First time to Portugal and first Europe foray since 2019.
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!
First time to Portugal and first Europe foray since 2019.
Up Close and Personal concerts was a favorite of every NW and touring artist. I’m delighted to be the first concert back on the calendar in this beloved space. 3pm potluck. 4pm music Bill Corral accompanies.
Semi-private event. Get in touch if you want to come. It's a wonderful potluck with short concert before dark.