11 May 2018, 04:43 PM
Hi All --- I’m new to this forum and the idea of house concerts, so I have a few questions, mostly about the concept itself and its applicability to my particular situation.
First, it seems that the idea works well for solo or duo acts, and even possibly a trio or quartet. However, I lead a 6-piece group that plays the music of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, and which includes a drum kit, so we can take up a fair amount of room. Just wondering if there are any other similar medium-to-large groups out there that are doing house concerts, and how they are faring. And are you using houses or alternate larger venues?
I was intrigued by the house concert idea because we have tried the traditional coffeehouse—club--restaurant route for several years, and have been increasingly dissatisfied with the results. Many places are increasingly reluctant to pay a guaranteed fee, and we also found that “playing for the door” with a cover charge can be a tough situation. And of course, “playing for the door” also transfers all of the financial risk to band, while the house essentially gets a free evening’s entertainment.
My biggest concern/issue with the house concert idea is that when someone invites people into their home for a gathering, the invitees usually don’t expect to pay anything for the privilege. They may bring a bottle of wine or some candy as a gift, but that’s not required and is a lot different than asking them to come up with a $10 or $20+ bill --- even if they are told about the donation idea in advance. To me, it’s like the hosts are asking their guests to pay for their party, which seems a bit strange to me, regardless of how it’s phrased. And if I’m uncomfortable with the idea, then it’s going to be very difficult for me to try and sell it to someone else. I’d appreciate any thoughts that anyone has on this.
Actually, as I think about it, the donation idea isn’t that far removed from a “cover charge,” except that a cover is an accepted business concept and people aren’t surprised or put off by. In a social situation, it’s a different story, at least in my opinion. And in some ways, a house concert is also not that much different than busking, except that you’re dealing with invited guests and not strangers on the street, which is an improvement. But you’re still asking for donations in either situation.
I know that house concerts have worked well for Shannon and many others, so I’m hoping that our group can use the same concept, too. I just need to wrap my head around the idea a little better! SETH
First, it seems that the idea works well for solo or duo acts, and even possibly a trio or quartet. However, I lead a 6-piece group that plays the music of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, and which includes a drum kit, so we can take up a fair amount of room. Just wondering if there are any other similar medium-to-large groups out there that are doing house concerts, and how they are faring. And are you using houses or alternate larger venues?
I was intrigued by the house concert idea because we have tried the traditional coffeehouse—club--restaurant route for several years, and have been increasingly dissatisfied with the results. Many places are increasingly reluctant to pay a guaranteed fee, and we also found that “playing for the door” with a cover charge can be a tough situation. And of course, “playing for the door” also transfers all of the financial risk to band, while the house essentially gets a free evening’s entertainment.
My biggest concern/issue with the house concert idea is that when someone invites people into their home for a gathering, the invitees usually don’t expect to pay anything for the privilege. They may bring a bottle of wine or some candy as a gift, but that’s not required and is a lot different than asking them to come up with a $10 or $20+ bill --- even if they are told about the donation idea in advance. To me, it’s like the hosts are asking their guests to pay for their party, which seems a bit strange to me, regardless of how it’s phrased. And if I’m uncomfortable with the idea, then it’s going to be very difficult for me to try and sell it to someone else. I’d appreciate any thoughts that anyone has on this.
Actually, as I think about it, the donation idea isn’t that far removed from a “cover charge,” except that a cover is an accepted business concept and people aren’t surprised or put off by. In a social situation, it’s a different story, at least in my opinion. And in some ways, a house concert is also not that much different than busking, except that you’re dealing with invited guests and not strangers on the street, which is an improvement. But you’re still asking for donations in either situation.
I know that house concerts have worked well for Shannon and many others, so I’m hoping that our group can use the same concept, too. I just need to wrap my head around the idea a little better! SETH