D.I.T. is calling all Co-op Houses, Community Art Spaces, Open-minded folks, and Music Lovers to open their home and hearts to an unforgettable rockin’ time!
What Is a house show?
A house concert is a concert that YOU the fan hosts in your living room. It doesn’t get more intimate than that! Since you provide the space (your living room), the concert is free for you.
Who to invite?
Think of this as a return to the small community. Ask your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, anyone you think may be interested. Depending on the size of your space, make a list of 50 people you know who would love to come and maybe 20 more that might be interested. It usually works out that you end up with say 25% of all the people you invite so best to aim high. Also, it is best to plan it at least a month in advance as to give people enough time to free up their busy lives for a night. Online e-vites are great or physical mail is also good if you can swing it. Make it a ‘real event.’ Be sure to send a reminder two weeks before in case they forget.
Of course this is a laid back kind of show but just remember that musicians do not like to try to compete with a ‘yapping’ audience so it’s your job to tell folks to hush hush while the performer is on your “stage”. In other words, that drunk guy who yells at the band while they’re performing, “dude, you sound like that guy from… or dude…play brown eyed girl…then tries to drunkenly harmonize with a song that he doesn’t know the lyrics to…um yeah…maybe don’t invite that dude. Other than that, this should be a night that your friends will not forget!
How does the artist get paid?
Again – you the host – pay nothing since you’re providing the venue. It would probably be better not to set a ‘cover charge’ but instead a “suggested donation” that is usually anywhere from $5 – $15 depending on what people are willing to give — a little more if they can, a little less if they can’t. The suggested amount is decided upon by the artist and the host sometime prior to the performance date.
Lastly, the host provides a space (table) where the artist can sell CD’s or other merchandise to audience members who are particularly interested in taking a piece of the show home with them. Of course this is entirely optional.
How Long is the Show?
Generally, the artist will perform two sets, each around 30 to 45 minutes with a 15 minute break in between to talk to folks and sell CD’s should people be eager to buy. It is recommended that the show start early say 7:30ish – 10pm. That way it’s late enough that folks have time to eat their dinner before they go to your house but ends early enough in case they need to wake up early for work the next morning.
To Feed or not to Feed?
Refreshments are always welcome but certainly not necessary. You would have to decide on whether or not it is cost effective for you considering how many folks you may have coming. You can always have your friends each bring a dish.
Wine Anyone?
This call is most certainly up to you. Here are some thoughts:
• that’s gonna cost you some bucks
• people are generally less prone to be ‘loud’ when sober (ya know)
• your bathroom’s gonna see a whole-lotta-action
• things may get broken
*of course this is your call but keep the above in mind.
Smoking Allowed?
As a common courtesy to the artist, it is strongly suggested that the room in which the artist performs is smoke-free. It’s uncomfortable to sing through smoke and generally folks who do smoke probably wouldn’t mind doing it outside during a set break if need be.
If you have any concerns or further questions or you are convinced that a private house concert is for you, please contact ditbooking@gmail.com
D.I.T. Artists that are currently available for House Concerts are: Matthew “Carefully” Loiacono, Roger Mason (of Jets and Snakes, Ten Minute Turns), Benjamin Karis-Nix (Ben KN), Amanda Rogers, The Pleasants, The Sketchy Indians, Brad Byrd, Let’s Get Married, and Will Brierly. Please refer to each artists tour calendar for availability.
