House Concerts
In today's Americana / Folk market, there are far more quality musicians than well-paying venues – particularly in the United States. As a response to this conundrum, a network of house concerts have emerged during the last 20 years. Collectively, the design can be seen as both a resistance to insatiable corporatism as well as a pragmatic return to the domestically-generated entertainment of the early 19oos, when neighbors, friends, and the like-minded, gathered in the parlor room for music, singing, dancing, and general merriment.
By transforming one's dining area, den, or back porch into a unplugged performance space, the presenter and audience are liberated from the various stresses often associated with more conventional venues.
No need for a sound engineer as the perfromance is often unplugged entirely. (A solid technician is a blessing, but they're not always necessary); an evocative aura generated via ringing the room's perimeter with candle light or other sources of aesthetic warmth; attendance arrives via the host's network of friends, neighbors, co-workers and others seeking a uniquely intimate listening experience; parking is without hassle as it's at the host's home, presumably beside a public street. (Unless you're really creative, you will not get towed); food arrives by way of a pot luck collective, if this is the host's desire; the seltzer, wine, and beer, more affordable than any bar joint one could conjure.
All donations are payed directly the artists – usually 100% – a significantly more robust result per audience member than payouts from smaller clubs who – understandably – have bills, fees, and staff to pay first.
If you are intrigued by this arrangement, please click on the “mailing list” page to initiate a conversation.