1. House Concert Definition -
House concerts are a grassroots phenomenon in the U.S., Canada, and the UK where world-class musicians and developing local talent alike perform in the comfortable intimacy of private homes and similar nontraditional spaces. The house concert hosts facilitate the shows to support the musicians, and the tradition of live musical performance; they do not make any profit – or even collect reimbursement; their costs are donated ‘for the cause’. Attendees typically pay a suggested donation (based on the specific show, typically about $20-$25) directly to the musicians and get to enjoy the performance in an intimate, clean, safe, and fun environment.
2. Name- the “Houses Sing” name is the borrowed (appreciatively, with permission) title of the great song by Danny Schmidt – which has been a wonderful inspiration for the building and renovation work we’ve done in Central Texas, and the production of the house concert shows (Danny Schmidt was featured in an HSHC show along with Carrie Elkin for memorable evening in Taylor in April 2014).
3. The Concept:
- World-class performers from Americana and Folk genres perform live in Taylor, Texas
- Professional acoustic sound/stage set up
- 100% of all monies collected go directly to the artists
- The artists typically perform 2 sets with an intermission and chance to mingle with attendees between sets
- CDs/merchandise items are usually available for purchase from the artists
- Some shows include a “pot luck” dinner brought/shared by attendees; some may have local vendor fare available; feel free to participate…or not
- Adult beverages are BYOB
4. The Venues:
- Smaller, clean, and non-smoking settings that are comfortable for approximately 35-64 adults
- Outdoor beer garden setting (which may have tent facilities for some shows - so shows are rain or shine!)
- Listening Room environment during performance (e.g. silence phones and such as we often record the performance)
- You may want to bring collapsible chairs
- Staffed entirely by volunteers