CIYH insists that our members (artists) understand the general kindness of house concert hosts, and that these hosts not be bullied or pressured into guarantees that make them uncomfortable. Doing so will forfeit your rights as a CIYH member.

Things you should know about house concert guarantees:

We encourage guarantees, especially with new hosts, but we will not make a host feel that they are necessary or “the only appropriate way” to host a house concert.

If a guarantee is necessary for YOU to do a particular show, it is completely acceptable to ask. But artists should not try to make a host feel wrong, bad, or guilty if a guarantee makes them uncomfortable. Acknowledge that you aren’t a good fit, thank them and move on.

Also be aware that hosts can explicitly state in their profile how they feel about guarantees. They can choose “Yes, No, or Maybe” and you should be aware of that BEFORE you pitch yourself for their series.

Every host is different, every artist has different needs, and those needs can vary from tour to tour and show to show. Be honest about your needs, and be respectful if those needs cannot be met.

Here is how we describe guarantees to new hosts who sign up.

Our house concert guide.