How Do I Book Myself Into A House Concert?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 01:32PM I am always looking for input from all of you who are reading this blog. can't possibly know everything so I always invite you to contribute if there is something you know that I haven't referenced or addressed.
Fran Snyder ( http://fransnyder.com) , who has this house concert thing down, and also created the website ( http://concertsinyourhome.com ), offered these tips to everyone who'd like to enjoy the experience of doing one of these types of shows. I just did the Endangered Folk Series in Milwaukee, WI this past Sunday and had the most fun. And I think I sold about fifty CD's, which is a nice response from 35 people, don't you think? In any event, here's Fran Snyder's wonderful contribution:
Of course, music in homes (castles, courtyards) is nothing new. But house concerts (in their present form) have been around since the early 70's. They may have evolved out of "rent parties", where jazz or blues musicians would need to scrape together money at the end of the month. Either way, thanks to folk festivals, savvy artists, and generous music fans, there's been a constant ebb and flow of house concerts in several regions of the U.S. - principally in the northeast, California, and Texas. Now, by using websites like concertsinyourhome.com, you can find house concerts in almost every state and province in the U.S. and Canada.
I began performing house concerts about 4 years ago, by pitching the idea to my fanbase, which I'd acquired over 10 years of touring. I was instantly charmed by the way people reacted to my songs in this intimate atmosphere - the way the hung on every word, laughed at every joke, and I could really sense their emotions as they followed the stories and songs.
Like many other talented artists, I realized I'd spent most of my music career playing in places where my "value" was judged by how much alcohol was sold. That's a pretty shallow way to measure art. More importantly, I realized it didn't have to be that way. By reaching out to music fans who are "more into the music than the scene," I could perform in non-traditional venues (like living rooms) and make better money in addition to seeing my music really connect. Unless you are consistently playing concert halls, the clubs and coffeehouses often provide too many distractions for you to connect with an audience in a meaningful way.
I soon discovered that there were hundreds of homeowners around the country that regularly hosted house concerts. However, finding accurate information about them was often very difficult. So I set out to create this website, concertsinyourhome.com, to help others like myself tap into a growing network of music fans who make an effort to keep art and music in their lives.
As this network of house concert opportunities grows, it's ironic that a house concert series can actually help the coffeehouses and clubs in its area. Many artists use house concerts as an effective way to build a (fan)base, before approaching the clubs that have nothing to gain from an unknown artist. I consistently hear from artists that they simply could not tour without the returns that house concerts often provide.
One of my friends, Hans York, puts it another way - "house concerts are the emotional anchors of every tour." 
Part One: Important things to do:
1. Attend a house concert if at all possible - there’s no better education.
2. Become excellent at what you do. It’s amazing how many people delude themselves. (want proof? American Idol)
3. Be personal. Show that you’ve done your research, and that you regard the host as a valuable human being who is doing a wonderful thing for the arts - even if they won’t book you.
4. Be humble. Understand that no matter how good you are, there will always be people who aren’t turned on by your music.
5. Be reasonable. Understand that hosts have limited schedules - and will never be able to book every act they like.
6. Be consistent. People are busy, and sometimes messages don’t get returned. If that hurts your feelings, you are doomed. Every host is different, but it is wise to follow up (no more than once or twice a month) until you get at least a “we received your package.” After that, back off. An occasional polite reminder (”I’m touring in your area in November…”) no more than once a quarter should keep you from wearing out your welcome. If you get a “no, thank you” or no response for a year - be respectful and move on.
7. Be generous. Consider hosting a house concert for an artist you admire. Think of it as a Karma deposit.
8. Be pro-active. There’s no quicker way to get house concert bookings than to educate your fans - consistently. Emails, website links, and announcements from the stage!
9. Be accommodating. Each house concert host has different needs and concerns. Learn them. Honor them. And make sure they understand your needs.
10. Be cool. You’re an artist for Pete’s sake! You CAN be professional without being corporate.
a. Review Part One of this article!
b. Don’t lose heart if things don’t happen quickly. Hardly anything good ever does.
c. Don’t underestimate travel costs, and travel time.
d. Remember to build your mailing list. If you want to return to this area, it’s more important that selling CDs.
e. Pay close attention to the musical tastes of the host. If they want bluegrass - don’t call if you can’t play bluegrass!
f. Don’t expect financial guarantees. If you must ask, be gentle, and be prepared for a “no.”
g. Be realistic about your ability to headline and do two sets. It’s hard to thrill an audience for 90 minutes if you only have one album of material.
h. Remember to ask about pets/smoking if you are allergic to or dependent on either.
i. Don’t be desperate. Don’t act like a star. Be yourself, even if you’re a jerk. Better they know now. 8^)
j. Remember that people want to have fun. If your music is depressing, your stage patter better not be.
k. Don’t underestimate the intimacy of house concerts. Some artists are uncomfortable being that close to the audience.
l. Don’t assume that the host can fill the room without your help. Be ready to promote if their house concert series is open to the public.
m. Don’t assume room and board are included, or anything else for that matter, until you ask.
and finally…
If a host’s website (or CIYH profile) says they are not looking for artists at this time… please leave them alone.
Fran Snyder
founder of http://concertsinyourhome.com
hear some music at http://fransnyder.com
Reader Comments (3)
This is an awesome site. Thanks so much for all the information. It's invaluable.
Musically, Rayn
I feel I should say, I absolutely love this blog. Could tell me how I can go about keeping up to date with it? By the way I discovered this website through Lycos
Hair Loss Solutions
Health and Fitness
Female Hair Transplant
The Truth About Six Pack Abs Review
Cheap Dental Health Insurance
Email Database
Hot News and Events
Fish Finder
Make Up Brushes
Small Corner Computer Desk
Portable Air Conditioning Unit
double oven electric range
Cheap Life Assurance Quote
Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses
Disney Minnie Mouse
microwave rice cooker
jazz music download
asbestos attorney cancer lawyer mesothelioma settlement
Business week MBA
Products Review and Price
Christmas is probably the most special day of the year for children. One thing that makes it special is the popular tradition of Santa Claus. kxgydv kxgydv - mulberry alexa.