Spook would love to play in your living room
House Concerts have been a tradition of folk music and other styles for centuries. They are like a combination of a fully produced concert that has been stripped down to its bare essentials and a backstage pass to meet and greet the artist. They are intimate, usually acoustic, totally professional and, if its a Spook Handy house concert, very interactive.
“Spook delivered a wonderful, warm show, drawing the audience in with his first song. He reminded all of us why artists like Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Woodie Guthrie were so well loved. Spook is the authentic real deal; today’s troubadour in the folk tradition. Our audience not only enjoyed a great show, they couldn’t stop talking about what a great time they had with Spook Handy.”
… J.M. – House Concert host, Minnesota 2014
Shhh!! – this is not a house party or back ground music
This is a professionally produced concert. In fact, in many ways it is more challenging for an artist when they can not hide behind a microphone or stand far away on a big stage. This is your opportunity to sit 15, 10, maybe even only 5 feet away from an artist when he/she does his/her thing.
Want to host a Spook Handy House Concert?
Contact Spook by Email: spook@spookhandy.com
or call him at 732-418-1340
Here are some FAQs and answers about House Concerts:
Q. What is a House Concert?
A. A house concert is a chance to experience live music in a warm and intimate environment. It’s when folks open their home and invite you into their living room to share in a performance by one of their favorite musicians. It’s a chance to meet the performers and get them to sign and personalize their CDs. A house concert is also a great social evening with friends and neighbors.
Most shows are held in living rooms for the added sense of warmth and intimacy that it lends to the performance. On occasion, they may be held outside.
Please note: “House Concerts” series is simply a name to describe a private parties, in a private home. These parties are NOT a business nor are they a business related activity. They are strictly a hobby for the host, and are simply gatherings of friends and guests to enjoy live acoustic music, fellowship, food (a potluck buffet) and fun. House Concert parities are officially free (or else it might be considered a business), although voluntary contributions are accepted at the party on behalf of the artists. 100% of all contributions go directly to the performers. Guests come by invitation only.
Q. Why would anyone do this?
A. People open up their homes to friends and neighbors because they want to share great music with them. There are few venues around where people can experience great music in such a close and friendly environment. Great music makes people happy and so they want to share that with others. These events allow them to give exposure to some incredible musicians whose talents they truly believe in and wish to help promote.
Q. What do hosts get out of this?
A. Some people can’t believe a person would host a concert and get no economic benefit for doing so. But they do it simply for the love of the music. Really! They enjoy sharing great music with friends and guests. 100% of the suggested donation goes directly tothe performers. For them, this is a hobby and they don’t mind spending a little to keep the hobby going.
Q. How long have House Concerts been around?
A. There is some debate on this, but House Concerts can be traced back to the Middle Ages when “wandering minstrels” would go from manor house to castle to farmstead, trading stories and songs for an evening’s room and board. Certainly, in the 1800s, “parlor parties” were a very popular form of entertainment in the United States. The more modern “House Concert” probably evolved in the mid 1900s.
Q. Doesn’t it cost the host time and money?
A. Yes, it costs money to host these concerts. Some hosts spend money for soft drinks, food, paper plates, cups, napkins, flyers and more. They may also spend a great deal of time planning and setting up of each show, plus all the time sending and reading emails, talking to performers, agents, etc.
Q. How many people can you attend a house concert?
A. How big is your home? I’ve played house concerts with nearly 200 people in attendance. Some weekday concerts have only a handful. Usually they average 20 – 40 people but the number will fluctuate.
Q. What is the suggested donation?
A. Generally there is a “voluntary suggested donation” of $20 per person in advance or $22 at the door. Weekday concerts may be a little less. Although this is a “suggested donation” is still as close to being mandatory as one can make it. Without the money, hosts could not get the caliber of musicians they’d like to present. The hosts need everyone’s participation to keep their series going and to keep the artists able to stay on the road, make music and make a living. My experience is that nearly everyone puts in the suggested amount and some people even put in a little extra. Remember 100% of the donations go directly to the performers.
Q. What will your neighbors think?
A. Encourage your neighbors to attend. As a courtesy to your neighbors, end your shows at a reasonable hour. Also try to limit yourselves to no more than one show per month.
Q. Is there have food?
A. Yes. At each house concerts, have a potluck style buffet. While it is not required for guests to contribute, it is encouraged. The more fun the more fun it is! The hosts often contribute a limited amount of coffee, tea, soda and water, so there is always something to enjoy. How big the buffet is depends upon how many people contribute that evening.
Q. How can someone attend?
A. Shows can fill up pretty quickly for established house concerts, so to insure a seat, contact the host in advance.
Q. What kind of environment is the evening?
A. Casual. Most hosts go for the warm and cozy feel. Dress is “Cozy Casual”. Spook Handy concerts are always smoke free. Please keep all cigars, pipes and cigarettes outside. Although drinking alcohol is fine, Spook also discourages intoxication. Save that for the bar scene.