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Book a
House
Concert

Thanks for considering hosting me for a house concert. This form will help me gather the information I need and give you a clearer understanding of what hosting entails. I host concerts at my own home, and can attest to the value of the small, communal concert experience. At each house concert I hope to facilitate a safe and protective space in which people can be present with one another and experience original music in a hospitable, interactive setting.

 

If you have any questions/concerns while filling out the form, please feel free to contact me at nicholasgrahamhall@gmail.com. Thank you for exploring this unique opportunity!

Yes, I would like to host a house concert!

What makes a successful house concert?

Every house concert is different and I have experienced many successful iterations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Food and/or drinks! I've noticed that providing refreshments or inviting guests to bring something to enjoy (or for all to enjoy, potluck-style) while they are chatting before and after the show helps create a relaxed social environment.

  • Communicate clearly to guests what you will be providing, and what they are invited to bring.

  • Be sure to let guests know upfront if your event will include alcohol, or if you would like an alcohol-free event.

  • Please also communicate to your guests whether your house concerts are child-friendly (all-ages) and/or if you have pets.

The Details

Public or Private Event?
Public
Private

If you select Private, I won't post the show on my website and it will be limited to the guests that you invite (and any guests that I invite, with your permission.) If you select Public, please let me know what contact/location information you'd be comfortable with me sharing. I still encourage you to invite everyone in your circles - it's more fun that way!

Name your "venue" as you would like it to appear in publicity. E.g. "The Parker's House", "The Sweat Lodge", etc. Be creative as you like!

I have a small Fishman amp that works well for house shows - however, if you have your own sound equipment that I can use, please let me know what you can offer! If not, just enter N/A.

Arrival time
Time
HoursMinutes

I will need time to set up, sound check, and potentially eat dinner before guests arrive. I prefer arriving at least 2 hours before doors open; let me know what time works for you!

Event door time
Time
HoursMinutes

What time would you like guests to arrive?

Show time!
Time
HoursMinutes

Tickets

I like to set up a link for guests to get tickets in advance online, and will work with hosts to try to sell out every house concert if possible! Not only does this help with calculating attendance in advance, you can add the link to evites or Facebook event pages. Super simple.

Funding

Touring costs significant money for musicians, when you add up all the costs of travel, including eating and sleeping away from home. My fee for booking a house concert is $750 - $1500. Before you throw in the towel, I want you to know that meeting this goal has rarely been a problem for hosts! I can also be flexible with the booking fee if we talk about it in advance. I will ask for at least $250 up front as a commitment to hosting a show.

FUNDING OPTIONS
Subsidized Ticket - Guests pay a suggested donation; Host covers the shortfall personally or through local sponsorship
Host Guarantee Option 1 - "Free Admission" (Host agrees to cover guarantee personally or through local sponsorship; guests are not asked for a suggested donation)
Host Guarantee Option 2 - "Suggested donations A" (Host agrees to cover guarantee, keeps all exceeding donations)
Host Guarantee Option 3 - "Suggested donations B" (Host agrees to cover guarantee, gives exceeding donations to Nicholas)
Benefit Concert - "Suggested donations C" (Host agrees to cover guarantee, Host gives exceeding donations to a charity of their choosing)
Not sure, could we figure out another option? (I will follow up with you about this)

It's helpful to offer a specific amount for the suggested donation, and sliding scales work well - I recommend $10-20, but it's totally up to you, as you know your community. If you have chosen "Sponsor Guarantee - Free Admission" above, type N/A.

Lodging (if needed)
Yes, we have a guest room for you
We would be happy to book a room for you in a nearby hotel/Airbnb (and will send options before booking)
No, we are unable to provide a place to stay
Are you able to provide a meal before the show?
Yes
No

I enjoy the chance to share a meal with hosts before the show! It also helps keep touring expenses down.

Cancellations

Cancellations are unfortunate, but they are a part of life. If for any reason you have to cancel the event, please don't fret! There is no fee whatsoever for cancellation two weeks before the show date. After that, I will ask for 50% payment. I will consider extenuating circumstances, such as weather, new municipal restrictions, etc - we can negotiate as needed if the unforeseen happens. Should your confirmed outdoor show get rained out, we will do our best to reschedule - but if we can't find a mutually agreeable date, you'll receive a full refund for any deposit.


Please DO let me know ASAP if the show isn't going to work out and you need to cancel. If it is far enough in advance, all should be well!

Thank you!

Thank you for considering the possibility of hosting a house concert. I don't know where I would be without the kindness and hospitality of strangers. Attendees have exclaimed numerous times, "I didn't know something like this was even possible!" It truly is an extraordinary thing to be a part of. I want to do everything I can to make sure that the whole thing is a positive experience for you from start to finish. If you have any questions at all along the way, don't hesitate to get in touch! nicholasgrahamhall@gmail.com


With gratitude,

Nicholas Graham Hall

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