house concerts and 21st century touring

For immediate release: August 8, 2008

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ConcertsInYourHome.com adds “how-to” videos to help artists promote house concert performances to their fans.

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Despite the simple and straight-forward term, the mention of “house concerts” often draws blank stares and question marks from people who have not yet experienced one of these intimate, low-production-cost music performances. House concerts have been going on for centuries (classical parlor concerts, blues and jazz “rent parties,” etc.), but are becoming an increasingly vital part of acoustic and small-act tours.

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CIYH has made available the first of a series of “how-to” videos so that artists and hosts can better communicate (and promote) the concept to their fans and friends, respectively. The video includes pictures of dozens of artists as well as live shots taken during house concerts around north America. It also features some short video clips of actual house concert performances.

The video is available on YouTube, and several pages on the ConcertsInYourHome website. Artists are encouraged to use the video (it’s a free tool) to inspire their fans to join the growing house concert community. The site already features hundreds of artists and house concert venues from around the world, although the majority of the activity occurs in the U.S. and Canada.

The video: http://concertsinyourhome.com/how-to.html
How artists can use the video: http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/blog/archives/180

ConcertsInYourHome.com is a free website to promote the growth of house concerts around the world. The site is funded by (optional) artist memberships, that allow access to the growing database of house concert venues.

Contact: Fran Snyder, 817-789-2936

Additional Resources:
http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/press.html

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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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Message from Fran:

Our video page is starting to have an impact, as several artists (and hosts) have been sharing it with their fans and friends. 3,000 views in just 2 months. It’s led to a few artist gigs, and a few new hosts joining the site.

It’s not too late to send pictures (you own) to be included in the next video. Please send pictures that “look” like a house concert. The “non-headshot” pictures in the video above will give you a good idea of what I like.

It’s time to plan for the folk alliance conferences, which are an amazing opportunity for hosts and artists to network and get to know each other. There are tons of opportunities for artist showcases (even if you don’t get selected for an “official” showcase.) This provides an ideal situation for hosts to check out a LOT of artists in one, single, amazing weekend. Stay tuned this week (subscribe to our RSS feed) as I hope to announce our conference plans (which ones we’ll attend, and showcase possibilities) very soon.

CIYH stats and developments:

Since the recent site upgrades, we now have more than 200 updated house concert presenters on the site. We’re also approaching 500 artists, and the quality of talent continues to astound me. It’s really time to poke around if you haven’t yet. We’re also working on a way for hosts to provide meaningful feedback about the artists on our site. (Who would you recommend?) More on that next month.

New CIYH Hosts: (artist members can search 2008-07 on the advanced search page.)

11 New Host Members:

McLoudLand(AU), Fifth Street Farms(CA), The Outpost(FL), Equestrian Concerts(FL), Backyard Concert Series(MI), Garfield House Concerts(MI), Real Musik(NY), MAXimize yourself(NY), Lewis Circle(PA), deLyn’s Gallery(PA), Concerts at Hill House(VA)

New Talent Agencies:

We’ve come up with some attractive packages for agents who represent 2 or more artists. We’d like to welcome Laura Thomas of Combo Plate Booking to the CIYH family. 10 of her excellent acts are listed below.

New CIYH Artists: (A big thank you for your support.)

Check out these 38 new artists!
A.J. Roach, Alyse Black, Amy Meyers, Beaver Nelson, Ben Arnold, Ben Bedford, Bruce Mandel, Chuck McCabe, Dave Nachmanoff, David Nigel Lloyd, Elizabeth McQueen, Emily Lacy, Eric Hisaw, Girls With Vices, Gove Scrivenor, Harmonic Vocals (with tibetan horn and exotic world instruments), Holly Sedgwick, Jean Synodinos, Jeff Larson, Jess Yoakum, Jim McCarty (Yardbirds), Joe Rathbone, Lee Feldman, Lonnie Knight, Marc Gunn, Marc Silver & The Stonethrowers, Mark Elliott, Matthew Clark, Megan Boyer Band, Michael Fracasso, Nathan Hamilton, Nels Andrews, Peter Lang, Pop Stars: Dads Who Rock, Sharon Bousquet/Beaucoup Shakti, Stacy Robin/Imaginary Friends, The Starlings, Will Derryberry

Renewed Artists: (A HUGE thank you for your continued support!)

Tom Rawson, Clarke Buehling, Sarah Pierce, Jenn Franklin, Sam Pasco, Bill & Kate Isles, Jill Jack,

Schwag of the Month:

Our new Welcome Pack: A great deal to help you spread the word about house concerts. A nice black short-sleeve shirt, 20 postcards, and 2 instrument case/bumper stickers. Have a look!

Artist of the Month: Molly’s Revenge

Celtic music gets an update, a facelift, and a shot of adrenaline. This tight 4/5some can light any room on fire with their enthusiastic delivery of a wide range of almost traditional music. Here’s our fun interview with links to their website and latest CD.

Host of the Month:Hillbilly Haiku

Denise Williams’ recent “House Concert Primer” (O.K. - it’s more of a declaration of house concert love) inspired me to name her Host of the Month.

It’s nice to see someones’ dedication complemented by smart enthusiasm. Go Denise! Read her piece called “Music from the heart, not for the charts.“

Welcome to our home
Music that always pleases
Hillbilly Haiku

Tip for Artists:

I seriously believe everyone can benefit from these:

Is Your Mailing List Working for You?
Another Great House Concert Pitch for your Fans

and for you helpful, ambitious types: help me pick the best 3 tips:

Tip for Hosts: House Concert Contract

Are contracts typical of house concerts? No. However, more and more exceptional, reputable artists are being drawn to house concerts, and a healthy percentage of these artists are used to working with agents and receiving guarantees.

Fact is, it’s all good news. As a host, you always have the option to work with any artist you choose. If they need a contract, you have the choice to consider it, cancel out clauses you aren’t comfortable with, or move on. If you prefer to work without contracts, there are plenty of great artists available who will not require contracts - especially if you’ve established a good reputation as a host.

Here’s an informative post on house concert contracts, and a sample agreement that you can use to make sure everyone has realistic expectations.

Letters From Ned

This month, Ned shares the events of the first Earth Day, back in 1970, with a star-studded cast and “crew” including Robert Redford, Pete Seeger, Manhattan, a disjointed symphony orchestra and a heckuva rainstorm.

This website is sponsored by: D’Addario, Artist Direct, and our Member Artists!

Please share this information with people you like. — fran

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