House Concerts: F.A.Q.

At house concerts, guests enjoy a unique opportunity to mingle with and talk to the artists.

Is it expensive to host a House Concert?

Not at all. At no personal cost, the House Concert host becomes an impresario, introducing friends, family, neighbours, and business associates to the music of an accomplished artist, while the artist is still at the dawn of a musical career. The host has the privilege to hand-pick the guests for this unique social gathering.

The performer’s fee is based on the number of people in attendance. Typical attendance at a House Concert is 25 – 60 or more people. Tickets usually range from $10-$25, and each invited guest pays for a ticket. The hosts are guests of the performer.

How can I charge people to come into my home?

If you are concerned about asking people to pay, let them know that all proceeds from ticket sales go to the artist. This is a way for you and your guests to directly support a touring performer, and to have a memorable and unique evening at a reasonable price. By hosting a private concert at your home, you are simply providing a venue for the performance. For a special occasion or celebration in your life, you might want to invite your guests and pay for the entertainment yourself.

I don’t think my house is big enough. Can I still host a House Concert?

Most people are surprised at how many people can be seated comfortably in a living room. Using concert-style row seating, with kitchen or dining room chairs and some furniture rearranging, an average 12 X 18 living room can comfortably seat 35 people. Often you can borrow stacking chairs from a local church or school, use patio chairs, or ask friends and neighbours to bring a chair or two.

If your home is absolutely too small, consider hosting the concert jointly with a friend who has a larger home, or even at a local coffee bar, in your condominium common room, or in the boardroom at your office. In warm weather, you might prefer to hold your concerts outdoors in a backyard or on a deck. (Be sure to arrange an alternative rain site.)

Who should I invite?

Invite everyone you know who would enjoy this unique experience: friends, relatives, neighbours, business associates.

How long is a house concert?

Two 50-minute sets with a 20-minute intermission are typical. This format can be tailored to each individual situation.

Do I need special invitations?

Suzanne & Tommy provide email invitations with concert details for you to send to your intended guests. If you prefer, you can call and invite them in person. They also provide tickets for you to sell in advance, so you know how many people plan to attend. Or you can simply keep a list of pre-paid guests and check off their names when they arrive.

Is there a need for sound or lighting?

In most instances, Suzanne & Tommy provide the sound and lighting they need for intimate settings. They will, however, need a table to display CDs and tapes.