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Where did the idea
come from? |
| In the days of chamber music, 200 or 300 years ago, people
would gather in their drawing rooms or salons to listen to live
musicians. It was a way to get together with friends and, at the
same time, to be introduced to artists and their work. It was a
time when involvement in the arts was a part of everyday life.
Today, most of us are accustomed to concerts where the performer
is inaccessible, so the experience of a private concert in an
intimate setting provides a refreshing contrast. House Concerts
are unique events. The audience is close enough to see the
details of the artist’s performance – the nuances of a facial
expression – or hear the artist’s fingers attack the strings
before they hear the sound of the notes. Not only can the guests
see the performance better, they also have multiple
opportunities to meet and mingle with the performer. |
| Why are House
Concerts so great? |
| House Concerts are fun, and they take a common social
gathering to a whole new level. Since most people have never
been to a private concert in someone’s home, your guests feel
they are part of something special. The concert provides a
unique focus to the evening with plenty of time to socialize.
The intimacy and warmth of the experience enchant most people
who attend. Many hosts find that
House Concerts are a tangible way in which they can support the
arts in their community. Your guests don't have to dress
formally or make large contributions. They simply get to enjoy
the artistry of a new talent in the gracious setting of your
home.
The growing popularity of House
Concerts has given independent artists opportunities to build
grass-roots audiences. By hosting a House Concert and sharing
this unique opportunity with those in your intimate circle, you
are making a significant contribution to an artist’s career. |
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House Concert Planning Kit
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Reviews |
What hosts have said:
- “WOW!!!!” (Sandi Gilchrest)
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“The magic that house concerts create for the audience and the
performer is rooted in the gifts of intimacy and spontaneity
this venue invites. You will experience nothing like it in
any other venue.
Wyatt
epitomizes the best house concerts have to offer. As music
lovers and long time attendees of folk music festivals and
concerts, we believe
Danny Fortier and Scott Patrick to be two of the
best singer/songwriters we’ve ever heard with voices that
touch the soul and lyrics that speak to everyone. With
excellence in their art, they entertain with genuine humour,
spontaneity, and passion.
Wyatt
is a returning house concert favourite for our guests and one
of the best evenings of entertainment you will find anywhere.
Not to mention just plain fun!!” (Diane Fletcher, House
Concert Host)
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Other House Concert
Artists |
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House
Concert FAQ's |
- Is it expensive to host a House Concert?
Not at all. At no personal cost, the House Concert host becomes
an impresario, introducing friends, family, neighbours, and
business associates to the music of an accomplished artist,
while the artist is still at the dawn of a musical career. The
host has the privilege to hand-pick the guests for this unique
social gathering.
- The performer’s fee is based on the number of people in
attendance. Typical attendance at a House Concert is 25 – 60 or
more people. Tickets usually range from $10-$25, and each
invited guest pays for a ticket. The hosts are guests of the
performer.
- How can I charge people to come into my home?
If you are concerned about asking people to pay, let them know
that all proceeds from ticket sales go to the artist. This is a
way for you and your guests to directly support a touring
performer, and to have a memorable and unique evening at a
reasonable price. By hosting a private concert at your home, you
are simply providing a venue for the performance. For a special
occasion or celebration in your life, you might want to invite
your guests and pay for the entertainment yourself.
- I don’t think my house is big enough. Can I still host a House
Concert?
Most people are surprised at how many people can be seated
comfortably in a living room. Using concert-style row seating,
with kitchen or dining room chairs and some furniture
rearranging, an average 12 X 18 living room can comfortably seat
35 people. Often you can borrow stacking chairs from a local
church or school, use patio chairs, or ask friends and neighbors
to bring a chair or two.
- If your home is absolutely too small, consider hosting the
concert jointly with a friend who has a larger home, or even at
a local coffee bar, in your condominium common room, or in the
boardroom at your office. In warm weather, you might prefer to
hold your concerts outdoors in a backyard or on a deck. (Be sure
to arrange an alternative rain site.)
- Who should I invite?
Invite everyone you know who would enjoy this unique experience:
friends, relatives, neighbors, business associates.
- How long is a house concert?
Two 50-minute sets with a 20-minute intermission are typical.
This format can be tailored to each individual situation. (IE:
1 set lasting 1.5 hours, 3-30 minute sets, etc)
- Do I need special invitations?
Wyatt can provide email invitation templates with concert
details for you to send to your intended guests. If you prefer,
you can call and invite them in person. We can also provide
tickets for you to sell in advance, so you know how many people
plan to attend. Or you can simply keep a list of pre-paid guests
and check off their names when they arrive.
- Is there a need for sound or lighting?
In most instances WYATT will provide the sound and lighting they
need for the venue. They will, however, need a table to display
CDs and their mailing list.
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Book Your House Concert
Today !!! |
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Contact:
Wyatt Music
C/O Daniel Fortier
or Email:
danny@wyattmusic.com
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