In the free House Concert Guide, I explain the importance of not having more chairs than people at a house concert. Nothing sucks the energy out of a room more effectively than empty seats. It’s even more of a problem when those empty chairs are in the front row, so I have always suggested that hosts pull a few close friends aside before the show to ask them to sit in the front row when the time comes. Human nature being what it is, there are a lot of people who feel uncomfortable looking that eager.

However, here in western Nebraska, I just learned a new trick from the Clarks.

What they do, is they set up a “fake front row” of 4 chairs that are ridiculously close to the performer (considering the space of their living room.) Naturally, no one wants to sit that close, so the second row seems like an attractive choice (close enough, but not too close.)

Then, a few minutes before the show, they pull the chairs out from the front row (to remove, or add to the back if needed) and the full second rowers find themselves in the front row. They grin, the performer loves it, and any pictures of the event now will look well-attended.

Of course, they explain this dastardly plot to the performers ahead of time. Also, if your room is exceptionally small, you may have no choice but to sit people ridiculously close to the performer - so my original advice would be more helpful to you.

When all else fails, be sneaky. Try the fake front row.