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• Traditional Format - two, 40-minute sets, preceded by meet and greet and/or potluck. 20-50 guests or more.
• DinnerAndSong - 8-10 guests, 40-minute, simple dinner with artist, 40-minute unplugged performance.
• DessertAndSong - 10-20 guests, 15-minute dessert and meet and greet, followed by 40-minute concert.
• BreakfastAndSong - 10-30 guests, 30-minute buffet-style breakfast/brunch, 40-minute concert.

This is an area where many artists put the cart before the horse. Instead of a lengthy email, try an image or video as a more powerful way to get your idea across. Before reaching out to fans and potential house concert hosts, why not create a page that describes what you'd look and sound like in someone's home?

• #1 Resource? Your Fans - Even the most experienced and in-demand artists will tell you that a growing fanbase is the best resource to book house concerts. Consistently provide your fans with the inspiration and tools they need to help you fill the gaps in your tour. (see "$100,000 Email" below)
• Search engines - the challenge with search engine results for house concerts, is that those who show up in the results are typically hosts with a long reputation for hosting great shows. This gives you a list of hosts who are least likely to have available dates in the next 12 months, and are unlikely to book an artist they don't know.
• Facebook/Myspace - cumbersome to connect to house concerts this way, but people do it all the time.
• Other sites include: http://houseconcerthub.ning.com (europe), http://houseconcertsaustralia.ning.com, http://www.houseconcerts.us

 

Free House Concert Guide - PDF Download
Host Blog - Loads of great ideas for new and experienced hosts.

Hosting House Concerts:

1. Planting seeds in your community. If you want people in your home town to host shows for you, there's no better way than to invite them to experience such an event - at your place, or at a friend's house if you prefer.
2. Learning what hosts go through so you can better anticipate their needs when you perform. There are lots of little mistakes that performers and hosts can make when putting on events. Each of these mistakes can lessen the impact of the show and reduce the performer's income. Knowing how to play both roles (performer and host) will quickly make you an expert in the house concert world, where you can make the most of each opportunity.
3. Networking with artists you admire. Make a list of 20 approachable artists that you really admire - artists you'd love to open for. (Everyone is approachable these days.) Look at their website, spot the nearby gaps in their touring schedules, and email them an offer to host a show for them. It could be even more beneficial than scoring an opening slot for them at your local venue.

• You should have a professional site/page to put the performer at ease that your quick set will not be a drag on the show. (No one likes to fake enjoyment of another performer.)
• Limit your performance to 2 quick songs, and keep your intros short. It's usually best not to create a second intermission by adding a gap between the opener and the headliner's first set. And then you want to make sure that you aren't forcing the audience to go an hour without a break.
• Acceptance of your house concert offer does not imply that you are entitled to co-writes, or career coaching from the artist. Watch their eyes and demeanor when you ask questions. If they seem tired, back off.