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House concerts are a wonderful thing. They are a great way to hear wonderful music by great acoustic musicians, have a night out with friends, and support some fine artists. They are far more intimate than most concert settings and the band and audience often get to know each other and become friends.
With Barb and Chris's concert and touring experience, combined with their long time friendship, they manage to create the perfect blend of stories and music to create an intimate and memoral evening. Stories like: how they came to meet the descendant, right here in Calgary, of the man who wrote their favorite "traditional" Irish ballad; or their frantic dash across Scotland with a 6 piece band and a mad Scottish accordion player, just to arrive 3 minutes after their concert was supposed to start. Combined with their large repertoire of tunes and songs they create an evening not soon forgotten.
Make no mistake though, house concerts are concerts - not parties. The expectaion is that they are treated like any other concert setting. However, that's not to say that house parties and kitchen parties are not great as well, or couldn't be combined with a house concert. We love playing them and are interested in talking with anyone who is looking for music for their party or gathering. That falls, however, under the normal booking rates - not house concert rates. |
What do you need to put on a House Concert? |
Mainly - lots of friends that love acoustic music and would like to be involved in a intimate concert of songs and tunes. Most house concerts have between 15 and 30 people attend and it is often mixed with an evening of light snacks and refreshments - even if its "Bring Your Own". There is always lots of fun with good music and friends. |
How much does it Cost? |
This varies, but it usually doesn't cost the host anything. The attendees usually pay $15 to $25 a person. If the musicians have a CD to sell (we don't yet) that usually goes for $20. Because bands usually make less for a house concert than most commercial gigs they get hired for, and it is how they make a least part of their living - extra donations (tips) are always welcome.If the musicians are on the road, accomodations for the night are usually supplied as partial payment. House concerts for touring groups are often booked on week nights while the bands are between gigs to help them allay the hardship of travel expenses on non-concert evenings. |
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