HOUSE CONCERTS

WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY?

And other burning questions.

It's a concert in a house. The concert stage could be in your living room, deck, or garden. Often there's food, drink and engaging conversation.

House concerts are intimate. They're a favourite way to get to know the audience while exposing my music to new ears, like your group of friends or community. 

You don't have to have a reason to hold a house concert - but if you're looking for one. House concerts are great for 

Birthday parties,  Anniversary events,  Summer BBQ's on the back deck, Christmas get togethers, New Years Eve,  Benefit Concerts

Here are some FAQ 

1. I don't have a big house. Can I still host a concert? 

Yes! The cozier, the better. You don't need a huge living room looking out over the ocean with a Grand Piano. Late Spring through early Fall is the perfect time to host a lawn concert. Or an outdoor event on the back deck or garden. The "ber" months are perfect for cozy get-togethers with friends. Think parties, Holiday Season or New Year's Eve.  

2. How many people are you expecting? I can't get 50 people to come to my house. 

An average house concert has 30-60 ppl. attending. What is beautiful about house concerts is the intimacy. We're looking for quality, not a stadium fill. I suggest you invite twice as many people as you want to come. Not everyone will say yes, and not everyone can come. 

3. How much does it cost to host a concert? 

Nothing unless you choose to. As a host, you are responsible for asking guests to come expecting to give a suggested donation. You can have a basket by the door with a sign. I ask the host to "interrupt" the performance near the end of the evening to invite guests to contribute to the hat. Which you would then pass around the room. A suggested donation of $20 per person is typical. I have a minimum amount I would like to leave with (we can chat about that)

4. Can I book your band for my concert?

Oh! That's so much fun!

Yes!

You'll be hosting a more significant house concert. The concert is still very intimate, but louder and a barrel of fun. You'd need to accommodate 50+ people in your home or yard and be willing to cover the band fee with any shortfall. Applicable to local concerts only.

For regular house concerts, I perform as a duo. Piano/vocal or Guitar/vocal. Or I can perform solo with tracks.

5. How do I plan it? 

The beauty of house concerts is that they are low-stress. Once we have a date picked, we can discuss a start time. Then you can set up a Facebook invite, Evite, and/or send emails to your network to let them know about it.  

If you're hosting outdoors, have them bring a blanket or lawn chair. Encourage your guests to bring a dish, and it becomes a potluck! Whatever happens, don't stress! You're hanging out with your friends!  

6. What if I don't want strangers in my home? 

This is an understandable concern. If you want to host a concert but don't want it listed as a public event, that's not a problem. You can keep the Facebook invite private or limit the Evite to your network. I'll post a generic "Private House Concert" listing on my calendar page for your specific date.  

7. What is the evening flow of events? 

The order is pretty laid back.  

It's good to give guests an hour to arrive, get comfortable, and chat it up before getting into music. The concert can go for 60-90 minutes. We can break it into two 45-minute sets or one long set. 

8. What are your expectations, Cayla? 

I love telling stories between songs. I enjoy a 'listening room". As a performer, I've played every type of setting. My least enjoyable experience involves playing in a noisy room. There's no connection to the audience, and the music takes a backseat role. "Wallpaper' music. It's why you don't see me performing in restaurants. Of course, there is nothing wrong with music that exists to set a mood. But if that is what you have in mind, I'm not a good fit.

9. I don't live in your area; can you still perform here?  

If I'm booked to perform already near your area, yes. I'm sure we can work something out. And, if I'm not and you want to fly me to where you are – I'm willing! So, let's discuss the details.

10. Ok. I'm interested. What's next? 

Great! Send an email to info@caylabrooke.com. Ask me any additional questions, or let me know if you are looking to book a specific date. Let's do it!