I was recently reading an update from Francis Dunnery (ex - It Bites) I received about the upcoming series of House Concerts he's undertaking in the USA. It struck me, what a great way for musicians to make new friends and fans and put across their music in an intimate and interesting setting. Having done quite a few acoustic shows myself its quite a different experience having the audience up close and personal and within in touching distance, almost being part of the band, if a little nerve racking at first.House concerts have been very popular in the USA for some time and seem to be growing a little here in the UK. A House Concert is a private party which requires an invite as opposed to a public music venue without all the hassles of setting up a tour.
The venue I have heard the most about is in York which has places for around 50 people with donations to the artist made prior to the event of no more than £10. Its a chance to see great artists who are often only over in the country for a very short time.
"The concept behind the concerts is that rather than making a fleeting connection with tens of thousands, the aim is to make a far greater impression on a select few". - York Post Sept '08
http://www.houseconcertsyork.co.uk/
I'd be interested to hear of any venues elsewhere in the UK, in particular the NW of England, may even set one up myself and ask Francis to come along, now there's a thought!!
I'd be interested to hear of any venues elsewhere in the UK, in particular the NW of England, may even set one up myself and ask Francis to come along, now there's a thought!!
6 comments:
Hi Chris,
I think this is a great idea,to see and hear somebody skilled in music close up has got to be good. I would love to take part in something like that............we have a largeish front room and a good garden.......lets hope it takes off.
Andy Towell
Yes would be great Andy, Cheers
Chris
I've heard about these for a while, they seem a good idea... are they all acoustic, a la MTV Unplugged? Or do some do electric sets?
Sounds like a great way to engage/interact with real fans!
Hi Chris..
great article and thank you for including us as an example!! I have just started a page on facebook called UK House Concert promoters and Small venues
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99141412675
This page is purely for venues and organisers - I am pointing singer songwriters to Lorelei page Performing songwriters
Please encourage anybody who is starting up house concerts or organising gigs in small venues especially for this purpose to join. The more we get working towards this goal the more singer songwriters will be able to play and the more we will get to see up close and personal
I will also create a myspace page and hopefully corner both sides of the market
thank you again and I am sure every little bit of help will make a huge difference
Nicki
www.houseconcertsyork.co.uk
Hi Graeme,
I would think it would depend on the individual venue as to whether you could play acoustic or electric
Thanks Nicki,
Anything I can do to promote the cause - I have joined your facebook group and look forward to the myspace
Cheers
Chris
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