What In The Hell Is A House Concert?

Your favorite artist might come and play for you in your living room. Here's how you can make it happen.

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[otisgibbs]

09/09/22  -San Sebastien, Spain
09/11/22  -Amen, Netherlandsde 
09/15/22  -Utrecht, Netherlands
09/16/22  -Westwoud, Netherlandsde 
09/18/22  -Rotterdam, Netherlands
09/20/22. -Groningen, Netherlands
09/22/22  -Gladsaxe, Denmark
09/23/22. -Frederikshavn, Denmark
10/28/22  -Kansas City, Missouri
10/29/22  -Omaha, Nebraska
10/30/22. -Des Moines, Iowa
10/31/22. -Eau Claire, Wisconsin

[haroldgamble]

Great post Otis. Five years ago I was about to turn 70 and I’m a big Tom Russell fan so I was talking about Tom one evening and my son-in-law said “why don’t you get him to play here at the house?” My response was “that would be great” but I was thinking “fat chance.” Unbeknownst to me, my son-in-law went and e-mailed Tom and got a response from Tom’s wife. Long story short, we got Tom to do a concert on our back yard stage a few months later when he had an open night on his way from a gig in Ferndale California to the Cowboy Festival in Genoa Nevada. We had about 100 friends attend. Some said I should have charged them to off- set Tom’s fee but I said “no” the Concert and the fee were my birthday present to myself. No regrets, I’ve seen Tom play many times in California and Nevada but having him play in my backyard in Amado City was something I’ll never forget. I’d do it again but I’d probably charge my friends this time.

[kendalljamesmusic]

House concerts are soul-savers when you’re grinding it out— and everybody buys product or merch.

[bobralph]

We built a stage on some property I have Adam's, Tn. We been doing a 2 day festivals for about 4yrs. No real big name artist but a lot of good music. And alot of good times.

[jamesm]

Be the change you want to see happen... wisdom in those words, thanks Otis. (Now just how many friends do I need to collect to hear Big Whiskers live.. 😉) - Cheers and safe travels!

[mattrogers]

The house party is an age old tradition and a way for musicians to make ends meet.

[stevejewett]

I had a once-a-month concert series at my house in Harrisburg PA until covid shut it down. The space seats 40+ and there's a bar in the back room. We've had jazz, celtic, a string quintet, bluegrass and rock bands. My favorite was the Hot Club of Philly featuring a guest appearance by Howard Alden. Good times and great people. Everyone who's ever played here has had a good experience and love the room and its acoustics. If a musician is on a tour I give him or her a bedroom and meals, or put them up at a bed and breakfast down the street. I'm a working (not touring) musician myself so I take care of my fellow players. Well, covid is over, so I'm starting it up again. I really appreciate Otis's videos from his unique and humble perspective.

[artemisXsidecross]

At one time it was called folk music before anyone thought to record it. In the quest for progress we might of thrown out what was good and still of value.

[bluesrockguitaristmikesall]

Car crashes, girls "shakin' it"! Thanks for helping to promote my YouTube Show Otis !

[pktdbgnzwl]

-Grange Halls
-Barns
-Back yards
Private email list/word of mouth combined w
RSVP can be set up
using Eventbrite or
Brown paper tickets.
The private shows we go to
list as private & "free", but charge cash at the door and all the money goes to the musicians. The host will backfill $ to the band if there's a short fall of guests.
Have a soundboard guy if possible.

[delbertlord]

Otis, becoming a Bottle Rockets fan I saw on their website they were on tour and asking if there was anyone interested in hosting a House Concert in a town near where they were touring. I had no idea these were happening. Turns out someone was hosting a House Concert an hour from where I live. Saw them there twice and Sarah Borges and Eric Roscoe Ambel also played there. Wish I would have heard about this long time ago.

[nathanthomas]

You ever hear of the Jerry Run Theater in Cleveland, WV? Middle of nowhere. A place no one would play if this guy didn't just... build a theater because he wanted to. Beautiful place.

[ZacWilkersonMusic]

House shows, living room concerts, and similar series have become some of my favorite shows to play. I get to play some of the best listening rooms in TX, but the private/house shows are consistently the best fans, the best environments, and the best experiences. As a performer/songwriter, we get just as much from it as the audience.

Thank you for supporting live original music, y’all!

[kwgm]

We have them here in Boulder. Last year we did a new Beaujolais concert playing French music and then tasted the new wine. It was a ball. This was another home with a huge room, beautiful piano in great shape. I hope it happens again this year. We're also a town with small theaters. Yeah, we saw Bb King and Etta James at Red Rocks a few years back before they left us. That was very special, but otherwise, f*ck Ticketron and >$200 ticket prices.

[drybayoudan]

A few years ago, local friends arranged for Spencer Bohren to do a house concert for 15 close friends. It was intimate, & outstanding.
Spencer was fighting a health issue that eventually he succumbed to.
RIP peace Spencer. Your works stay alive in my library & heart.
Otis, if ever your schedule would permit, we’d love to have you with us. We’re in Southeast MO between St.Louis & Memphis, right all the Mississippi River. You have my email. Should any interest arise, just contact me. We can work out details & requirements to make it happen.
All my best to Amy & you.

[Texasbluestunes]

By God! I’m going to try it.. Moe Bandy and Johnny Rodriguez. Neither are ever too from from SE Texas.

[henrikkarlsson]

Fredrikshavn on a Friday! Just a ferry cross the water for me.

[drrhysevans]

Here in SW Norway, i saw a poster for a house concert in the next village to me, with David Thomas of Pere Ubu. Turned out the host is a musician as well and we hit it off. It was my introduction to the local music scene here, which is pretty interesting. Plus we have two great small venues which are off the usual booking track and are which both great venues to play. On days off between Denmark and Norway, we are a good option....

[MPirritano]

I hosted Pat Dinizio and Jim Babjak of The Smithereens for several house concerts. It was a blast!

[homersreluctantodyssey]

my friends and i held house parties weekly for about 10 years. once established different folks would just show up and was always a blast