document put together by Fran at Concerts In Your Home.
Ok, I’ll check that link out but how does the evening run?
If you think you can fit 10/20+ people in your house or back garden then you can host a show. There’s a suggested donation of £10 per head which is collected by the host and goes direct to the artist.
Some hosts like to provide some nibbles for their guests or you could as your guests could arrive with a bowl of their culinary talents to share with other guests, I suppose it depends on who the cook is!
There’s normally 2 x 45 mins sets with a break in the middle for drinks, chatting and maybe a bit of pie.
Why not just play a ‘normal gig’?
Good question, well done you. As I see it, house concerts are all about taking music back into our homes – it’s less peculiar than you think. It’s just having someone play guitar and sing a song, without amplification, without autotune and without a dance troupe. Although, I’m working on the dance troupe bit…
The setting for a house concert is more intimate, you get more of a sense of what the songs are about, how they were formed and how they’ve developed- the shows are quieter in some places, raucous in others! They’re a little more delicate and always really special.
Sounds interesting…tell me more!
To ask me a question about how hosting works, please go to the Contact page and we’ll take it from there. It might be that hosting is not quite for you…that’s cool too, but just drop me a line and we’ll take it from there. Til then be sure to read the House Concert Guide.
Testimonials:
“Talented singer/ songwriter. Both Emily and her music connects. Should Emily knock on your door, guitar in hand, open it quickly and let her in. You and your audience will not be disappointed. A wonderful evening.” (lovely House Concert host Craig: August 2011)
(If you’ve hosted a gig in your lovely house and would like to leave a message please comment below and I’ll give you a cuddle and a wheel of cheese the next time I see you. EB x)
We were very honoured to host Emily’s first ever house gig, and have just book our third with Emily and 15th overall. Simply the best way to enjoy an evening of good company, lots of laughs, and great music, in an intimate setting. House concerts are the future. Everybody should host one. You won’t be disappointed.
A wheel of brie is heading your way Mrs B. See you in September!! xx
We have been lucky enough to be invited by the Browns to two of Emily s concerts. What can I say…… She is absolutely brilliant! I cannot reccomend her enough. Do not pass up an oppertunity to see Emily play.
xxx