House Concerts

A house concert is exactly what it sounds like: a gathering of friends in your living room, deck, or backyard, with live music, and often food, drinks, and conversation. Personally, we love sharing our music in this cozy, intimate setting, and it allows us the chance to really get to know the audience while sharing our music with new listeners! 

Check out our FAQ below for more details. Or Contact Us for information on how to host us for a concert in your home! 

Hosting a House Concert

Click here to see an example of what we typically send to hosts/venues. 

 

Testimonials

“You took me on a journey through such a range of emotions, I was spellbound!”  (Plainwell, MI)

"Touching, humorous and a lot of charm - thank you for a wonderful evening!"  ( TOPOFF Restaurant and Kulturzentrum, Switzerland)

“..a delightful combination of excellent musicianship, clever, witty lyrics and outstanding vocals.”  (CrossRhythms UK) 

“A perfect counterpoint to Sammy's gutsy tones, Kylie's voice is an absolute joy throughout.” 

“Kylie and Sammy are two people who embody the gospel of Jesus.  While many of their songs are not explicitly Christian their professional yet relaxed performance and music oozed with the welcome and hope of God. There isn't a drop of religiosity about them.  With Sammy and Kylie you get raw and honest humanity, unrestrained humour and a freedom that finds its security in the risen Jesus' love for the world and the amazing Grace of the triune God. I would happily bring anyone to their concert.  It was so much more than a performance.  I left with a full heart. “ - Rev. Simon Dent, Coro Valley UC South Australia

FAQ

What is a house concert? House Concerts are one of the most important trends in independent music today – and they’re popping up all over the world! 

A house concert is exactly what it sounds like: a gathering of friends in your living room, deck, or backyard, with live music, and often food, drinks, and conversation. Personally, we love sharing our music in this cozy, intimate setting, and it allows us the chance to really get to know the audience while sharing our music with new listeners! 

You may be wondering, "How can I host one of these house concerts?" Well, wonder no more! It's easy, fun and a great way to support independent musicians. Check out the handy tips below on how to host us for a concert at your place.

I don't have a big house. Can I still host a concert? You might be surprised how many people can fit in your home given a wee arrangement of furniture, some folding chairs or even cushions! We have played in backyards, cafés, barns. The focus is intimacy and a listening environment 

Does it cost money to host a house concert? That is up to you but generally no, you can invite people to BYOB, a plate/potluck, a chair, whatever suits!  Include this in your invite as it makes people aware of expectations on the night: This is a donation-based concert. Please come prepared to make a donation to the artists at the end of the evening. 

As traveling artists we appreciate it when hosts ask their guests to give a suggested donation. Many house concert hosts have a basket by the door. During a break, the host can give a 2-minute spiel asking people to support the artist, and then proceed to "pass the hat" during the performance as it continues. 

Donations really go a long way in helping artists pay for gas and cover expenses while on the road. Most importantly, giving is simply a way of helping an artist keep their music career sustainable. 

How many people are you expecting? I don't think I can get 50 people to come to my house. The beauty of a house concert is that it is purposely more intimate and focuses on quality over quantity. Think of it more like a get-together/potluck with live music. 

One note: it’s important to make sure, in the promotional process, that your guests understand that this will be a house concert, not a house party that has some music going on in the background. 

What do you do? Often, house concerts are BYOB and involve a pot-luck dinner or hors d’oeuvres. There is usually 30-60 minutes between when doors open and when the music starts. This allows for catching up with friends, noshing, and pouring + sipping of beverages! 

When there is a critical mass in attendance, or when “start time” rolls around, the concert commences. 

RSVPs: It’s usually a good idea to have an RSVP system in place to get some idea of how many folks to expect – especially if there’s a second tier of people you’d like to invite. Some folks use Facebook events, Paperless Post, Evite.com, or other invitation sites to keep track of their guest list. That seems to be a pretty good system. 

Also, unless you’re uncomfortable with it, we will post the house concert date on our website schedule (we do not publish private street addresses unless given permission) and ask that people interested in attending contact the host via e-mail (or your preferred method of contact) for more specific details and to RSVP. This way, you maintain control over to whom you are opening your home and how many people you’re inviting in through your front door. 

Schedule: We’ll arrive usually at least 2 hrs before the advertised start time to set up, sound check, and help with any room preparations. We can take some time then to talk through the evening together.  It can be as structured or informal as you wish, we can play a 90 minute set, or break  half-way for refreshments etc. 

Contact us to see if we are scheduling house concerts in your area.