house concerts and 21st century touring

I just spoke with one of our former hosts, who gave up something he loved (house concerts).

He had built a beautiful gazebo/amphitheater in his backyard with house concerts specifically in mind. The events and the view were simply breathtaking, and his series became very popular in his rural Texas community.

Then, the next door neighbor put up an oil well, ruining the view, and pumping oil out of the ground 24/7. It’s easy to see that it must have been a depressing site, and a serious reason to re-consider hosting events there. Accordingly, he hasn’t hosted a show in quite some time.

When I called and heard his story, I was surprised to hear that he never even considered asking one of his many “regulars” or volunteers to host an event at THEIR place! I could almost hear the wheels turn in his head. Or what about moving the event inside? That’s where most house concerts happen anyway!

He intimated that hosting shows was the most fun he’d ever had. And he gave it up simply because he couldn’t think outside the box (OK, it was a really nice box.) when change became necessary.

I explained to him that we have more than a handful of hosts on our website who don’t use their own home. They organize, book, and help promote concerts in SOMEONE ELSE’S home. Same fun, half the work.

If you love live music, independent artists, and yes, house concerts, please don’t let the little things (or oil wells) get in the way. All you need is some friends, some space, and great music.

I hope I’ve inspired him to jump back in. Hosts are a more valuable resource than last-century oil.

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