jean mann

Maybe this is a silly question….but what exactly is a house concert? 

Not a silly question! A house concert is a gathering of friends in your house or your yard (weather permitting!) who have come to listen to live music. It’s a wonderfully intimate way - my favorite way! - to experience a performance, both for the artist and for the listener. It creates a special bond and builds a relationship that is hard to achieve in the confines of a traditional club show.   I have performed for audiences all over the USA and Europe. 

Do I need to have a large house to host a concert? How many people am I expected to bring?  

You don’t need a large house! The magical thing about a house concert is the intimacy, so as long as people have somewhere comfy to sit where they can see and hear it’s good for everyone. A performance for even 15-20 people can be wonderful. If you do have a larger space and have more people that can attend, even better! 

Do you set a price for admission? 

House concerts generally operate on a “suggested donation” basis. It works well to have a basket or something else to put money in with a sign by the door, and it’s wonderful if the host can make an announcement to make sure people know it’s there. Suggested donation is usually $15-20, but if folks can’t do that much no one will be turned away!  (Host may opt to sponsor the gathering.) 

Am I expected to provide anything for guests? Is there a typical structure to the afternoon or evening? 

Providing chairs is wonderful if you can, or you can ask people to bring a folding chair with them. Often times house concerts involve a potluck style gathering starting an hour or so before the show. It’s a chance for me to meet and hang out with folks before the music which makes it that much more special to perform. I’m happy to play for 1-2 hours, how ever long fits for the occasion. Have an intermission , or one long set. . Every show is a bit different, and we can feel it out as we go. So much fun! 

I’m a bit anxious about the possibility of having strangers in my home. What can we do about that? 

We can definitely keep it to invite only! I will not list your address on my website. If I do have friends or fans in the area I might ask you if it’s ok to invite them. If not, that’s totally ok! I want you to be as comfortable as possible.  

Well, this sounds like it could be really cool! Can we talk more about it? 

Yes! Email me at jean@jeanmann.net and let’s talk!