House Concerts
What is a house concert:
At its simplest a concert held in your home. This could be
indoors, or in great weather, outdoors. Most often it is an
acoustic concert with little or no amplification.
Who can host:
People who have already had gatherings or parties in their
home for 20 plus people, are social by nature and enjoy music.
What’s in it for the musician(s):
Many performers have found that house concerts are an excellent
way to fill in those nights on the road when a major gig doesn't
fall into place. They may get a billet, often are fed, have
a new audience, sell some CDs, and walk away with some money
in their pocket.
What’s in it for the host: (from Liz Harvey-Foulds)
You get to meet some amazing people - the performers and the
audiences: you get a warm fuzzy feeling that you've made something
magical happen: you hear music that will leave you with goose
bumps all over: and for those of us who can't write and sing
songs it's a way of helping make songs by and about real people
become a reality. Most of all it's a LOT OF FUN!
Websites with more information:
Home
Routes
Responsibilities:
The host contacts the musician, rounds up the audience, collects
the money, sets the style of houseconcert. For example, when
Aengus called me, I invited him to take part in a house concert.
We discussed timing, fees, location, billeting, and what he
would be doing. Then I sent the information out inviting friends
and acquaintances to this event. I wanted a larger space than
my own home so I contacted Peter MacDonald. We partnered up,
my friend list and his home. We decided on a potluck so the
effort would be spread, and a more social environment could
be established.
Legalities:
Our legal responsibilities are the same as any party we hold
in our homes. We are responsible for the safety and wellbeing
of those on our premises. If someone is drinking, do not allow
them to drive home. Arrange a taxi, shuttle them and their
car, give them a couch, take away their keys.
Non-profit:
These house concerts are meant to be non-profit, at least
for the host. Only the musicians should be walking away with
a fee.
Paying the musician:
Everything is negotiable. Most musicians prefer cash however
if you will be paying with a cheque remember they will be
on the road for many weeks. This letter from Richard Wright
gives another point of view on negotiating with the artist...
I came up with what would work for me. Basically
it is no guarantee and a percentage of the door, plus food
and accommodation and my commitment to promoting the show.
When performers contact me I am very clear in what I can
offer. It is not a case of saying what a performer is worth
or what they should get anywhere else just what I can afford
and what my audience will support. I do NOT expect to get
Saturday nights. I expect to be a great alternative to a
motel room and no performance. I think everyone, particularly
those new to hosting need to know clearly in their own minds
what they can do.
Typical fees are:
Flat rate (agree on a set amount)
Per head (ie. $10 to $20 per guest)
Guaranteed minimum (combination of the above)
SOCAN:
Artists often submit their concerts playlists to SOCAN. The
artist then gets a cheque from them. SOCAN in turn may contact
you for a fee ($25). Discuss this with the musician and decide
how this will be handled. Does musician submit, or do you
withhold?
Etiquette:
This is a social event that helps promote live music. As such
all usual customs of etiquette should be followed. Musicians
who arrive stoned, hosts who get drunk... all are obviously
unacceptable.
Help!
I have set myself up as referee. Are either the host or the
artist rude? Is the agreement you are signing obscure? Contact
me at 
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