Wally Lawder

A HOUSE CONCERT WITH WALLY LAWDER

WHAT’S A HOUSE CONCERT? 
A house concert is a concert in a living room (or perhaps the community space where you live).  They are intimate, easy to set up, really fun and a great way to see a show!  My favorite thing about house concerts is that I get to connect with the audience in a special way, with lots of laughter, maybe even a few tears and, for those so inclined, a little singing along.

THE DETAILS:
If I’m traveling from a distance, I may appreciate being able to stay in your home.  It depends on the situation, but it can make life on the road a little easier!

When I come to your home (or a space you arrange) to play a house concert, I will bring a small PA system--sometimes this is not needed but I like to have it on hand.  It’s just like a regular concert--I typically play 2 sets with an intermission in between, and then hang out afterward to socialize or perhaps sell CDs/merchandise.  All I need from you is to gather at least 20 of your friends, family or co-workers together at your house for a unique, enjoyable show!

THE CONCERT FEE:
A $15. fee is recommended, but a scale of $10. to $20. is possible, depending on where you live and how far I have to travel.  Typically, at a fee of $15. there needs to be a minimum of 20 people. Some hosts pay me directly for the show rather than collect an entry fee, and in that case may put out a tip basket. Note: another possibility is to charge less per ticket and make up the difference as the host.

It may be easier, in the long run, to collect the $15. (or other) donation before the evening of the show.  Many hosts ask for checks to be mailed to their house our use PayPal, etc.  For those who haven’t paid in advance, you can count on some “no shows,” so allow that in your planning.

TIPS FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE HOUSE CONCERT:
Many hosts send out emails to friends as invitations or post on social media.  You can even include a link for invitees to hear my music (we can send you a suggested link once a booking is confirmed).

REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT A “PARTY” WITH BACKGROUND MUSIC--IT’S A “LISTENING ROOM” CONCERT AND THE MUSIC IS THE FOCUS OF THE EVENING!

The more people the merrier!  20 is the suggested minimum, although 15 (but no fewer) is possible.  If the audience is too small, people tend to get a bit self conscious and are less likely to cut loose!  You’d be amazed at how many people you can fit into your living room (see chart below).  It’s a good idea to invite everyone from co-workers to good friends to neighbors, even people you don’t talk to often but you know would appreciate good music.

In general, the more “concert-like” the environment the better.  I suggest renting or borrowing folding chairs to augment your dining room/office chairs and to create rows with aisles that face the “stage” (try to get the slightly padded ones) and make the audience feel like they’re at a fabulous venue.  You can always ask people to bring chairs or pillows.

Snacks? You can make this potluck or simply set out some simple snacks and beverages. BYOB is fine--a glass of wine can go quite nicely with a house concert.

A little special decoration (such as 10 small candles) goes a long way to creating the perfect show ambience in your living room.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL FIT INTO YOUR LIVING ROOM?
I take up approximately a 4’ deep x 6’ wide space, so the first row of chairs should be beyond that. 
A 14 x 14 room can fit 20-25 people and me!
A 12 x 20 room can fit 30-35 people and me!
A 20 x 18 room can fit 40-45 people and me!
A 20 x 25 room can fit 55-60 people and me!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HOUSE CONCERT:
If I’m traveling from a distance, I arrive in the late afternoon and we meet and greet!

Change the start time below as you see fitting. 3 pm concerts on Sundays can work well also.

5:00 pm:    I set up my equipment and sound check; I have a light bite to eat (thank you!).
7:00 pm:    I disappear into a back room and prepare for the show.
7:00 pm:    The audience arrives (food, drink and social time).
7:30 pm:    You make your stellar introduction and I play my first set of music.
8:15 pm:    Intermission
8:30 pm:    I play a lovely second set.
9:15 pm:    We all hang out a bit.

Here’s a good website to find out more:    https://concertsinyourhome.org/house-concerts/

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT ARTISTS!