What is a House Concert?

It’s an invitation-only concert in someone’s home, presented by a host who does not profit from the event.

Also, house concerts are usually…

    held indoors and on weekends
    attended by 20-50 people
    paid for by a $10-20 donation per guest (for the performer)
    known to include light snacks, beverages or a pot-luck dinner
    attended by the host’s friends, neighbors, co-workers, and maybe a few fans of the artist
    attended by a 25-60 age group
    performed by solo, duos and small groups
    performed with little to no amplification
    very intimate - the audiences sit close and are attentive
    performed in 2, 40-minute sets with a 20 minute break
    stronger for artist’s merchandise sales than traditional venues
    booked without a financial guarantee (sometimes a modest guarantee to cover expenses)
    known to house and feed the artist for the night


Although house concerts will adhere to most of these traditions, you may not find any house concerts that run exactly according to the list above. Each house concert is a collaboration between an artist, a host/presenter, and their friends and supporters.

Actually, this is a great checklist to go through when artists are working out details with a house concert host. Some surprises are nice, some aren’t. It’s a good habit to ask questions, don’t be shy. Either of you. 8^)