As social creatures, we naturally gather with friends and family for celebrations, traditions, and shared interests. These gatherings build strong communities, which is why house concerts are becoming more popular. By hosting a house concert, you create an intimate space for music lovers and support DIY singer-songwriters. If you’re planning to host, you’re doing a great service for performers, and we’re here to help.
What is a house concert?
Hosting a house concert is like inviting a touch of magic into your living room. The lines between performer and audience blur, creating a one-of-a-kind live music experience. Unlike traditional concerts, a house concert brings the music up close and personal, right in the comfort of your home. It’s a cozy, shared experience that often involves smaller audiences, a deeper connection with the artist, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
As a host, you’re not just providing the venue; you’re crafting a welcoming environment where friends and strangers alike can come together for an evening of pure, unfiltered entertainment. Guests, on the other hand, are expected to embrace the unique setting. They often contribute to a potluck-style gathering, mingling with the performers and being a respectful and attentive audience. The atmosphere is different from loud house parties and instead focuses on the communal spirit.
Find the perfect performer
When selecting an artist for your house concert, it’s important to find people who can captivate in an intimate setting. Choosing performers who can adapt to the personal, low-tech environment of a house concert will ensure a memorable and engaging experience for everyone. Here are some suggestions for the best kinds of bands or musicians to consider:
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🎤 Acoustic singer-songwriters: The raw, unplugged sound of acoustic bands or singer-songwriters is perfect for smaller spaces, allowing the lyrics and emotion to shine through.
🪕 Folk bands: With their storytelling and rich harmonies, folk bands create a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates well in a home setting.
🎷 Jazz ensembles: A small jazz band can bring a sophisticated, laid-back vibe to your living room, perfect for background music that still engages the audience.
🎻 Classical musicians: Soloists or duos playing classical music like the violin, cello, or piano offer an elegant, refined experience that pairs beautifully with the intimate ambiance of a house concert.
🎹 Indie bands: Stripped-down versions of their songs can make indie bands a hit at house concerts, where their unique sound can connect more personally with the audience.
🎺 Blues and Americana artists: These genres often tell soulful, heartfelt stories, making blues bands and Americana musicians ideal for close-knit gatherings where every note can be felt.
Verify the important details
Once you’ve found a performer, you can contact them directly and discuss some of the specifics. Be sure to cover the important details before booking.
💙 Event vision
When an artist understands that their performance is the highlight of the event, they’re more likely to craft a setlist that resonates with the unique vibe of the gathering. Unlike larger venues, where the musician might play a standard set, a house concert offers the opportunity for a more personalized experience. The performer can select songs that are particularly meaningful, share stories behind the music, or even debut new material that might not have the same impact in a larger, less personal space.
🔌 Setup requirements
Because this is an intimate setting, your performer won’t need a lot of their typical gear. This doesn’t mean it has to be strictly an acoustic performance. A small sound system like a PA and microphone can go a long way. It’s important to address this in case their performance relies heavily on their equipment.
💰 Payment arrangement
Supporting the musician can be a little tricky with house concerts. If you want to charge a cover or sell tickets, this becomes a commercial activity, which presents its own obstacles. Encouraging guests to tip or donate directly to the performer will help you avoid some of these complications.
👉 Pro tip: If you choose a suggested donation payment method, you’ll need to make sure the performer approves. They may require full payment upfront to make a date unavailable for other bookings or to cover their travel expenses.
Build the best audience
When creating your guest list, it’s essential to consider the type of audience that would be appropriate for a sit-down concert. It’s best to invite people who would enjoy this kind of event. You may have rowdy friends who you love, but out of respect for the performer and other guests, it’s advisable to be selective.
The number of guests for a house concert can vary from 10 to 70, depending on how comfortably they can fit in the space. Before inviting 50 people to your home, make sure you can accommodate that many guests and have an adequate stage area for the performer.
Promote the concert
After creating your invitation list, you’ll need to decide how to promote the concert to your friends. The artist relies on the host to fill the room with a respectful and appreciative audience, so it’s important to utilize available resources rather than relying solely on word-of-mouth.
- Digital invitation: Apps like Evite and Eventbrite are great tools for event hosts. Guests can RSVP, donate money electronically, add the event to their calendar, or easily contact you for more information.
- Facebook event: Facebook has made it simple for event hosts to reach a select group of people for a private event. Once you’ve filled in all the details and added a great event photo, you can upload pictures, share posts, and invite your Facebook friends.
- Text/email: This straightforward method has shown great results for many hosts. You know your group of friends, so reach them directly on the platform they most often use.
Whichever invitation style you choose, it’s imperative to include a few extra necessary details:
- Event purpose: Educating your guests on the intent and expected conduct will help ensure a positive atmosphere for the performance.
- Event restrictions: Because house concerts require focused attention for longer periods of time, many hosts prohibit guests from bringing children. You may also have restrictions against alcohol, smoking, or pets.
- RSVP system: Once you know how many guests to expect, it’s easier to prepare your space.
Set the stage
For the final step in preparation, you’ll want to prepare your place for the performance. You may have a few minor snags with your first house concert, but having the basics in place can help.
🚘 Parking
Depending on your location, it’s a good idea to arrange a parking system. Be sure to inform your neighbors of the event, and they may have suggestions or offer extra space. This is also a great way to let them know you’re hosting a concert, not throwing a rager. If parking is limited, ask your guests to carpool or provide shuttle service to a nearby public lot.
🪑 Seating
To accommodate your guests, you’ll need to set up a comfortable seating area. You can arrange your furniture or provide additional chairs. If you don’t have enough seating options, you can ask guests to bring what they can.
🎙 Performance setup
To create ambiance and highlight the artist, you will need to provide plenty of room for the performance. This doesn’t require a raised stage by any means, but it’s recommended to section off an area. Make sure the area is large enough for them to switch instruments and close to a power supply.
Performers always appreciate opportunities to sell their merchandise, so it’s helpful to have a table for the display. You can also pass around a tip jar after a great set. This encourages musicians to continue performing in nontraditional venues and helps support artists’ music.
🥤 Refreshment options
As with most gatherings, having food and drinks available for your guests is key to creating a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re working with a limited budget, a potluck-style event is a great way to share the load while adding variety to the menu.
Encourage guests to bring their favorite finger foods, snacks, or desserts. Consider organizing a drink station with a mix of non-alcoholic options like sparkling water, iced tea, or lemonade. For those who enjoy a cocktail or two, you can provide the basics and invite guests to contribute their preferred spirits or mixers. Simple options like a DIY taco bar, charcuterie board, or popcorn station can keep things casual and easy to manage.
👉 Pro tip: Remember to include these details in the invitation. This will help guests know what to expect and plan accordingly.
There’s something very honest and intimate about a house concert that is unlike any experience you’d get at a standard venue. Listeners feel more connected to the music, performers feel supported by their biggest fans, and these encounters inspire many people in a big way.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.